Yellowstone County Public Records /Yellowstone County Court Records

Yellowstone County Court Records

What Is Yellowstone County Court Records

Court records in Yellowstone County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities as defined under Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1002, which establishes the framework for public records management in the state.

Yellowstone County court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
Court dockets chronicling case events and scheduling information
Judicial orders and final judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing records in criminal matters
Marriage and divorce decrees
Probate and estate administration documents

These judicial records are distinct from other public records maintained by Yellowstone County, such as property records, vital statistics, and tax documents. The Yellowstone County District Court serves as the primary custodian for most court records within the county.

Multiple courts within Yellowstone County maintain their own record systems:

District Court (felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, domestic relations)
Justice Court (misdemeanors, civil matters under $12,000, small claims up to $7,000)
City Court (municipal ordinance violations, misdemeanors within city limits)
Youth Court (juvenile matters)

The Montana Supreme Court provides administrative oversight for all courts within the state through the Montana Judicial Branch, establishing uniform standards for record-keeping practices across jurisdictions.

Are Court Records Public In Yellowstone County

Court records in Yellowstone County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the Montana Constitution Article II, Section 9, which establishes the public's "right to know" and examine government documents. This constitutional provision is further implemented through the Montana Public Records Act § 2-6-1003, which presumes that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed matters)
Criminal case files (post-charging, with protections for certain sensitive information)
Court dockets and calendars
Final judgments and orders
Marriage and divorce records
Probate proceedings

However, the public's right to access is not absolute. The Montana Supreme Court has established rules governing access to court records that balance transparency with privacy concerns. Under these rules, certain categories of information may be restricted, including:

Records involving juvenile proceedings (except as provided in § 41-5-216, MCA)
Adoption records
Mental health commitment proceedings
Records sealed by court order
Certain family law matters involving child custody evaluations
Information protected by federal law (such as certain health information under HIPAA)

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county or state repositories.

The Montana Supreme Court Order No. AF 06-0377 establishes the comprehensive framework for public access to court records throughout the state, including Yellowstone County.

How To Find Court Records in Yellowstone County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Yellowstone County may utilize several methods to locate and access judicial documents. The county maintains multiple access points to accommodate various research needs.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Yellowstone County Clerk of District Court
217 N 27th Street, Room 403
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 256-2870
Yellowstone County Clerk of District Court

The office maintains public service hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding legal holidays.

When requesting court records in person, requestors should:

Provide specific case information (case number preferred)
Complete any required request forms
Present valid photo identification
Be prepared to pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
Allow sufficient processing time for complex or voluminous requests

For remote requests, the following options are available:

Online access through the Montana Courts Public Access Portal
Written requests submitted via mail to the Clerk of District Court
Email requests to designated court staff (for specific document types)

Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 25-1-201, the Clerk of District Court may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction and certification. Current fee schedules are posted at the clerk's office and on the county website.

For specialized record types, requestors may need to contact specific departments:

Justice Court records: Yellowstone County Justice Court
City Court records: Billings Municipal Court
Marriage licenses and property records: Yellowstone County Clerk & Recorder

Certified copies of court documents require additional processing and fees as established by state statute.

How To Look Up Court Records in Yellowstone County Online?

Yellowstone County provides digital access to court records through several online portals, each serving specific court divisions and record types. These electronic systems enhance public accessibility while maintaining compliance with Montana's public records laws.

The primary online resources for Yellowstone County court records include:

Montana District Court Public Access Portal
- Accessible via the Montana Judicial Branch website
- Contains District Court case information
- Provides case status, party information, and docket entries
- Requires free registration for basic searches
- Document viewing may require additional fees
Montana Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Public Access Portal
- Covers Justice Court and City Court records
- Searchable by case number, party name, or citation number
- Available through the Montana Courts portal system
- Updated daily with new case filings and status changes
Yellowstone County Clerk & Recorder Online Records
- Maintains property, marriage, and certain civil records
- Accessible through the Yellowstone County Clerk's online search system
- Includes historical records dating back several decades
- Requires acceptance of terms of use before searching

To conduct an effective online search:

Gather identifying information before beginning (case numbers, party names, date ranges)
Select the appropriate portal based on the court type and record category
Create user accounts where required for advanced search capabilities
Be aware that certain sensitive documents may not be viewable online even if case information appears
Note that electronic access may be limited for older cases that have not been digitized

The Montana Supreme Court, through its Court Administrator's Office, continues to expand digital access to court records while maintaining appropriate privacy safeguards as outlined in the Montana Supreme Court Public Access Rules.

How To Search Yellowstone County Court Records for Free?

Montana law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006, which states that "a person may examine and obtain a copy of any public information in a public agency." Yellowstone County provides several no-cost options for accessing court records.

Free access methods include:

In-person inspection at the Yellowstone County Courthouse during regular business hours. The public may view non-confidential court files at computer terminals or request physical files for examination at:

Yellowstone County Clerk of District Court
217 N 27th Street, Room 403
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 256-2870
Yellowstone County District Court

Basic online searches through the Montana Courts Public Access Portal, which provides case information without charge. This includes:
- Case status and type
- Party names
- Hearing dates
- Docket entries
- Judge assignments
Justice Court records may be searched for free through dedicated terminals at:

Yellowstone County Justice Court
217 N 27th Street, Room 601
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 256-2895
Yellowstone County Justice Court

While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply for obtaining copies:

Standard paper copies: $1.00 per page
Certified copies: $2.00 per certification plus copy fees
Electronic document delivery: Varies by volume and format

The Montana Judicial Branch continues to expand free electronic access to court records as part of its commitment to transparency and public service. However, users should note that while basic case information is available without charge, accessing full document images may incur fees in some instances.

What's Included in a Yellowstone County Court Record?

Yellowstone County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records provide an official chronology of legal actions and decisions as mandated by Montana Code Annotated § 3-1-126, which requires courts to maintain accurate records of all proceedings.

District Court records typically include:

Case initiation documents (complaints, petitions, indictments)
Summonses and service of process documentation
Responsive pleadings (answers, counterclaims)
Motions and supporting memoranda
Court orders and judicial opinions
Evidentiary filings and exhibit lists
Witness testimonies and affidavits
Final judgments and decrees
Post-judgment filings (appeals notices, satisfaction of judgment)
Docket sheets chronicling all case activities

Criminal case files contain additional elements:

Charging documents
Bail and bond information
Pre-trial motions and orders
Plea agreements
Sentencing recommendations
Judgment and commitment orders
Probation terms and conditions

Family law matters include specialized documentation:

Parenting plans
Child support worksheets and orders
Property division agreements
Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs)
Temporary restraining orders or protective orders

Probate proceedings contain:

Wills and codicils
Letters testamentary or administration
Inventories of estate assets
Creditor claims
Final accountings and distribution orders

The Yellowstone County Clerk of District Court maintains these records according to standards established by the Montana Supreme Court Administrator's Office, ensuring consistency and completeness across all case types.

How Long Does Yellowstone County Keep Court Records?

Yellowstone County adheres to the Montana Records Retention Schedule for court documents, as established by the Montana Secretary of State in conjunction with the Montana Supreme Court Administrator's Office. This schedule, authorized under Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1103, prescribes minimum retention periods for various court record categories.

Key retention periods include:

District Court Records:

Felony criminal cases: Permanent retention
Civil litigation: 10 years after case closure
Domestic relations (divorce, custody): Permanent retention
Probate matters: Permanent retention
Adoption proceedings: Permanent retention
Mental health commitments: 10 years after case closure
Juvenile proceedings: Until subject reaches age 30, then eligible for destruction

Justice Court Records:

Misdemeanor criminal cases: 10 years after case closure
Traffic violations: 3 years after case closure
Civil matters: 10 years after final judgment
Small claims: 10 years after case closure

Administrative Records:

Court calendars and dockets: 5 years
Jury selection records: 2 years
Financial records: 7 years

The Montana Judicial Branch has implemented a comprehensive records management program that includes provisions for converting paper records to electronic format for long-term preservation. Records designated for permanent retention are maintained indefinitely, while those with limited retention periods may be destroyed after the prescribed time has elapsed and proper destruction protocols have been followed.

Historical court records of significant value may be transferred to the Montana Historical Society for preservation after their active use period has concluded, pursuant to Montana's archival preservation statutes.

Types of Courts In Yellowstone County

Yellowstone County's judicial system consists of multiple court levels, each with distinct jurisdictional authority and record-keeping responsibilities. These courts operate within Montana's unified court system under administrative oversight from the Montana Supreme Court.

Yellowstone County District Court
217 N 27th Street
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 256-2870
Yellowstone County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The District Court serves as the court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile proceedings. Yellowstone County has eight district court judges who preside over these matters.

Yellowstone County Justice Court
217 N 27th Street, Room 601
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 256-2895
Yellowstone County Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $12,000, small claims up to $7,000, and preliminary proceedings in felony cases. The court operates with three elected justices of the peace.

Billings Municipal Court
220 N 27th Street
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 657-8490
Billings Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Municipal Court has jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances, misdemeanors committed within city limits, and civil actions for recovery of city penalties.

Yellowstone County Youth Court
217 N 27th Street, Room 704
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 256-2847
Yellowstone County Youth Court Services
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Youth Court handles matters involving juvenile offenders under Montana's Youth Court Act.

The hierarchical structure of Montana's court system provides for appeals from lower courts to proceed to higher courts:

Appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts are heard by the District Court
Appeals from District Court decisions go to the Montana Supreme Court
The Montana Supreme Court serves as the court of last resort for state law matters

This multi-tiered system ensures appropriate forums for various case types while providing avenues for appellate review of judicial decisions.

What Types of Cases Do Yellowstone County Courts Hear?

Yellowstone County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with each court level assigned specific case types based on subject matter and monetary thresholds as defined by Montana statutes.

District Court handles:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil litigation exceeding $12,000 in damages
Domestic relations matters (divorce, child custody, support)
Probate and estate administration
Guardianship and conservatorship proceedings
Adoption cases
Mental health commitments
Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Appeals from lower courts
Complex commercial litigation
Real property disputes
Tort claims and personal injury cases

Justice Court presides over:

Misdemeanor criminal offenses punishable by up to 1 year incarceration
Civil actions with claims up to $12,000
Small claims proceedings up to $7,000
Landlord-tenant disputes
Protection and restraining orders
Traffic violations occurring outside city limits
Fish and game violations
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Search warrant applications

Municipal Court adjudicates:

Violations of city ordinances
Misdemeanor offenses occurring within city limits
Traffic infractions within city boundaries
Parking violations
Animal control violations
Nuisance complaints
City code enforcement matters
Civil actions involving city penalties

Youth Court addresses:

Juvenile delinquency cases
Youth in need of intervention
Truancy matters
Underage substance use violations
Status offenses specific to minors

Case assignment follows jurisdictional parameters established in the Montana Code Annotated Title 3, which delineates court authority and subject matter jurisdiction. The Montana Judicial Branch provides administrative oversight to ensure proper case routing and management across all court levels.

Specialized proceedings, such as drug treatment court, veterans treatment court, and mental health court, operate within the District Court framework to address specific populations with tailored judicial approaches.

How To Find a Court Docket In Yellowstone County

Court dockets in Yellowstone County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and judicial actions for individual cases. These essential records help the public track case progression and court activities. Multiple methods exist for accessing docket information.

For District Court dockets, individuals may:

Access the Montana District Court Public Access Portal online, which provides docket information for active cases
Visit the Clerk of District Court's office in person to view docket entries on public terminals
Request printed docket reports for specific cases (fees may apply)
Check daily court calendars posted outside courtrooms for scheduled hearings

Yellowstone County Clerk of District Court
217 N 27th Street, Room 403
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 256-2870
Yellowstone County District Court

For Justice Court dockets:

Use the Montana Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Portal for electronic access
Visit the Justice Court clerk's office for in-person assistance
Call the court clerk for hearing schedule information

Yellowstone County Justice Court
217 N 27th Street, Room 601
Billings, MT 59101
(406) 256-2895
Yellowstone County Justice Court

When searching for docket information, users should:

Have the case number ready (if known)
Know party names for cases without numbers
Specify the relevant date range for scheduled hearings
Identify the presiding judge if possible
Determine which court division is handling the case

Docket information typically includes:

Case number and filing date
Party names and attorney information
Scheduled hearing dates and times
Courtroom assignments
Filing chronology
Judicial rulings and orders
Case status indicators

The Montana Judicial Branch continues to enhance electronic access to court dockets as part of its commitment to transparency and public service.

Which Courts in Yellowstone County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Yellowstone County, certain courts operate as "courts not of record," meaning they do not maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings through court reporters or electronic recording equipment. This distinction, established under Montana Code Annotated § 3-1-102, affects how cases are appealed and reviewed by higher courts.

The following Yellowstone County courts function as courts not of record:

Yellowstone County Justice Court - While the court maintains case files and docket entries, it does not produce verbatim transcripts of proceedings. Appeals from Justice Court decisions proceed to District Court as trials de novo (new trials), rather than reviews of the record.
Billings Municipal Court - Similar to Justice Court, Municipal Court maintains documentation of cases but does not create word-for-word transcripts. Appeals are handled through new trials at the District Court level.
Small Claims Court - Operating as a division of Justice Court, Small Claims proceedings are conducted informally without court reporters. Limited appeal rights exist for these matters.

Courts of record in Yellowstone County include:

Yellowstone County District Court - As a court of general jurisdiction, District Court maintains complete records of all proceedings through court reporters or digital recording systems. Appeals from District Court go directly to the Montana Supreme Court based on the established record.
Montana Water Court - While not physically located in Yellowstone County, this specialized court of record has jurisdiction over water rights cases affecting county residents.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record significantly impacts:

Appeal procedures and standards of review
Preservation of testimony and evidence
Precedential value of court decisions
Formality of proceedings

This two-tiered approach allows for more informal proceedings in lower courts while ensuring comprehensive record-keeping for more serious matters in courts of general jurisdiction, as outlined in the Montana Constitution Article VII.