Yellowstone County Court Records

Yellowstone County court records generally include documents and information generated during legal proceedings, such as filings, orders, judgments, and transcripts. These documents are essential for understanding past and ongoing county court proceedings. These files are part of the broader Montana court records system and provide valuable insights into the legal history of individuals and entities within the county. Access to Yellowstone court records is crucial for legal professionals, researchers, and individuals seeking information on cases of interest. The Clerk of Court is the custodian of Yellow County court records.

Are Court Records Public in Yellowstone County?

Yes, county court records are considered part of Yellowstone County public records and are generally accessible to the public according to the Montana Public Records Act (Mont. Code Ann. § 2-6-1003, et seq.). This law ensures public access to government documents, including court records, except in cases where specific restrictions apply.

However, while the above statute allows public access to court records, it includes safety, security, and certain private records exceptions. Public officers can restrict access to court records if their release endangers individuals or public safety, particularly in schools or prisons. Also, restrictions on private donors' records at the Montana Historical Society last for 50 years from the date of inception.

Yellowstone County Court Records Search

Members of the public can perform a Yellowstone County court records search at the following places:

• A court clerk's office.
• The originating courthouse (i.e., where a case was filed).
• An electronic portal provided by the county government.
• A third-party public records website.

Yellowstone County Court Records Search by Name

Researchers should identify the court responsible for the case to conduct a name-based search for Yellowstone County court records. After determining the appropriate courthouse, visit the corresponding court clerk's office to inquire about the records.

For example, suppose the Yellowstone County District Court handled the case. In that case, individuals can visit the Clerk of District Court's Office during work hours to obtain copies of the court record. Payments for information or document copies are prepaid by cash or credit card only. Fees may be flat rates or per page. For mail and in-person requests, the requestor must have the names of the parties involved, the case number, a list of requested documents, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Yellowstone County District Court
217 N. 27th Street
Room 702 - 704
P.O. Box 35030
Billings MT 59101
Phone: (406) 256-2851

Yellowstone County Courts

The Yellowstone court system comprises a District Court, Justice Court, City Court, and Municipal Court. Below are all four courthouse locations:

Yellowstone County District Court
217 N. 27th Street
Room 702 - 704
Billings MT 59101
Phone: (406) 256-2851

Yellowstone County Justice Court
Yellowstone County Courthouse
217 North 27th Street
Room 603
Billings, MT 59101
Phone: (406) 256-2998

Laurel City Court
Laurel City Hall
115 West 1st Street
P.O. Box 10
Laurel, MT 59044
Phone: (406) 628-1964

Billings Municipal Court
220 North 27th Street
P.O. Box 1178
Billings, MT 59103
Phone: (406) 657-8490

Yellowstone County Superior Court Case Search

The Yellowstone County District Court has general authority over all civil and criminal cases, and the court usually handles cases that fall outside the jurisdiction of other courts. Criminal cases in the District Court include felonies and most misdemeanors. Civil cases cover general civil claims, probate, and naturalization matters. The court also has exclusive jurisdiction over civil claims for monetary damages against the State.

There is no online portal for searching court documents. To obtain case information or copies of documents, interested parties must visit the court clerk's office. Search fees apply only to records from 1994 and longer, with a statutory payment of $2 per name per year for the first seven years and $1 per name for each extra year. Photocopy fees include:

• $10 for a Decree of Dissolution
• $5 for a Marriage License
• $0.50 per additional page
• Certification costs $2
• Authentication costs $6, in addition to copy fees.

All relevant fees must be paid in advance. Requesters must include names, case numbers, a list of requested documents, and a self-addressed stamped envelope with payment. Mail requests to:

Yellowstone County District Court
217 N. 27th Street
Room 702 - 704
P.O. Box 35030
Billings MT 59101
Phone: (406) 256-2851

Yellowstone County District Court Records

The Yellowstone County Justice Court operates across three divisions. The criminal division handles traffic violations, fish and game offenses, misdemeanors, juvenile alcohol cases, and preliminary hearings. The civil division covers cases involving property damage, contract disputes, personal property recovery, protection orders, and landlord/tenant disputes, with a maximum claim or property value of $12,000. The small claims division deals with contract disputes, personal property recovery, and interpleaders, with claims limited to $7,000 and counterclaims capped at $6,500.

The Justice Court does not offer search services for individuals or corporations; only law enforcement agencies can perform searches. Businesses needing search services can find a list of court-approved local providers on the court’s website. Copies of court records can, however, be obtained if the interested party knows the case number. Parties must submit a letter detailing the requested documents and a $10.00 prepayment. If the cost is lower, a refund will be received; if it is higher, researchers will be billed the difference. Fees include $1.00 per page for the first ten pages, $0.50 per additional page, $3.00 for certified copies, and $25.00 for audio recordings. Mail requests to:

P.O. Box 35032
Billings, MT 59107.

Yellowstone County Criminal Records

Yellowstone County criminal history checks are accessible to the public through the Montana Department of Justice. Requests can be done online, by mail, or in person. Name-based checks, which require an individual's name, date of birth, and Social Security number, provide limited information. For a more comprehensive search that shows details such as Yellowstone County Arrest records amongst other documented details, a fingerprint-based check is recommended. Fingerprint-based criminal record checks are available only to those legally authorized to request them.

Online name-based checks for Yellowstone criminal records can be performed through the Criminal History Online Public Record Search (CHOPRS) by submitting the individual’s full name, date of birth, and optional Social Security number. Each search costs $20. Mail-in requests require a self-addressed stamped envelope, a $15 fee, and the subject’s personal details.

Fingerprint-based checks, which can be done via mail or in person, involve mailing an applicant fingerprint card, available from local law enforcement:

• Include a completed applicant's fingerprint card with the request. Blank cards are available from local law enforcement or Montana Criminal Records.
• Ensure the card has the following:
  • Subject’s name (Last, First, Middle)
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security number
  • Aliases and maiden names
  • Personal identification (citizenship, sex, race, height, weight, eye color, hair color, place of birth)
  • Contact information
  • Employer’s name and address
  • Reason for fingerprinting
• Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and a $10.00 processing fee.
• Do not staple or fold the fingerprint card.
• Mail the completed request to:

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

In-person requests can be made at the Montana Department of Justice's Criminal Records and Identification Services Section at 2225 11th Avenue, Helena, MT 59601, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Yellowstone County Criminal Court Case Lookup

To look up criminal court case information in Yellowstone County, individuals can start by identifying the court that handled the case—either the District Court, Justice Court, or City Court.

Individuals should visit the Clerk of District Court’s office on the seventh floor of the Yellowstone County Courthouse, Rooms 702, 703, and 704, for District Court criminal cases. The office is open Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5:00 p.m. Payment for information or document copies must be made in notes or by credit card; personal checks are not accepted. For mail-in requests, include the names involved, case number requested documents, and a self-addressed stamped envelope with payment and mail to:

Clerk of District Court
P.O. Box 35030
Billings, MT 59107.

For criminal cases handled by the Justice Court, interested parties can make document requests via mail by providing the case number and fees. Mail requests to:

P.O. Box 35032
Billings, MT 59107.

For City Court criminal case records, researchers should contact the Court Clerk/Treasurer in person (115 W. 1st Street), by Phone: (406) 628-7431) or by email (cityclerk@laurel.mt.gov).

Get Yellowstone County Civil Court Records

District Court civil case records include general civil claims, probate matters, and cases involving monetary damages against the county. The civil division manages cases related to personal or property damage, contract issues, recovery of personal property, interpleader, local ordinance violations, protection orders, forcible entry, unlawful detainer, and landlord-tenant disputes. The disputed amount or property value must not exceed $12,000. City Court civil records involve municipal ordinance violations, tax collection cases, and cases against the city or town.

To look up civil court case information in Yellowstone County, individuals can start by identifying the court that handled the case—either the District Court, Justice Court, or City Court. Then visit the courthouse or the Clerk’s Office during business hours. For cases handled by the District Court, visit the Clerk of District Court’s Office.

Clerk of District Court
P.O. Box 35030
Billings, MT 59107.

For civil cases handled by the Justice Court, interested parties can make document requests via mail by providing the case number and fees. Mail requests to:

P.O. Box 35032
Billings, MT 59107.

For City Court civil case records, contact the Court Clerk/Treasurer in person (115 W. 1st Street), by Phone: (406) 628-7431) or email (cityclerk@laurel.mt.gov).

Yellowstone County Family Court Records

Under Montana Code Annotated 2023, Title 40, Chapter 4, §40-4-303, family court mediation records are confidential and not publicly accessible except to the following eligible individuals:

• The parties involved in the case
• Their legal representatives
• Court-appointed mediators.

The Yellowstone County District Court handles most family court cases. Eligible individuals can inquire about records at the court clerk's office at 217 N. 27th Street, Rooms 702, 703, 704, Billings, MT 59101. Inquiring individuals should provide case numbers, required fees, and a valid government-issued photo I.D. For further information or questions, call the Court Clerk's office at (406) 256-2851.

Yellowstone Dissolution of Marriage Records

Yellowstone County dissolution of marriage or divorce records are publicly accessible once filed with the Clerk of District Court’s office unless deemed confidential by the court. Requesters can contact the court clerk’s office at (406) 256-2851.

Yellowstone County Marriage and Divorce Records

Per Montana Code Annotated 2023, Title 50, Chapter 15, §50-15-122, Yellowstone County marriage records are only publicly accessible after 30 years except for the following details:

• Names, ages, and birthplaces of the parties
• Marriage date and location
• Names and addresses of the parties' parents
• Officiant's name
• Type of ceremony.

Requestors within Billings should visit Room 704 of the County Courthouse to access marriage records such as Yellowstone County marriage certificates. Individuals out of town can request by mail or e-mail (call to arrange fee payment). For recent licenses (within 30 years): A photo I.D. is required as these records are sealed, and only the parties can obtain copies.

Mail the following (year license was issued, names of groom and bride (maiden name), self-addressed stamped envelope, $5 fee or $7 for a certified copy, photo I.D. (if the record is less than 30 years) to:

Clerk of Court
P.O. Box 35030
Billings, MT 59107.

Payment is made via money order, cashier's check, or credit card authorization (2.5% fee). Yellowstone County vital records such as divorce records are publicly accessible once filed with the Clerk of the District Court’s office unless deemed confidential by the court. Requesters can contact the court clerk’s office on the seventh floor of the Yellowstone County Courthouse, Rooms 702, 703, and 704, to access these documents. Individuals can call the Court Clerk's office (406) 256-2851 for further assistance.

Yellowstone Birth and Death Records

Under Montana Code Annotated 2023, Title 50, Chapter 15, §50-15-122, once filed with the County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, the occurrence of a birth or death can be made publicly available without any restrictions. Complete birth records such as Yellowstone County birth certificates become accessible to the public 30 years after birth.

Parties should download and complete the Birth Certificate Request Form to obtain a certified or non-certified copy of Yellowstone County birth records. Include all necessary documentation and the payment specified on the form, then mail it to:

Yellowstone County Clerk & Recorder
P.O. Box 35001
Billings, MT 59107.

Birth certificates are mailed back through regular postal service within 24 hours of receiving the request. To access a certified or non-certified copy of a death record, download and complete the Death Record Request Form. Include all required documentation and payment as specified on the form, and mail it to:

Yellowstone County Clerk & Recorder
P.O. Box 35001
Billings, MT 59107.

Death records are mailed back via regular postal service within 24 hours of request receipt.

Yellowstone County Probate Court Records.

Yellowstone County probate court records are documents from cases involving estate administration, asset distribution, debt settlement, guardianships, and conservatorships. These files contain wills, petitions, inventories, and court orders, offering insight into judicial proceedings that handle estates and care for incapacitated individuals or minors.

To obtain county probate court files, interested parties must visit the Court Clerk's office on the seventh floor of the Yellowstone County Courthouse between 8 AM and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Individuals can call the office for further information or questions (406) 256-2851.

Yellowstone County Property Records

Yellowstone County property records are crucial for verifying ownership, resolving boundary disputes, or researching the history of a property. Access Yellowstone County property records through the County Treasurer's "Property Tax and Assessment Data Search" portal. Users must enter the property owner's name, street name, property number, and other relevant details, then click "search" to view results. The portal provides key information on property ownership, transaction history, assessed values, and tax details.

Yellowstone County Court Records Online

Third-party websites like montanacourtrecords.us offer comfortable access to Yellowstone County court records, allowing users to look up case details, court documents, and judgments from anywhere. The main benefits are the ease and speed of access without visiting the courthouse. However, disadvantages are the potential for outdated or incomplete records and possible fees for accessing certain files. While these platforms provide great information, it's necessary to cross-check with official county sources to ensure accuracy and completeness, especially for judicial or official purposes.