Yellowstone County, Montana Court Records
Yellowstone County maintains records for civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases filed in its trial-level courts. These records are created when a case is filed, updated during court proceedings, and finalized when judgments or court orders are issued. They document filings, hearings, judicial decisions, and outcomes, serving as permanent legal records maintained under Montana court rules and public records laws.
The Clerk of the District Court maintains and provides access to these records. In Yellowstone County, the District Court handles criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, domestic relations matters, probate proceedings, and juvenile cases. Most filings are public, though records involving minors, adoptions, or sensitive family matters may be sealed or restricted under Montana law.
Yellowstone County court records exist alongside other public records maintained by different agencies. Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates are preserved by designated state or county offices. Arrest reports are maintained by local law enforcement agencies, while federal case records are handled separately by the United States District Court for the District of Montana.
Are Yellowstone County Court Records Public?
Yellowstone County court records are generally available to the public under Montana public access laws, including the Montana Constitution - Article II, Section 9 (Right to Know), which promotes transparency in government institutions. Members of the public, attorneys, and researchers may typically access civil, criminal, family, and probate case filings, court proceedings, and judgments maintained by the Yellowstone County District Court through the Clerk of the District Court.
Certain records are withheld from public access to protect privacy and confidential information and may only be released with court approval or when permitted by law. These generally include juvenile matters, adoption proceedings, sealed cases, and filings protected under Montana statutes. Individuals seeking access to restricted records may contact the Clerk of the District Court to determine eligibility and learn the procedures for obtaining those records.
What Information is Available in Yellowstone County Court Records?
Yellowstone County court records may contain information related to civil, criminal, probate, family, and juvenile matters handled by the Yellowstone County District Court. These records document the progress of court proceedings and related filings and typically include:
- Case number: unique identification for a court case
- Case type: civil, criminal, probate, family, or juvenile
- Parties involved: plaintiffs, defendants, petitioners, or respondents
- Filing dates: when cases or documents were submitted
- Motions and petitions: formal legal requests filed with the court
- Hearing dates and outcomes: scheduled appearances and results
- Court rulings and judgments: orders or final decisions
- Attorney information: names of legal representatives
- Sentences, penalties, or fines: outcomes in criminal or traffic cases
- Filed exhibits and supporting documents: evidence or materials submitted in the case, some of which may be restricted
These records provide an official account of case proceedings while protecting confidential information, particularly matters involving minors.
Yellowstone County Court Records Search
Members of the public may search or request Yellowstone County court records online, in person, or by mail or phone, depending on the case type. Access varies across civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile matters, and certified copies can be obtained from the Clerk of the District Court.
- Online Access: The Montana District Court Public Access Portal allows users to search by case type (civil or criminal) and filing date or case number, or by party information such as name. The portal displays docket details and case events, though sealed or confidential family and juvenile records are not available. Certified copies cannot be obtained online.
- In-Person Access: Certified copies and clerk assistance are available at:
Yellowstone County Clerk of the District Court
Yellowstone County Courthouse,
217 North 27th Street
Billings, MT 59101
Phone: (406) 256-2851
Public terminals are available, and staff can assist with locating case numbers and requesting filings.
- Mail and Phone Requests: Requests should include the case number or party names, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copies. Phone inquiries can confirm procedures, accepted payment methods, and ensure requests are complete.
Fees for Court Records in Yellowstone County
Accessing Yellowstone County court records may involve fees depending on the type of document and request method. Paper copies, certified copies, and exemplified filings are assessed according to rates set by the Yellowstone County Clerk of the District Court. Accessing certain electronic records may require a user account or portal login and could carry additional charges. Individuals should contact the clerk’s office to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods.
Certified copies of vital records, including birth and death certificates, are maintained separately by the Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder and follow their own fee schedule. For example, certified birth certificates cost $8 per copy, and death certificates cost $7. Payments are generally accepted via cash, in-state checks, money orders, or certified checks, though out-of-state checks are not accepted. Contacting the vital records office before submitting a request ensures accurate fees and proper procedures are followed.
Yellowstone County Courthouse Locations
Yellowstone County District Court handles civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile matters. Most proceedings take place at the Yellowstone County Courthouse in Billings, where the Clerk of the District Court maintains records, supports filings and hearings, and manages cases. Juvenile cases are handled through the District Court, though offenders may be housed separately at the Ted Lechner Youth Services Center (TLYSC).
Federal cases are handled separately by the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, which maintains its own clerk’s office and records system.
County | Courthouse/Office | Address | Phone Number | Divisions/Case Type | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yellowstone County | 217 North 27th Street, Billings, MT 59101 | (406) 256-2851 | Civil, Criminal, Family, Probate, Juvenile | Mon-Fri; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | |
Yellowstone County | 2601 2nd Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101 | (406) 247-7000 | Federal Civil and Criminal Cases | Mon-Fri; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Criminal Records Access in Yellowstone County
Official criminal history checks in Montana are maintained at the state level by the Division of Criminal Investigation (Montana DOJ). Individuals seeking a comprehensive criminal history report must request it directly through the state’s background check system, as county courts do not provide statewide criminal history records. These reports may include arrests, charges, and convictions recorded within the state, though they do not determine guilt.
Local criminal case records in Yellowstone County can be accessed online through the Montana District Court Public Access Portal or in person through the Clerk of the District Court. Records typically include case numbers, parties involved, charges filed, and case dispositions. Most records are public, though certain juvenile or sealed cases may be restricted under Montana law. These official resources allow the public to perform a Yellowstone County criminal records search while ensuring confidential or restricted information remains protected.
Yellowstone County Probate Records
Yellowstone County probate records document legal matters involving estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. These cases are handled by the Yellowstone County District Court, with records maintained by the Clerk of the District Court. Probate records provide official documentation of estate administration, validation of wills, and the appointment of guardians or conservators.
Recent probate filings, including estate records and wills, may be available online through the Montana District Court Public Access Portal. Older or more detailed files may require contacting theClerk of the District Court or visiting the courthouse in person. Certain probate matters may be confidential or restricted under Montana law, particularly those involving minors or court-ordered privacy protections.
Common probate filings include wills, estate administrations, guardianships, and conservatorships. Individuals seeking Yellowstone County probate records should verify availability and follow the court’s procedures when requesting copies.
County | Court Name | Address | Phone Number | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Yellowstone County | Yellowstone County District Court | 217 North 27th Street, Billings, MT 59101 | (406) 256-2851 | Mon-Fri; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Yellowstone County Family Court Records
Yellowstone County family court records document cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and other family law matters. These records provide an official summary of proceedings, including case numbers, parties involved, filing dates, case status, and court orders or judgments.
Recent filings in Yellowstone County family court records may be searched online through the Montana District Court Public Access Portal, which offers docket information and basic details for many cases. For certified copies or records not available online, individuals may visit the Clerk of the District Court in person.
Some records are restricted under Montana law, particularly those involving minors, adoption proceedings, confidential financial information, or sealed cases. Following proper procedures and consulting the clerk’s office helps ensure lawful access while protecting sensitive personal information.
Federal Court Records in Yellowstone County
Federal cases in Yellowstone County are handled by the United States District Court for the District of Montana. This court oversees federal criminal cases, civil disputes under federal law, bankruptcy matters, and other federal proceedings. The court’s Clerk’s Office maintains and provides access to official case records.
Many federal filings and dockets can be accessed online through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). Users can search by party name, case number, or filing date. PACER requires registration and generally charges $0.10 per page for most documents. The Clerk’s Office can also assist with requests for specific records or guidance on locating filings.
Certain cases or documents may be sealed or otherwise restricted from public view. Contacting the Clerk’s Office or using PACER before making a request ensures individuals access accurate information while avoiding restricted or confidential records.