Cascade County Court Records Search
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Cascade County sits in north-central Montana with Great Falls as the county seat. The county’s court system falls within the Eighth Judicial District and handles thousands of new filings each year across criminal, civil, domestic relations, probate, juvenile, and guardianship matters. The Clerk of District Court maintains records dating back to the 1860s, with many early index books preserved on microfilm. Records created from 1999 forward are stored in the statewide FullCourt case management system, while records from 1989 through 1999 exist in a legacy county mainframe that is now largely read-only.
Residents and researchers looking for Cascade County court records can start with the official Montana District Court Public Access Portal, which provides online case information for district court filings statewide. The Montana Judicial Branch website publishes court locations, forms, rules, and self-help resources. Locally, the Clerk of District Court office in Great Falls accepts in-person, mail, and phone inquiries. Additional Montana court information, including links to limited-jurisdiction courts and statewide resources, is available through MontanaCourts.us. Between these tools, the clerk’s office, and public access terminals at the courthouse, most records that are not sealed or otherwise restricted can be located without difficulty.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Cascade County?
Cascade County court cases can be searched through several channels depending on the type of case, how old it is, and whether in-person or remote access is preferred.
Online Search
The Montana District Court Public Access Portal allows the public to search district court cases by party name, case number, or attorney name. The portal covers cases stored in the FullCourt system (generally 1999 to present) and is available at no charge. An instructional video on navigating the portal can be viewed on the Montana Courts YouTube channel. The portal operates under published public access rules and is offered as a courtesy rather than a mandatory statutory service.
For justice court and city court matters, the Montana Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Public Access Portal provides a separate search interface covering municipal and justice court filings.
In-Person Search
Walk-in requests are accepted at the Clerk of District Court office during business hours:
Clerk of District Court — Cascade County
Address: 415 2nd Avenue North, Suite 200, Great Falls, MT 59401
Phone: (406) 604-7796
Fax: (406) 454-6907
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Public access computer terminals inside the courthouse allow visitors to look up case information directly. Staff can also assist with locating older records stored on microfilm or in the legacy database system.
Mail Requests
To request a records search by mail, download and complete the Search Request Form from the Cascade County website. Mail the completed form with applicable fees to the Clerk of District Court at the address above. The search fee is $2 per year searched. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Clerk of District Court.
Other Courts in Cascade County
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Cascade County Justice Court | 325 2nd Ave N, Great Falls, MT 59401 | (406) 604-7787 |
| Great Falls Municipal Court | 2 Park Drive South, P.O. Box 5021, Great Falls, MT 59403 | (406) 771-1380 |
| Belt City Court | Belt, MT | Contact Justice Court for referral |
| Cascade City Court | Cascade, MT | Contact Justice Court for referral |
The Justice Court handles misdemeanors, small claims up to $12,000, civil matters up to $15,000, and preliminary felony hearings. Great Falls Municipal Court adjudicates city ordinance violations and certain misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
Are Court Records Public in Cascade County?
Montana law establishes a strong presumption of public access to government records. Under Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1001, every person has the right to examine and obtain copies of public documents, including court records. This right extends to all records held by the Clerk of District Court unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
Records That Are Generally Public
- Civil case filings, including complaints, answers, motions, and orders
- Criminal case dockets, charges, plea records, sentencing information, and judgments
- Probate filings such as wills admitted to probate, inventories, and accountings
- Marriage license records
- Domestic relations case dockets (though certain documents within these cases may be sealed)
- Judgments, liens, and satisfaction records
Records That Are Restricted or Exempt
Montana law restricts access to several categories of information:
- Juvenile court records are confidential under Title 41, Chapter 5, MCA
- Adoption records are sealed by statute
- Records containing personal medical information are exempt under MCA § 39-71-224 and related provisions
- Mental health commitment proceedings carry confidentiality protections
- Cases sealed by court order are inaccessible without a subsequent order lifting the seal
- Dependent neglect and child abuse records are restricted to parties and authorized agencies
- Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive personal identifiers are typically redacted before public release
The Montana Supreme Court has adopted public access rules governing what information appears on the online portal versus what requires an in-person request. Certain case types—particularly those involving minors or protected persons—may appear in the system by case number but with limited detail visible to the public. Anyone needing access to a restricted record should contact the Clerk of District Court to determine whether a court order or other authorization is required.
Cascade County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Cascade County are handled at several levels depending on the severity of the charge. Felonies and certain gross misdemeanors are prosecuted in the Eighth Judicial District Court. Standard misdemeanors and preliminary felony proceedings may originate in Justice Court, while city ordinance violations are adjudicated in Great Falls Municipal Court.
Where Criminal Records Are Held
- District Court: Felony case files, sentencing records, and post-conviction filings are maintained by the Clerk of District Court at 415 2nd Avenue North, Great Falls. These records are searchable through the public access portal for cases from 1999 onward.
- Justice Court: Misdemeanor filings, DUI cases, and preliminary hearings are held at the Cascade County Justice Court, 325 2nd Avenue North, Great Falls, MT 59401. Phone: (406) 604-7787 Fax: (406) 454-6877
- Municipal Court: City ordinance violations are filed with the Great Falls Municipal Court, 2 Park Drive South, Great Falls, MT 59403. Phone: (406) 771-1380 Fax: (406) 727-8069
Requesting Criminal History Reports
For a statewide criminal history background check, the Montana Department of Justice operates the Criminal History Online Public Record Search (CHOPRS) system. Fees are:
- Name-based search: $15
- Fingerprint-based search: $10
Requests can also be mailed to:
Montana Department of Justice — Criminal Records
2225 11th Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Each request must include the subject’s full name, date of birth, and any known aliases. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for in-person requests.
Arrest Records
Current arrest and booking information for individuals held in the Cascade County Detention Facility is published on the Cascade County Inmate Roster. The detention facility is located at:
Cascade County Detention Facility
3800 Ulm North Frontage Road
Great Falls, MT 59404
The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office processes open records requests for arrest reports and incident documentation. The front counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Written requests can be directed to the Sheriff’s Office at the detention facility address, by phone at (406) 454-6820, or by fax.
For Great Falls city police records, requests are handled by the Great Falls Police Department records division at (406) 771-1180. An administrative fee of $15 applies to police records requests.
Fingerprinting services for background checks or personal use are available at the Sheriff’s Office for $10 (two cards), Monday through Friday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with a valid ID required.
Cascade County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Cascade County is divided between the District Court and the Justice Court based on the amount in controversy and subject matter. The District Court has general jurisdiction over civil matters with no upper limit on the amount at issue, while the Justice Court handles civil claims within its statutory jurisdictional limits and small claims disputes.
How to Search Civil Records
- Online: Use the Montana District Court Public Access Portal to search by party name or case number. The system covers district-level civil filings from 1999 forward.
- In Person: Visit the Clerk of District Court office at 415 2nd Avenue North, Suite 200, Great Falls, MT 59401. Staff can search current and historical case indexes, including microfilm records predating the digital system.
- By Mail: Submit a completed Search Request Form with the appropriate fee ($2 per year searched) to the Clerk of District Court.
Common Civil Case Types
Civil filings in the District Court include contract disputes, personal injury claims, real property actions, foreclosures, quiet title proceedings, injunctions, and appeals from lower courts or administrative agencies. The Justice Court handles landlord-tenant disputes, debt collection matters, and small claims.
Copies and Certification Fees
Copies of civil filings are available from the Clerk of District Court. Fees are set by Montana statute:
- Standard copies: per-page fee as established by the clerk’s office
- Certified copies: additional certification fee applies
- Search fee (mail requests): $2 per year
Payment is accepted in person by cash, check, or money order. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the Clerk of District Court.
Property-Related Civil Records
Property records, including deeds, liens, and tax information, can be searched through the Cascade County property tax search portal, which allows lookups by owner name, parcel number, or property address. The Cascade County Treasurer’s Office maintains these records and can be reached through the county property tax page.
Cascade County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Cascade County are adjudicated in the Eighth Judicial District Court under its domestic relations docket. The Clerk of District Court files and maintains all records related to dissolution of marriage, legal separation, parenting plans, child support, orders of protection, paternity, and adoption. The court processes approximately 4,800 new cases annually across all case types, with family law constituting a substantial share.
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees and related filings are maintained by the Clerk of District Court. To obtain a copy:
- Download the Request for Copies — Divorce Decree form from the Cascade County website.
- Complete the form with the names of both parties, approximate date of filing or decree, and case number if known.
- Submit the form in person or by mail to the Clerk of District Court with applicable copy and certification fees.
- For records less than 30 years old, a valid photo ID may be required.
Marriage Records
The Clerk of District Court issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Cascade County. Roughly 600 licenses are issued each year. To request a copy of a marriage license:
- Complete the Request for Copy of Marriage License form.
- Submit the request to the Clerk of District Court with the required fee.
- Fees: $7 for a certified copy; $5 for a non-certified copy.
- Requests for marriage records less than 30 years old require government-issued photo identification.
Marriage license application forms and requirements are published on the Montana Judicial Branch marriage forms page.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are not court records but are occasionally needed alongside family court filings. These vital records are maintained by the Cascade County Clerk and Recorder and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Cascade County Clerk and Recorder
121 4th Street North, Suite 1B1
Great Falls, MT 59401
To request a birth certificate, submit a completed Birth Certificate Application along with a valid photo ID and fee. Death certificate requests use the Death Certificate Application.
| Record Type | Certified Copy | Non-Certified Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $10 | $2 |
| Death Certificate | $7 | $2 |
Vital records can also be requested from the Montana Office of Vital Records:
Montana Office of Vital Records
111 North Sanders, Room 6
P.O. Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604
Phone: (406) 444-2685
Eligibility to obtain birth certificates is restricted to the registrant, parents, legal guardians, and other individuals with a direct and tangible interest as defined by Montana law.
Confidentiality in Family Cases
Adoption records are sealed by court order and accessible only through a subsequent judicial order. Dependent neglect and child abuse/neglect records are confidential and limited to parties, their attorneys, and authorized state agencies. Orders of protection may have restricted access provisions depending on the circumstances of the case.
Cascade County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Cascade County are filed in the Eighth Judicial District Court. The Clerk of District Court receives and maintains all probate filings, including petitions for formal and informal probate of wills, applications for appointment of personal representatives, inventories, accountings, guardianship petitions, conservatorship matters, and small estate affidavits.
Where Probate Records Are Kept
All probate documents are filed with and maintained by the Clerk of District Court at:
Clerk of District Court — Cascade County
415 2nd Avenue North, Suite 200
Great Falls, MT 59401
Phone: (406) 604-7796
Fax: (406) 454-6907
How to Search Probate Records
- Online: The Montana District Court Public Access Portal includes probate case information for filings stored in the FullCourt system (1999–present). Searches can be run by decedent or party name, case number, or attorney.
- In Person: Visit the clerk’s office during regular hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM). Staff can search current electronic records and historical microfilm indexes covering cases back to the 1860s.
- By Mail: Submit the Search Request Form with the applicable fee of $2 per year searched.
Common Probate Filings
The following types of proceedings are filed through the Clerk of District Court:
- Formal and informal probate of wills
- Appointment of personal representatives (with or without a will)
- Guardianship of minors and incapacitated persons
- Conservatorship proceedings
- Small estate affidavits (for estates meeting the statutory threshold)
- Inventories and appraisements
- Annual and final accountings
- Claims against estates
Applicable Law
Montana’s Uniform Probate Code, codified in Title 72 of the Montana Code Annotated, governs all probate proceedings in the state. The code provides for both formal (court-supervised) and informal (administrative) probate processes. Guardianship and conservatorship proceedings fall under Title 72, Chapter 5.
Fees and Copies
Probate filing fees are set by state statute and collected by the Clerk of District Court at the time of filing. Copy fees for probate documents follow the same schedule as other district court records. Certified copies carry an additional certification charge. For current fee amounts, contact the clerk’s office directly at (406) 604-7796.
Guardianship and Conservatorship Records
Guardianship and conservatorship cases involve protected persons—often minors or adults who have been adjudicated as incapacitated. While the case docket itself is generally public, certain documents within these files (such as medical evaluations or financial disclosures of the protected person) may be restricted. Mental health commitment records filed through the probate docket are confidential under Montana law and not available for public inspection without a court order.
The Clerk of District Court does not provide legal advice regarding probate procedures. Self-represented parties may consult the Montana Judicial Branch self-help resources or seek assistance from an attorney. The Montana Code Annotated is freely accessible online for those who need to review specific statutory provisions governing estate and guardianship matters.