Washburn County Courthouse
Filing information for Washburn County Courthouse in Shell Lake, WI. Part of the Washburn County small claims court system.
Small claims in Wisconsin — the numbers that apply at this court
$10,000
maximum claim
$94.50
filing fee (published)
3–6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Wisconsin small claims guide · The form that starts a case (SC-500): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Washburn County Courthouse
10 4th Avenue
Shell Lake, WI 54871
Mailing Address
PO Box 339
Shell Lake, WI 54871
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Area Served
Washburn County
How to File at Washburn County Courthouse
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: E-filing is available through the Wisconsin Court System's eFiling system, allowing attorneys and parties to electronically file new cases and documents.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Wisconsin
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $10,000.
Eviction cases can also be filed in small claims
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
6 yrs written contract · 6 yrs oral contract · 6 yrs property damage · 3 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Washburn County Courthouse?
Filing fees in Wisconsin are set by the state and are $94.50. If you can't afford the fee, Wisconsin offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Washburn County?
Small claims cases in Washburn County are limited to $10,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Washburn County Courthouse?
Electronic filing exists here, but the record indicates it isn't open to people representing themselves — it's for attorneys. Plan to file in person or by mail, and ask the clerk whether that's still the case.
Where is Washburn County Courthouse, and when is it open?
Washburn County Courthouse is at 10 4th Avenue, Shell Lake, WI 54871. Posted hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Phone: (715) 468-4677. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Shell Lake?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.