Flathead County Court Records

Court records are official papers containing information on the filings and procedures of a case they presided over. They help the legal system's general transparency and preserve its integrity. All documents filed during judicial proceedings are included in court records. These documents include:

• Exhibits
• Case files
• Motions
• Transcripts of orders and judgments.

Flathead County's Clerk of Court files and maintains court documents. Records can also be obtained from the office by anyone who requests them. To complete an application for Montana court records in Flathead County, interested parties should mail their filled-out paperwork to the Clerk's Office.

Are Court Records Public in Flathead County?

Yes. In compliance with Montana public records law, court records for Flathead County are generally accessible to the public. Confidential records, on the other hand, such as juvenile, adoption, and sealed records, are not accessible to the general public. The Flathead County Clerk of Court must receive requests from anybody wishing to obtain Flathead court records. The Clerk's Office in the courthouse where the case was filed and decided may also have access to court documents.

Flathead County Court Records Search

There are various ways to get court records in Flathead County. An internet search for court documents is a way residents can go. The iDocMarket and the Flathead County Record Archives website are available for people to use to find court records. Users can search for specific cases, read court records, and access information from the comfort of their homes in this practical and effective way.

Alternatively, anyone can physically obtain court records by going to the Flathead County courthouses. The public can examine and receive copies of court records in designated sections of the courthouses. It is crucial to remember that getting hard copies of court documents could come with costs or limits.

Flathead County Court Records Search by Name

The iDocMarket and the Flathead County Record Archives website allow users to search by name for Flathead County court records. To complete a search, they need specific details, such as the record subject's first and last names. This could be the names of the parties to the lawsuit, the judge, and the attorney. Nonetheless, a person is better off using more parameters while searching if they want a more accurate result.

Flathead County Courts

There are four courts in Flathead County’s court system. These courts are as follows:

• District Court
• Justice Court
• City Court
• Municipal Court

The District Courts generally oversee criminal and civil cases outside the purview of other courts. The Justice Courts, on the other hand, only have limited jurisdiction over some types of criminal and civil cases. The same goes for the City and Municipal Courts. Interested parties can find all the courts at the following locations.

Flathead County District Court
Flathead County Justice Center
920 South Main Street, Suite 300, Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5870
Fax: (406) 758-5857

Justice Courts in Flathead County
Flathead County Justice Court
Flathead County Justice Center
920 South Main Street, Suite 210, Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5643
Fax: (406) 758-5842 (Attn: Justice Court)

City Courts in Flathead County
Columbia Falls City Court
Columbia Falls City Hall
130 6th Street West, P.O. Box 2735, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Phone: (406) 892-4340
Fax: (406) 892-4351

Municipal Courts in Flathead County
Kalispell Municipal Court
312 1st Avenue East, Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-7705
Fax: (406) 758-7773

Whitefish Municipal Court
275 Flathead Avenue, P.O. Box 158, Whitefish, MT 59937
Phone: (406) 863-2440
Fax: (406) 863-1259

Flathead County District Court Records

The Flathead County District Court generally hears both criminal and civil cases. For example, misdemeanor and felony cases outside the jurisdiction of other courts are brought to the District Court. It also presides over civil cases involving naturalization, probate, and ordinary civil claims. Lastly, the District Courts are the only courts with jurisdiction over civil lawsuits seeking monetary damages from the State.

Requesters can go through one of two ways to obtain court records from the Flathead County District Court. They can go to the county clerk’s office and make an in-person request by filling out a Public Record Request Form. Interested persons can also download this form online and email it to the office. Persons should visit or send a mail to the following address:

Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
800 South Main, Room 114
Kalispell, MT 59901-5420
Phone: (406) 758-5526
Fax: (406) 758-5865

If this method is not viable, record seekers can use online terminals such as the iDocMarket and the Flathead County Record Archives website that allow users to search for court records.

Flathead County Criminal Records

Most criminal records in Flathead County are accessible to the general public. Montana privacy regulations restrict access to adult criminal records involving felony and misdemeanor charges. Public access is not granted to deferred and eventually dismissed criminal records.

Persons seeking the individual’s Flathead County arrest record and criminal history may visit the Sheriff's Office in person. Alternatively, they can find a person's criminal history using their name on the Montana Department of Justice's public records search portal. Parties should note it costs $20 to search.

Record seekers coming to the Sheriff's Office must give the name and birthdate of the individual of interest. They can also provide social security numbers and aliases for a more comprehensive search.

Meanwhile, in-person or mail-order fingerprint-based criminal record checks are also available. Requesters must obtain a fingerprint card from the local law enforcement authorities and mail it to the Division of Criminal Investigation. The information below must be on a valid card:

• The subject's and the requester's signatures.
• The complete name of the subject.
• The date of birth of the individual.
• The social security number of the subject.

Send the fingerprint card to the following address, along with a cheque for the $30 processing and search fees:

Division of Criminal Investigation
ATTN: Criminal Records
2225 11th Avenue
P.O. Box 201403
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 444-3625
Fax: (406) 444-0689
E-mail: dojcriss@mt.gov

Flathead County Criminal Court Case Lookup

The public can view criminal records for the county through the Flathead County Clerk. Anybody wishing to receive a copy should download, complete, and submit a Public Record Request Form to the Clerk’s Office. Requests may be made by mail or in person. The record is fifty cents for the first page and twenty-five cents for each additional page. It costs an extra $2 to get a certified copy. You can submit requests at:

Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
800 South Main, Room 114
Kalispell, MT 59901-5420
Phone: (406) 758-5526
Fax: (406) 758-5865

Get Flathead County Civil Court Records

By submitting a request to the Flathead County Clerk, anybody can receive civil court case documents for any county in Montana. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person and must be in writing. The Clerk’s Office may also require record seekers to pay for copies. It is pertinent to make requests to

Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
800 South Main, Room 114
Kalispell, MT 59901-5420
Phone: (406) 758-5526
Fax: (406) 758-5865

The record costs fifty cents for the first page and twenty-five cents for each additional page. The certification of the document carries an extra $2 fee. The courthouse where the matter was decided also has access to Flathead County civil court case records. Information concerning the case, including the case number and the names of the parties involved, would need to be provided by the requester.

Flathead County Family Court Records

The Flathead County District Court oversees all family matters, as the county does not have a dedicated Family Court. His court has jurisdiction over a wide range of civil matters, including:

• Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage
• Child Custody and Visitation
• Adoption
• Paternity
• Domestic Violence Protection Orders
• Juvenile Matters

Interested parties can find Flathead County Family Court records by visiting the County Clerk’s office and submitting a court record request form. They can also mail this form to the office for more convenience. Record seekers can also use the iDocMarket and the Flathead County Record Archives website to search for family court records.

Individuals should note that family records are generally sealed and can only be accessed by the record subject, their immediate family members, and legal representatives. Family court records are essential as they help provide evidence and conduct research.

Flathead County Marriage and Divorce Records

Individuals looking for divorce and marriage records in Flathead County must take different routes to obtain each.

Flathead Divorce Records

Divorce decisions by the Flathead District Court are kept with the Flathead County Clerk of Court. Anybody may seek access to these records by letter or in person. Requests can be submitted at:

Flathead County Clerk of Court
920 South Main, Suite 300
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5870
Email: flatheadclerkofcourt@flathead.mt.gov
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

In addition, the Flathead County Clerk keeps records of Flathead divorce decisions and grants written requests for them. A written request to receive a divorce decree from Flathead County can be sent to the Clerk by anyone. Requests can be made in person or by letter. Divorce decree copies are $8 apiece. Applicants should submit their requests at:

Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
800 South Main, Room 114
Kalispell, MT 59901-5420
Phone: (406) 758-5526
Fax: (406) 758-5865

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Vital Records Office can obtain divorce-related information. Anyone with an interest can reach the Office at:

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Office of Vital Records
Phone: (406) 444-2685
Email: HHSVitalRecords@mt.gov

Flathead Marriage Records

The Clerk of Court maintains Flathead County marriage records. When they make a request, parties to the marriage can obtain both the license and the marriage certificate; non-parties can only receive the marriage certificate for unions consummated during the previous 30 years. Requesters must have the names of the married couples, the bride's maiden name, and the date and location of the marriage.

A certified copy of a marriage certificate from Flathead County costs $7, while a photocopy costs $5. Names and contact details, including a home address, phone number, and email address, must be provided by requesters. In addition, parties to the marriage must present a photo ID to receive a confidential copy. For marriage records from the last seven years, there is a $2 search fee. Every year beyond seven years will incur an extra $1 search fee. Additionally, there is a $1 postage fee, although the requester can avoid it by including a stamped, self-addressed envelope with their request. Record seekers may send requests to:

Flathead County Clerk of Court
920 South Main, Suite 300
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5870
Email: flatheadclerkofcourt@flathead.mt.gov

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Flathead County Clerk also keeps track of Flathead marriage records and grants written requests to access them. Requests can be sent to or picked up in person at:

Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
800 South Main, Room 114
Kalispell, MT 59901-5420
Phone: (406) 758-5526
Fax: (406) 758-5865

Flathead Birth and Death Records

Birth and death records for the county of Flathead are kept on file by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Flathead County Clerk and Recorder. Every requester would need to present a legitimate picture ID. Furthermore, only those who meet the requirements can obtain verified Flathead County birth and death certificates because they are private documents. The following people can request certified copies properly:

• The registrant, if they are an adult.
• The married registrant.
• Wife of the registrant.
• Guardians.
• Defenders.
• Grandparents.

Birth and death certificates in Flathead County are available in certified copy for $8 and $7 from the Clerk and Recorder, respectively. Meanwhile, informational copies are available for 50 cents. For every year that is searched, there is a $0.50 search cost.

Requesters must supply details regarding the birth or death, including the full name of the registrant, any prior names, the birth or death place and date, and the parents' names. In addition, the requester would need to supply their full name, residential address, phone number, and email address. Those who are interested may fill out the birth certificate application form/death certificate application form and submit it in person or by mail to:

Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
800 South Main Street, Room 114
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5526
Fax: (406) 758-5865

Flathead County Probate Court Records

There is no Probate Court in Flathead County. Therefore, all probate matters, including the majority of guardianship proceedings and the administration of trusts, fall under the purview of the District Court. Record seekers can get Probate Records by sending a request to the County Clerk located at:

Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
800 South Main, Room 114
Kalispell, MT 59901-5420
Phone: (406) 758-5526
Fax: (406) 758-5865

Flathead County Property Records

The County’s Surveyor’s Office maintains Flathead County property records. The office is responsible for providing the most current and accurate information on properties to ensure appropriate taxing. Record seekers can use the Flathead County Land Information System to find property records. Users can conduct searches through different parameters, either by:

1. Parcel Number
2. Assessor’s name or address

Interested parties should expect to find the following information on a property record.

• Ownership Information
• Legal Description
• Property Value
• Tax Information.
• Property Features
• Liens and Judgments

Flathead County Court Records Online

Third-party online resources like MontanaCourtRecords.us may offer convenience in accessing public Flathead County court records. They provide a user-friendly interface where individuals can search for specific cases by entering relevant details such as case numbers, party names, or dates. These platforms often allow users to view and download court documents directly from their website, saving time and effort. However, such platforms operate independently of any government agency and, as such, cannot be guaranteed to provide accurate or updated information.