Lake County Court Records

Lake County court records encompass a wide array of documents generated throughout the course of litigation and judicial proceedings held within the county’s courts. These records may include pleadings, motions, court orders, judgments, docket sheets, and hearing transcripts. Together, they form an integral part of Montana’s public court records system and provide critical historical and current information on legal matters involving individuals, businesses, and government entities in Lake County, Montana. Access to these records is vital for attorneys, researchers, journalists, and private citizens who seek to review legal precedents, verify judgments, or obtain background details on specific court actions.

In Lake County, the Clerk of District Court serves as the custodian of District Court records, while the respective clerks of lower courts (Justice Court, City Courts) maintain their own filings. Depending on the case type and origin, records may be held at the District Court, the Justice Court, or one of the municipal courts within the county.

Are Court Records Public in Lake County?

Yes. Under Montana law, including the Montana Constitution (Art. II, § 9) and the Montana Public Records Act (Mont. Code Ann. § 2-6-1003, et seq.), court records are presumed open to the public. This principle ensures that the workings of the judiciary remain transparent and accessible. Citizens generally have the right to inspect and copy public documents, including court filings, unless a specific legal exemption applies.

However, there are limitations. Certain sensitive case records—such as those involving juvenile proceedings, confidential mediation records in family law matters (Mont. Code Ann. § 40-4-303), or documents sealed by court order—may be restricted to protect privacy, safety, or other compelling interests. For instance, records that could jeopardize an individual’s security or public safety may be withheld. Additionally, certain historical collections or donor records at Montana state archives may be restricted for a defined period. Individuals seeking access to such records should be prepared to present valid identification and may need to demonstrate a permissible purpose as outlined by law.

Lake County Court Records Search

The public can conduct Lake county court records searches through the following methods:

• Making in-person or mail requests to the courthouse where the case was heard
• Using online tools provided by county/state custodians
• Third-party sites

Lake County Courts

The addresses and contact information of courthouses in Lake County are as follows:

Lake County District Court
Lake County Courthouse
106 4th Avenue East,
Polson, MT 59860
Phone: (406) 883-7254
Fax: (406) 883-7343

Lake County Justice Court
Lake County Courthouse
106 4th Avenue East,
Polson, MT 59860
Phone: (406) 883-7260
Fax: (406) 883-7343

Polson City Court
106 1st Street East,
Polson, MT 59860
Phone: (406) 883-8212
Fax: (406) 883-8233

Ronan City Court
207 Main Street Southwest,
Suite B,
Ronan, MT 59864
Phone: (406) 676-0211
Fax: (406) 676-0231

St. Ignatius City Court
12 1st Avenue,
P.O. Box 103,
St. Ignatius, MT 59865
Phone: (406) 745-3791
Fax: (406) 745-2800

Lake County Criminal and Civil Records

Statewide criminal history checks, including those originating in Lake County, are generally managed by the Montana Department of Justice, Criminal Records and Identification Services Section. According to Mont. Code Ann. § 44-5-301, name-based background checks are accessible to the public, while fingerprint-based searches offer more comprehensive data and require proper authorization. There are three options for criminal record checks in Lake county:

• Online (Name-Based):
• Use the Criminal History Online Public Record Search (CHOPRS) on the Montana DOJ website. Each search requires a fee.
• Mail Requests:
• Submit a name, date of birth, and any additional identifying information along with the required fee to the Montana DOJ.
• Fingerprint-Based Checks:
• Secure a fingerprint card from a local law enforcement agency. Mail the completed card, fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the DOJ.

Mail requests may be addressed to:

Montana Criminal Records
P.O. Box 201403
Helena, MT 59620-1403
Phone: (406) 444-3625
Email: dojcriss@mt.gov

On the other hand, Lake county criminal court case information may be found in one of two ways depending on the court where the case was heard:

• District Court Cases:
• Inquirers may contact the Clerk of the District Court. Provide party names or a case number. Prepayment of fees may be required, and payment options vary.
• Justice Court or City Court Criminal Cases:
• Identify the appropriate lower court. Submit a written request by mail or inquire in person. Include case numbers and request a fee schedule.

Civil cases in Lake County may involve contract disputes, landlord-tenant issues, protection orders, small claims, probate matters, and claims for monetary damages. Parties can visit the Clerk of District Court’s office for District Court civil records or the Justice Court Clerk for lower-value civil disputes. City Courts handle minor civil infractions related to local ordinances.

For mail requests, include the full names of parties, the case number (if available), a description of requested documents, the appropriate fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Inquirers may contact each court for its specific fee structure and payment methods.

Lake County Marriage and Divorce Records

Marriage and divorce records in Montana may be subject to certain time-based restrictions. According to Mont. Code Ann. Title 50, Chapter 15, certain identifying information may remain limited for a designated period. Generally, basic marriage record details (names of parties, date and place of marriage) are publicly accessible. Certified copies often require a fee and valid identification, especially if the marriage occurred less than 30 years ago.

Inquirers may contact the Clerk of District Court for certified marriage licenses or divorce decrees. Include a completed request form (if available), payment, and a return envelope. Out-of-town requesters may call ahead for instructions on payment methods.

Final dissolution of marriage records, once filed with the District Court, are generally public unless sealed. Persons seeking these records should provide the full names of both parties and the approximate date of the divorce. Requests may be addressed to:

Lake County Clerk of District Court
P.O. Box 1076
Polson, MT 59860
Phone: (406) 883-7254

Lake County Birth and Death Records

Vital records such as birth and death certificates are administered by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and recorded locally by the Lake County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. Under Mont. Code Ann. Title 50, Chapter 15, birth and death records become publicly accessible after certain statutory waiting periods. Typically, birth certificates are restricted for a set number of years, after which they become public records.

Lake County Clerk and Recorder
106 4th Avenue East
Polson, MT 59860
Phone: (406) 883-7208

Requesters must provide necessary identifying information, complete any required application forms, and pay applicable fees. Certified copies are mailed back within a reasonable timeframe.

Lake County Probate Court Records

Probate records detail estate administration, distribution of assets, debt resolution, guardianships, and conservatorships. To access these files, contact the Clerk of District Court’s office. Requesters should provide the estate name and approximate date of filing. Copying and certification fees may apply. For extensive searches, consider calling in advance to verify availability and costs.

Lake County Property Records

Property records include deeds, mortgages, plat maps, and assessment details. These documents are maintained by the Lake County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. They are essential for confirming ownership, tracing property history, or resolving boundary disputes.

Lake County provides a property records search tool via the Clerk and Recorder’s Office. Users can search by owner name, parcel number, or property address. The search results typically include assessed values, tax details, and ownership history.

Lake County Court Records Online

While Montana’s state judiciary does not currently provide a comprehensive online search portal for all case types, some third-party websites like Montanacourtrecords.us may offer access to limited Lake County court records. These private platforms can be convenient for preliminary research but may not reflect the most current or complete information. Verify details with the official Lake County court offices for the most reliable data.