Stutsman County Court Records Search

    Please enter a valid first name
    Please enter a valid last name

    NorthDakotaCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on NorthDakotaCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.

    Stutsman County sits in the heart of North Dakota along the James River, with its court system centered in Jamestown. The District Court handles the full range of criminal, civil, family, and probate matters for the region. Court records from these proceedings — case files, orders, judgments, pleadings, dockets, evidence exhibits, and audio or video recordings — are maintained by the Clerk of the District Court as the official documentation of judicial activity in the county.

    If you're trying to access court records in North Dakota, you have several options: visiting courthouse terminals in person, submitting written requests to the clerk's office, or using online tools. The NorthDakotaCourts.us website is a useful place to find publicly available case information, court locations, self-help resources, and filing guidance statewide. The sections below walk through each record type, where those records are kept, how to request them, and what access restrictions may apply.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Stutsman County?

    Start with the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry Portal, which gives the public free access to district and municipal court case information statewide — no registration required. You can search by party name, case number, or citation number and pull up records covering criminal, civil, traffic, probate, and family case types. The portal reflects case information as filed with the clerk's office, including both open and closed cases and their final dispositions.

    For in-person access, public terminals are available at the Stutsman County Courthouse during regular office hours. These terminals let you search by name or case number at no charge, though printing fees may apply.

    To request certified copies or inspect physical case files, contact the District Court Clerk directly:

    Stutsman County District Court Clerk
    Address: 511 2nd Avenue SE, Suite 202, Jamestown, ND 58401
    Phone: (701) 253-6243, Option 1
    Email: 47clerk@ndcourts.gov
    Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Whether you're visiting in person or submitting by mail, have the case number, full party names, and a description of the specific documents you need ready before you reach out. Fees apply for paper copies, and certified copies of restricted materials may require additional documentation to establish your entitlement. Current filing fees and copy costs are published in the North Dakota Court Fee Schedule, which was updated by the Supreme Court and took effect July 1, 2025.

    Businesses and researchers who need ongoing or bulk access to court data across multiple counties can apply through the Data Access program administered by the North Dakota Courts, which permits bulk distribution of publicly accessible court records under Administrative Rule 41.

    Are Court Records Public in Stutsman County?

    Court records in North Dakota are broadly open to the public. North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 41 sets the comprehensive framework for public access, built around two principles: open access to judicial proceedings and protection of legitimate privacy and security interests. Under this rule, any member of the public may examine, inspect, and copy court records during regular office hours, subject to applicable exemptions.

    That said, a significant number of record categories are confidential or restricted under state law and court rules. The following types of records are generally withheld from public access in Stutsman County:

    When a court file contains both public and confidential content, the clerk may redact the restricted portions and release the rest. If an entire record is sealed by court order, no portion is accessible without a court directive. Even for confidential cases, the register of actions and docket must still disclose that the case exists — just not its content.

    Stutsman County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal matters in Stutsman County are split between two courts depending on the severity of the offense. The Stutsman County District Court, part of the Southeast Judicial District, handles felony prosecutions, Class A misdemeanors, and related criminal proceedings. The Jamestown Municipal Court covers Class B misdemeanor offenses, infractions, non-criminal traffic violations, and other municipal ordinance matters.

    Stutsman County District Court
    Address: 511 2nd Avenue SE, Suite 202, Jamestown, ND 58401
    Phone: (701) 253-6243
    Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Jamestown Municipal Court
    Address: 205 6th Street SE, Suite 104, Jamestown, ND 58401
    Phone: (701) 251-2143
    Fax: (701) 251-6297

    Criminal case records — charges, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing information — are searchable through the District Court Case Search portal, which covers both district and participating municipal court cases. The portal shows each case's final disposition; click on individual case hyperlinks to confirm whether a felony charge was ultimately resolved as a misdemeanor, infraction, or dismissal.

    Arrest Records: Arrest documentation is maintained by the arresting agency, not the court clerk. For Stutsman County arrests and jail information, contact the Stutsman County Sheriff's Office at 205 6th Street SE (1st Floor), Jamestown; general inquiries go to (701) 251-6200. The Sheriff's Office also maintains an online Inmate Roster for the Stutsman County Correctional Center, which shows live data on individuals currently in custody.

    Sealed and Expunged Records: Certain criminal records may be sealed under N.D.C.C. Ch. 12-60.1 or following a deferred imposition of sentence. These records are not accessible through the public portal or courthouse terminals. For information on eligibility to seal a criminal record, consult the North Dakota Legal Self Help Center or an attorney.

    Stutsman County Civil Court Records

    Civil litigation in Stutsman County — contract disputes, personal injury actions, property claims, landlord-tenant matters, evictions, foreclosures, and money judgments — is filed with the Stutsman County District Court Clerk and heard in the District Court. Civil case records are kept in the clerk's office and can be accessed through the public terminal at the courthouse or online via the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry Portal.

    Small Claims: Small claims matters are a division of District Court, governed by N.D.C.C. Chapter 27-08.1. Claims for $15,000 or less — including money recovery and cancellation of agreements involving fraud or misrepresentation — may be brought in Small Claims Court, as long as no more than six years has passed since the debt arose. Hearings must be scheduled within 10 to 30 days of the defendant's request and typically last no more than 30 minutes. Note that Small Claims Court decisions are final and cannot be appealed. The North Dakota Courts provide a complete Small Claims Court Forms Packet including:

    • Form 2 – Claim Affidavit
    • Form 3 – Defendant's Request for Hearing or Removal to District Court
    • Form 4 – Defendant's Answer/Counterclaim
    • Form 8 – Affidavit of Identification of Judgment Debtor

    Civil Filing Fees: The current North Dakota Court Fee Schedule (effective July 1, 2025) governs all civil filing costs. The District Court civil filing fee was increased in a recent fee adjustment — the clerk's office can confirm the current applicable amount at the time of filing. Fee waiver requests are available for qualifying individuals who cannot afford court costs.

    Requesting Civil Records: To obtain copies of specific civil case documents, contact the District Court Clerk at 511 2nd Avenue SE, Suite 202, Jamestown, ND 58401, or email 47clerk@ndcourts.gov. Have the case number, party names, and the document or filing you need ready. Staff will confirm applicable copy fees before processing your request.

    Stutsman County Family Court Records

    Family law proceedings in Stutsman County — divorce, legal separation, child custody and residential responsibility, child support, domestic violence civil protection orders, and adoption — are heard in the Stutsman County District Court. Most family matters are initiated and maintained at the District Court Clerk's office at the courthouse.

    Divorce Records: Divorce decrees and related case filings are maintained by the District Court Clerk. Case information can be searched through the ND Courts Records Inquiry Portal, and certified copies of divorce judgments are available directly from the clerk's office. The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services clarifies that certified copies of divorce records can only be obtained from the county clerk or recorder in the county where the divorce was decreed — statewide vital records does not issue divorce certificates directly.

    Marriage Records: Marriage licenses and marriage certificates for Stutsman County are maintained by the Stutsman County Recorder's Office, which holds records dating back to 1884. Certified copies are available to the spouses and legally authorized individuals; uncertified (plain) copies are available to the general public. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and applicable fees when you contact the Recorder's Office:

    Stutsman County Recorder's Office
    Address: 511 2nd Avenue SE, Suite 103, Jamestown, ND 58401
    Phone: (701) 252-9034
    Email: recorder@stutsmancounty.gov

    The Recorder's Office can also search the statewide system to locate where a marriage license was issued anywhere in North Dakota — useful when the county of issuance is uncertain.

    Child Custody and Support: Matters involving residential responsibility and parenting time are filed with the District Court. The North Dakota Courts offer self-help guidance on establishing custody and visitation for unmarried parents. Mediation proceedings related to contested child support, custody, or visitation are confidential under N.D.C.C. § 14-09.1-06.

    Domestic Violence: Civil protection orders in Stutsman County are handled through the District Court. Under N.D.C.C. § 14-07.7, records relating to civil protection orders carry confidentiality protections. Domestic violence-related criminal matters are prosecuted in the District Court and follow standard criminal record access rules.

    Adoption: Adoption proceedings are confidential under N.D.C.C. § 14-15-16(4) and are not accessible to the general public. If you have questions about sealed adoption records, contact the District Court Clerk, who can explain any statutory procedures for limited access.

    Juvenile Court: The Stutsman County Juvenile Court, located in the basement of the Stutsman County Courthouse, handles cases involving minors and has exclusive original jurisdiction over juvenile matters. Juvenile court files are confidential by law under N.D.C.C. § 27-20.2-21 and N.D.R.Juv.P. 19.

    Stutsman County Juvenile Court
    Address: 511 2nd Avenue SE, Suite 1, Jamestown, ND 58401
    Phone: (701) 253-6253

    Historical and Genealogical Records: Researchers tracing family history through vital records can access older records through the North Dakota State Archives at 612 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505, Phone: (701) 328-2666 Birth and death records are also available through the North Dakota Vital Records portal, which processes orders online, by mail, and by appointment. Certified birth certificates cost $15.00 per copy; certified death certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy, under N.D.C.C. § 23-02.1-27.

    Stutsman County Probate Court Records

    Probate jurisdiction in North Dakota rests with the District Court, and Stutsman County probate matters are heard and maintained by the District Court Clerk in Jamestown. The probate docket covers estate administration for both testate (with a will) and intestate (without a will) decedents, as well as guardianships, conservatorships, trust administration proceedings, will contests, and estate inventories and appraisals.

    Types of Probate Records Maintained:

    • Petitions for appointment of personal representatives
    • Wills admitted to probate and will contest filings
    • Estate inventories and accountings
    • Letters testamentary and letters of administration
    • Guardianship and conservatorship proceedings
    • Intestate succession determinations

    Searching Probate Records:

    Probate case information is searchable through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry Portal by selecting Stutsman County and filtering for probate case types. Public terminals at the courthouse also allow probate case searches during office hours. Keep in mind that wills deposited with the Stutsman County Recorder's Office for safekeeping are confidential under N.D.C.C. § 30.1-11-01 and N.D.C.C. § 30.1-28-03.1; certain personal information in estate files involving vulnerable individuals may also be restricted.

    Requesting Probate Documents:

    To obtain certified copies of probate filings, orders, or letters, contact the District Court Clerk's office directly:

    Stutsman County District Court Clerk
    Address: 511 2nd Avenue SE, Suite 202, Jamestown, ND 58401
    Phone: (701) 253-6243, Option 1
    Email: 47clerk@ndcourts.gov
    Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    When making a request, identify the decedent's full name, the approximate date of death or case filing, and the specific documents you need. Fees for copies are set by the North Dakota Court Fee Schedule.

    For property-related records arising out of estate administration — including deeds, mortgages, and real estate transfers — contact the Stutsman County Recorder's Office at 511 2nd Avenue SE, Suite 103, Jamestown, ND 58401, Phone: (701) 252-9034 Property tax and assessment information tied to estate inventories is available through the Stutsman County Property Tax Information Portal or by contacting the Stutsman County Treasurer's Office at 511 2nd Avenue SE, Suite 101, Jamestown, Phone: (701) 252-9036