The Winnebago County Office of Corporation Counsel works solely for Winnebago County and does not give legal advice to the general public, including other municipalities and businesses.
The Office of Corporation Counsel provides a full range of legal services to the County Board, County Executive, County departments, committees, and commissions. Principal activities include rendering legal opinions and advice, representing the County in court proceedings, drafting and reviewing contracts, drafting resolutions, and negotiating property acquisitions. The office also represents the County in various civil proceedings which include: account collection for departments, tax foreclosures, mental commitments, guardianships, protective placements, children in need or protection and services, termination of parental rights, and prosecution of county ordinance violations and zoning citations.
MISSION STATEMENT: To provide legal counsel and representation to all Winnebago County Departments, Committees, Commissions, Boards, the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors, and the Winnebago County Executive.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
LEGAL COUNSEL: Serves as legal counsel to all Winnebago County Departments, Committees, Commissions, Boards, the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors, and the Winnebago County Executive. Represents Winnebago County in civil litigation in the Circuit and Appellate Courts, in state administrative hearings, and in labor matters.
CHILDREN IN NEED OF PROTECTION OR SERVICES: Prosecutes child neglect and abuse matters under Chapter 48 (Children's Code), Wisconsin Statutes. Handles all appellate work, license revocation and denial proceedings. Addresses Fair Hearing questions and provides representation.
TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS:
Represents the Winnebago County Department of Human Services when it petitions to terminate the parental rights of unfit parents under Chapter 48 (Children’s Code), Wisconsin Statutes. Litigates all appellate work.
GUARDIANSHIP & PROTECTIVE PLACEMENT ACTIONS: Represents Winnebago County Department of Human Services in actions brought on behalf of individuals for guardianship and protective placements under Chapters 54 and 55, Wisconsin Statutes. Litigates all appellate work.
MENTAL HEALTH COMMITMENTS: Represents Winnebago County in all actions brought in connections with the commitment of individuals suffering with mental health issues under Chapter 51, Wisconsin Statutes. Litigates all appellate work.
980 PLACEMENTS: Represents Winnebago County in identifying appropriate Winnebago County residential options while a person is on supervised release.
IN-REM TAX FORECLOSURES: Represents Winnebago County In-Rem Tax Foreclosure Proceedings
ORDERS TO SHOW CAUSE: Represents Winnebago County in collection of Delinquent Supervisory Fees.
ZONING VIOLATIONS: Represents Winnebago County in prosecuting Zoning Violations.
CIVIL FORFEITURES: Represents Winnebago County in recovering monies confiscated based on illegal activities.
SMALL CLAIMS/COLLECTIONS: Represents Winnebago County in recovering monies owed to the county.
