Morton County Court Records Search
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Morton County, North Dakota, sits in the south-central part of the state with its county seat in Mandan, directly across the Missouri River from Bismarck. Its court system handles civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters through the Morton County District Court, with additional municipal courts operating in several incorporated cities within the county. Court records generated in these proceedings are official documents that capture every stage of a legal case — from initial filings and motions through judgments, sentencing, and appeal — and are managed under North Dakota’s framework for judicial records access.
Individuals researching North Dakota court records can consult NorthDakotaCourts.us to help locate court contacts, case search tools, and publicly available case information. In Morton County specifically, records can be searched online through the state court portal, reviewed on public access terminals at the courthouse, or requested directly from the Clerk of Court’s office by phone, email, or in person. Each approach has different scope, and some older or restricted records are available only through direct contact with the clerk.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Morton County?
Morton County court records can be accessed through several channels, depending on the type of case and how recently it was filed.
Online Search Options
The primary online tool is the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry portal, which provides searchable access to district court case records across the state. Users can search by party name, case number, or citation number and view case details in criminal, traffic, civil, family, and probate categories. A separate District Court Case Search and Payment Processing portal is available for criminal, traffic, and civil case lookups and allows online fine payments.
In-Person Access
A public access terminal is available at the Morton County Courthouse for use by anyone during regular business hours. This terminal connects to the Odyssey case management system and allows statewide case record searches under North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 41.
Contacting the Clerk of Court
For certified copies, records not available online, or older paper files, contact the Clerk of Court directly:
Morton County District Court – Clerk of Court
Address: 210 2nd Ave NW, Mandan, ND 58554
Phone: (701) 667-3358 ext. 1 (Clerk’s Office)
Phone: (701) 667-3358 ext. 2 (Jury Line)
Fax: (701) 667-3474
Email: 30clerk@ndcourts.gov
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the same address. Requests should identify the case by party name and approximate filing date, or by case number if known. The clerk may require payment for copying and certification fees before fulfilling a request.
Municipal Courts in Morton County
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Mandan Municipal Court | 205 2nd Ave NW, Mandan, ND 58554 | (701) 667-3270 |
| Flasher Municipal Court | P.O. Box 227, Flasher, ND 58535 | (701) 597-3127 |
| Hebron Municipal Court | 600 Washington, P.O. Box V, Hebron, ND 58638 | (701) 878-4487 |
| New Salem Municipal Court | P.O. Box 393, New Salem, ND 58563 | (701) 843-7828 |
The Mandan Municipal Court is located inside the Morton County Courthouse and is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to noon.
Are Court Records Public in Morton County?
Court records in Morton County are generally open to the public under North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 41, which governs access to judicial branch records. Unlike county and municipal government agencies — which are subject to the state’s open records law — the courts operate under their own access framework. Under Administrative Rule 41, judicial records are open for examination, inspection, and copying during regular office hours, subject to specific confidentiality protections.
Categories of records that are restricted or withheld from public access in Morton County include:
- Juvenile proceedings — case records involving minors are confidential under N.D.C.C. § 27-20.4 and are not open to public inspection
- Adoption proceedings — governed by N.D.C.C. § 14-15, which imposes strict confidentiality on all related filings
- Mental health commitment cases — protected to preserve patient privacy under N.D.C.C. ch. 25-03.1
- Domestic violence protection order filings — most documents in these cases remain confidential except for the court’s final ruling
- Personal identifying information — Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and credit card details are redacted from publicly accessible records
- Sealed records — any file sealed by court order is inaccessible without specific judicial authorization
When a request is denied, the denying party must provide the legal authority for that denial in writing. More information on North Dakota’s open records framework for government agencies (not courts) can be found in the North Dakota Attorney General’s Open Records Guide.
Morton County Criminal Court Records
The Morton County District Court has jurisdiction over all felony criminal cases in the county. Misdemeanor offenses and traffic violations that occur within city limits may be handled by the relevant municipal court, while those arising in unincorporated areas fall under the District Court. Criminal case records include complaints, indictments, arraignment records, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, probation terms, and any appeal documentation.
Criminal court case records can be searched using the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry portal by party name or case number. The public access terminal at the Mandan courthouse provides the same search capability in person.
Criminal History Background Checks
Criminal court records and criminal history records are distinct. For background check purposes, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) within the Attorney General’s Office serves as the central repository for statewide criminal history information. Key details for submitting a public request:
- Fee: $15.00 per name-based record check (payable by check or money order to “ND Attorney General”; cash accepted only for in-person drop-off at the Bismarck office)
- Required information: Full name (including aliases), date of birth, Social Security number or fingerprints, and current address or a signed authorization form
- Processing time: Approximately 7–10 business days; expedited processing available with prepaid overnight return envelope and certified funds
- Submission: Mail the completed Request for Criminal History Record Information form (SFN 50744) to the BCI along with payment
- National (FBI) checks: Requests involving N.D.C.C. § 12-60-24 must be routed through the BCI as well; all others go directly to the FBI
For arrest-related information including booking records, custody status, and detention inquiries in Morton County, contact:
Morton County Sheriff’s Office
Address: Morton County Law Enforcement Center, 205 1st Ave NW, Mandan, ND 58554
Phone: (701) 667-3330
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Morton County Civil Court Records
Civil matters — including contract disputes, property litigation, small claims actions, landlord-tenant cases, and debt collection — are filed with the Morton County District Court. Civil case records are maintained by the Clerk of Court and include complaints, petitions, motions, evidence submissions, court rulings, judgments, and settlement agreements.
Court Filing Fees (Effective July 1, 2025)
Under SB 2057, North Dakota significantly increased its court fees for the first time since 1995. Current fees applicable to civil matters in Morton County include:
| Filing Type | Fee | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| District Court Civil Action (new case) | $160.00 | N.D.C.C. § 27-05.2-03(1)(a) |
| District Court Answer | $100.00 | N.D.C.C. § 27-05.2-03(1)© |
| Motion to Modify (support, custody, parenting time) | $160.00 | N.D.C.C. § 27-05.2-03(1)(d) |
| Answer to Motion to Modify | $100.00 | N.D.C.C. § 27-05.2-03(1)(d) |
| Other clerk filing/service fee | $20.00 | N.D.C.C. § 27-05.2-03(1)(f)-(g) |
| Small Claims Court (claims up to $15,000) | $20.00 | N.D.C.C. § 27-05.2-03(e) |
| Supreme Court Appeal | $250.00 | N.D.C.C. § 27-03-05 |
Small claims actions in North Dakota are limited to disputes involving $15,000 or less under N.D.C.C. § 27-08.1-01. This simplified process allows self-represented parties to pursue money judgments, contract rescissions based on fraud, and similar disputes without an attorney. Forms and guidance for small claims are available through the North Dakota Legal Self Help Center.
Public civil case records can be searched online through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry portal. Sensitive civil records containing personal financial information may be redacted or sealed and require a court order to access. To obtain certified copies of civil case documents, contact the Clerk of Court at (701) 667-3358 ext. 1 or by email at 30clerk@ndcourts.gov.
Morton County Family Court Records
Family law proceedings in Morton County — including divorce, legal separation, child custody, parenting time, child support, domestic violence protection orders, and adoption — are filed with the District Court. The Clerk of Court at 210 2nd Ave NW in Mandan maintains all related filings and orders.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce decrees and related orders are generally accessible as part of the civil case record. However, financial disclosures, child custody details, and other sensitive content within divorce files may be partially sealed or redacted. To request a divorce record, provide the full names of both parties and the approximate year of filing to the Clerk at (701) 667-3358 ext. 1 or 30clerk@ndcourts.gov.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Protection order petitions and most supporting filings are kept confidential by court rule. Only the court’s final order is publicly accessible. Petitioners should contact the Clerk of Court directly regarding access procedures.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses for Morton County are issued and maintained by the Morton County Recorder’s Office. Both applicants must appear in person no later than 4:00 p.m. at the Recorder’s Office. Requirements include:
- Valid government-issued photo identification for both parties
- $65 marriage license fee (cash, or credit/debit card with a $3 processing fee)
- Certified copy of divorce decree from the most recent prior marriage, if applicable
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old (ages 16–17 require parental or guardian consent under N.D.C.C. ch. 14-03)
Courthouse ceremonies performed by the Recorder cost $30 (cash or card, payable when the ceremony is scheduled). Offsite ceremony pricing is available by calling (701) 667-3305 or emailing nancy.seefeldt@mortonnd.gov.
Certified copies of marriage licenses cost $5.00 for the first copy and $2.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
Morton County Recorder’s Office
Address: 210 2nd Ave NW, Mandan, ND 58554
Phone: (701) 667-3306
Fax: (701) 667-3380
Email: Nancy.Seefeldt@mortonnd.gov
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death records for Morton County residents are not maintained at the county level. They are held exclusively by the North Dakota Division of Vital Records under North Dakota Health and Human Services. Certified birth certificates cost $15.00 per copy and may be ordered online, by mail, or by appointment. Access is restricted to the individual named on the record (if 16 or older), the mother or father named on the record, or authorized legal representatives with supporting documentation. Death record requests follow similar access and fee structures.
ND Vital Records Contact
Address: 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 325, Bismarck, ND 58505-0250
Phone: (701) 328-2360
Email: vitalrec@nd.gov
Morton County Probate Court Records
Probate proceedings in Morton County — including estate administration, will probate, guardianships, conservatorships, and related trust matters — are heard in the Morton County District Court. There is no separate probate court; the District Court judge assigned to the matter manages the case from filing through final order. The Clerk of Court at 210 2nd Ave NW maintains all probate files.
Probate matters handled by the court include:
- Probate of wills and appointment of personal representatives for testate estates
- Administration of intestate estates (no valid will)
- Guardianship proceedings for incapacitated adults and minors
- Conservatorships involving management of a ward’s financial affairs
- Trust accountings and judicial supervision of trust administration
- Estate inventory, creditor claims, and final distributions
Probate case records that are publicly accessible can be searched through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry portal using the party name (typically the decedent’s name) or case number. The public access terminal at the courthouse provides the same capability in person.
To request copies of probate documents — such as Letters Testamentary, decrees of distribution, or filed wills — contact the Clerk of Court by phone at (701) 667-3358 ext. 1 or by email at 30clerk@ndcourts.gov. Mail requests should be sent to 210 2nd Ave NW, Mandan, ND 58554, and should include the decedent’s full name, approximate date of death, and the specific documents needed. Fees for copying and certification apply per the current court fee schedule. Self-represented parties navigating probate proceedings can access forms and procedural guidance through the North Dakota Legal Self Help Center, which is maintained by the North Dakota Supreme Court.