Morton County Court Records

Morton County court records are official documents and files that detail civil, criminal, family, and other legal proceedings handled within Morton County, North Dakota. Under North Dakota law, “court records” encompass any recorded information, regardless of medium, that a North Dakota court maintains or uses in the transaction of public business. This definition aligns with state guidelines, such as North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 41 and the North Dakota Rules of Court, which set forth standards for public access and record maintenance. (See also N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 41; N.D.R.Ct. § 2(a).)

These records serve as a critical historical and legal repository. They ensure accountability, uphold transparency, and provide reliable data for citizens, attorneys, researchers, and other stakeholders. By reflecting the full history of litigation—from initial filings and hearings to final judgments—they preserve essential legal precedents and facilitate the fair resolution of future disputes.
Information found within Morton County court records may vary by case type:

• Criminal Case Records: Often include complaints, indictments, arraignment records, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and appeal documents.
• Civil Case Records: May contain complaints, petitions, motions, evidence exhibits, rulings, judgments, and settlement agreements.
• Family Court Records: Frequently detail matters such as divorce decrees, child custody rulings, child support orders, adoption proceedings, and guardianship cases.
• Probate and Estate Files: Can include wills, estate inventories, and documents regarding the appointment of executors or administrators.

Personal details—names, addresses, financial information, and case numbers—are generally accessible. However, state law and court orders sometimes restrict access to sensitive information or certain proceedings, particularly those involving minors, mental health commitments, and adoption records. (See N.D.C.C. §§ 14-15 (Adoption), 27-20.4 (Juvenile Court), 25-03.1 (Mental Health Commitments).

Are Court Records Public in Morton County?

In general, Morton County court records are public under North Dakota law. However, certain records or portions thereof are deemed confidential, sealed, or exempt from disclosure under state statutes or court rules. Examples of information commonly withheld include:

• Juvenile Proceedings: Restricted in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 27-20.4.
• Mental Health Commitment Cases: Protected to ensure patient privacy (N.D.C.C. ch. 25-03.1).
• Financial Account and Identifying Numbers: Such as Social Security numbers and credit card details.
• Adoption Proceedings: Governed by N.D.C.C. § 14-15, which maintains strict confidentiality.
• Documents in Domestic Violence Protection Order Cases: Except for the court’s final ruling, most filings remain confidential.

When in doubt, individuals seeking records can refer to North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 41, which outlines what can be released and under what conditions.

Morton County Court Records Search

Interested parties can locate Morton County court records through several avenues:

1. Online Access:
   The North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry website (www.ndcourts.gov/public-access) provides a searchable database of public court documents throughout the state. Users can search by case number, party name, or filing date.
2. In-Person Requests:
   The Morton County Clerk of Court’s Office maintains physical records. Individuals can visit the office to request copies or conduct searches. Requests may require a formal written application, and fees often apply for certified copies or extensive record searches.
3. Third-Party Platforms:
   Some private, fee-based online services offer access to public records. The reliability and currency of such platforms vary, and they may not have the most up-to-date or comprehensive data.

Morton County Courts

The North Dakota District Courts generally handle most civil, criminal, family, and probate cases, while Municipal Courts oversee matters such as local ordinance violations. In Morton County, the following courts serve the community:

• Morton County District Court
  210 2nd Ave NW
  Mandan, ND 58554
  Phone: (701) 667-3358
• Mandan Municipal Court
  210 2nd Ave NW
  Mandan, ND 58554
  Phone: (701) 667-3285
• Flasher Municipal Court
  P.O. Box 162
  Flasher, ND 58535
  Phone: (701) 597-3127
• Glen Ullin Municipal Court
  119 S Main St
  Glen Ullin, ND 58631
  Phone: (701) 348-3685
• Hebron Municipal Court
  612 St. Main St
  Hebron, ND 58638
  Phone: (701) 878-4672
• New Salem Municipal Court
  400 Main Ave
  New Salem, ND 58563
  Phone: (701) 843-7612

Morton County Criminal and Civil Records

The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) serves as the central repository for criminal history records. These records, provided by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and probation offices, include arrest and conviction information. Authorized individuals, such as the record subject or agencies permitted by N.D.C.C. § 12-60-24, may request criminal history checks. Requests can be name-based or fingerprint-based. The BCI’s website and Morton County law enforcement offices are starting points for obtaining these records. Fees and proper identification apply.
Civil records include documentation of lawsuits, contract disputes, property litigation, and probate matters. To access these, individuals may:

• Online: Use the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry for public civil cases.
• Clerk of Court’s Office: Submit a request in person or by mail to the Morton County Clerk of Court. Some records may require a formal request form, applicable fees, and proof of identity.

Sensitive or sealed civil records—often containing personal financial details—may require a court order or special authorization to view.

Morton County Marriage Records

Marriage licenses and certificates for Morton County are filed and maintained by the Morton County Recorder’s Office. Marriage records are considered public records under most circumstances. To obtain a certified marriage certificate:

• Morton County Recorder’s Office
  210 2nd Ave NW,
  Mandan, ND 58554
  Phone: (701) 667-3305

Applicants typically need to provide both spouses’ full names and the date of marriage. Fees apply for certified copies. Additional copies requested at the same time are typically available at a reduced rate.

Morton County Divorce Records

Divorce decrees and related filings are maintained by the Morton County Clerk of Court. Divorce records, while generally accessible, may have confidential financial or child custody information sealed by the court. To request a divorce record, provide the full names of the parties and the approximate date of the divorce:

• Morton County Clerk of Court
  210 2nd Ave NW
  Mandan, ND 58554
  Phone: (701) 667-3358

Fees for certified copies may apply, and some requests may require identification or a written request form.

Morton County Birth and Death Records

North Dakota’s Division of Vital Records, under the North Dakota Department of Health, maintains official birth and death records for Morton County. These records are not held at the county level. Certified copies can be obtained:

• Online or By Mail: Visit the Division of Vital Records website for instructions and ordering forms.
• In-Person (by Appointment):
  Vital Records Office
  600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept. 301
  Bismarck, ND 58505
  Phone: (701) 328-2360

Fees vary by record type, and state law (N.D.C.C. ch. 23-02.1) restricts access to authorized individuals, such as immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order.

Morton County Probate Court Records

Probate records detail the administration of estates, including wills, distributions of assets, and guardianships. The Morton County Clerk of Court’s Office maintains these files. Interested parties can search in person or request copies by mail. Identifying details—such as the decedent’s full name and approximate date of death—may be required. Fees apply for certified copies.

Morton County Property Records

Property transaction records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements, are maintained by the Morton County Recorder’s Office. These records help confirm property ownership, boundaries, and encumbrances. The Recorder’s Office provides:

• In-Person Searches: At the courthouse
• Online Resources: Some property information and GIS mapping may be available through Morton County’s official website

Copy fees apply, and certified copies may be necessary for legal transactions such as real estate sales or refinancing.

Morton County Court Records Online

Several independent, third-party websites like Northdakotacourtrecords.us offer convenient access to Morton County court records, allowing users to search multiple jurisdictions simultaneously. While these platforms can save time and offer flexibility, they may not always have the most current or comprehensive records. For the most accurate and updated information, the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system and official county offices are recommended.