Williams County Court Records Search
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Williams County, North Dakota generates court records through its District Court and a network of municipal courts serving communities throughout the county. These records document the full history of legal proceedings — encompassing criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family law matters, probate actions, and traffic infractions — and are maintained by the Clerk of District Court as the official custodian of the record. Whether you are a party to a case, an employer conducting due diligence, or a researcher examining local legal history, Williams County court records are accessible through official channels both online and in person.
Residents of North Dakota can begin their search for court case information through several routes, including direct contact with clerk offices, courthouse visits with access to case terminals, and state-maintained online search tools. NorthDakotaCourts.us can serve as a starting point for locating publicly available case information, court addresses, and record-related guidance for counties across the state.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Williams County?
The Clerk of District Court is the official record keeper for all District Court cases in Williams County and serves the Northwest Judicial District, which covers Williams, McKenzie, and Divide counties. All requests for court records — whether criminal, civil, family, or probate — should begin here.
Williams County Clerk of District Court
Address: 205 East Broadway, 1st Floor, Williston, ND 58801
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2047, Williston, ND 58802-2047
Phone: (Civil): (701) 774-4374 | Fax: (701) 774-4379
Phone: (Criminal): (701) 774-4377 | Fax: (701) 774-4379
Courthouse Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Online Case Search
The North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system is the state’s primary public portal for searching Williams County District Court cases at no charge. It indexes criminal/traffic and civil/family/probate case records and allows searches by:
- Case number
- Defendant or party name
- Citation number
- Attorney information
- Filing date
The system displays case information as it progresses — whether open or closed — and includes the final disposition. Users should always click through to the case hyperlink and review the Disposition section, since a case that began as a felony may ultimately resolve as a misdemeanor, infraction, or dismissal.
In-Person Access
Members of the public may visit the Clerk’s Office during courthouse hours to review case records. A record search fee of $10.00 per name applies for each civil or criminal record search requested from the clerk. Payment is collected before search results are provided.
Mail Requests
Written requests may be mailed to P.O. Box 2047, Williston, ND 58802-2047. Include the party name, case number if known, record type, and contact information for the response.
Municipal Courts
Williams County also includes several municipal courts that handle city ordinance violations. Each operates independently:
| Municipal Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Williston Municipal Court | 22 East Broadway, P.O. Box 1306, Williston, ND 58802 | (701) 577-8100 ext. 3 |
| Tioga Municipal Court | 16 1st Street NE, P.O. Box 218, Tioga, ND 58852 | (701) 641-2699 |
| Ray Municipal Court | 20 Winther Street, P.O. Box 67, Ray, ND 58849 | (701) 568-2204 |
| Epping Municipal Court | P.O. Box 44, Epping, ND 58843 | (701) 774-4657 |
| Grenora Municipal Court | P.O. Box 296, Grenora, ND 58845 | (701) 694-3391 |
| Springbrook Municipal Court | 111 Springbrook Street, Springbrook, ND 58843 | (701) 774-3982 |
| Wildrose Municipal Court | P.O. Box 664, Wildrose, ND 58795 | (701) 539-2122 |
Williston Municipal Court holds sessions on Mondays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. at the Williams County Courthouse, Courtroom 119A.
Are Court Records Public in Williams County?
Under North Dakota Century Code Title 44, Chapter 04, all records of a public entity are presumptively public and open for inspection during reasonable office hours (N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18). This means qualified individuals may request copies of Williams County court records from the appropriate custodian. However, the law creates specific categories that are withheld from public disclosure.
Confidential and Restricted Records
The following types of records are not available for public inspection unless disclosed by court order or specific statutory provision (N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18.11):
- Juvenile court proceedings and records
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Adoption and paternity proceedings
- Domestic violence protection order files (except the final court order itself)
- Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and credit/debit card numbers
- Psychological evaluations and drug or alcohol treatment records
- Criminal investigative information (though arrest details are generally public)
Criminal History Sealing
Under N.D.C.C. Chapter 12-60.1, certain individuals may petition to seal qualifying criminal records. Once sealed, disclosure of the existence or content of those records is prohibited. Court forms and guidance for the sealing process are available through the North Dakota Court System’s legal self-help resources.
Record Search Fees
Members of the public may inspect records at no charge, but fees apply when copies or searches are requested. The North Dakota Court Fee Schedule (effective July 1, 2025) governs applicable charges:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil record search per name | $10.00 |
| Criminal record search per name | $10.00 |
| Certified copy of judgment or order | $20.00 (first copy); $10.00 each additional |
| Copies per page | $0.10 |
| Faxed documents (outgoing) per page | $0.25 |
| Notarizing a document | $5.00 |
Williams County Criminal Court Records
The Williams County District Court hears all criminal matters originating within the county, including felonies, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanors. The District Court also receives case transfers and handles appeals from municipal courts.
Criminal Case Types Searchable Through the District Court
- Felonies (Class A, B, C)
- Misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors
- City ordinance transfers
- Traffic infractions
- Administrative traffic matters
Criminal case records can be searched for free through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry using the defendant’s name, case number, citation number, attorney information, or filing date. Because charges may be amended during proceedings, always check the case’s final Disposition entry to confirm how the case was resolved.
In-Person and Mail Requests
For certified copies or official records not available online, submit a request at the Clerk’s Office at 205 East Broadway, Williston, or by mail to P.O. Box 2047. Include the defendant’s full name, approximate filing date, and case number if available. The criminal record search fee is $10.00 per name.
Arrest Records and Inmate Information
Arrest records and booking information are maintained by the Williams County Sheriff’s Office:
Address: 223 East Broadway, Suite 301, Williston, ND 58801
Phone: (701) 577-7700
Inmates currently held at the Williams County Correctional Center can be reached through:
Address: 223 East Broadway, Williston, ND 58801
Phone: (701) 577-4585 | Fax: (701) 577-4588
Email: sheriff@co.williams.nd.us
The Williston Police Department publishes weekly arrest reports on its website as part of its public transparency commitment.
Statewide Criminal History Background Checks
For a certified criminal history background check, requests are processed by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). The fee for a state name-based record check is $15.00 per check, payable by check or money order to “ND Attorney General”. Submit the original signed request form to the Attorney General’s Criminal History Records unit. Fingerprint-based checks carry additional fees.
Williams County Civil Court Records
The Williams County District Court handles all civil actions filed in the county, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, property matters, foreclosures, unlawful detainer actions, and small claims. Civil records are maintained by the Clerk of District Court and are searchable through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system.
Civil Filing Fees (Effective July 1, 2025)
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil action (personal injury, injunction, quiet title, name change) | $160.00 |
| Foreclosure on a lien | $160.00 |
| Foreign decree or judgment filing | $20.00 |
| Filing an answer (non-small claims) | $100.00 |
| Small claims affidavit (claims up to $15,000) | $20.00 |
| Small claims counterclaim or answer | No fee |
Small Claims Court
Small claims cases in North Dakota are filed in the District Court under N.D.C.C. § 27-08.1-01 and may be used for disputes involving $15,000 or less. The Williams County District Court handles small claims at the Williston courthouse. Downloadable forms, including the Small Claims packet, are available at no charge through the North Dakota Court System’s forms page. If you request paper form sets from the Clerk’s Office, the fee is $5.00 per set or $0.50 per individual form.
Civil Case Search
The North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry covers civil case records including forcible detainer, foreclosure, foreign judgment, malpractice, and other civil matters. Searches may be conducted by party name, case number, attorney, or date filed.
In-Person Records Access
The Clerk’s Office at 205 East Broadway, Williston, is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Requests for certified copies of civil judgments, orders, or other filed documents should be submitted directly to the clerk, either in person or by mail.
Williams County Family Court Records
The Williams County District Court has jurisdiction over all family law matters, including divorce, annulment, legal separation, child custody, parenting time, child support, paternity, termination of parental rights, domestic violence protection orders, and adoption proceedings.
Filing Fees for Family Law Cases (Effective July 1, 2025)
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Petition for divorce, annulment, or legal separation | $160.00 |
| Motion to modify child support, parenting time, or residential responsibility | $160.00 |
| Motion for enforcement of parenting time | No fee |
| Domestic violence protection order petition | No fee |
| Sexual assault restraining order petition | No fee |
| Action for child support (no existing order) | $160.00 |
| Termination of parental rights | $160.00 |
Divorce Records
Divorce case records are held by the Clerk of District Court and can be searched through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry under the civil/family category. Certified copies of divorce decrees are restricted — access to certified copies is limited to the parties to the divorce case and their attorneys. All others must appear in person at the Clerk’s Office or submit a written mail request.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Williams County are issued by the Williams County Auditor’s Office:
Address: P.O. Box 2047, Williston, ND 58802
Phone: (701) 577-4500
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The marriage license fee is $65.00 cash (or $68.00 by credit card; checks are not accepted). Both parties must appear in person. Pre-application questionnaires are available by calling the Auditor’s Office in advance. Certified copies of marriage licenses already on file cost $10.00 per copy and may be requested from the Auditor’s Office. Historical marriage records dating back to 1872 can be searched through the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Division of Vital Records for marriages not recently recorded.
Birth and Death Records
Certified copies of Williams County birth and death records are issued by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Division of Vital Records:
Address: 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-0250
Phone: (701) 328-2360
- Birth certificate fee: $15.00 per copy
- Death certificate fee: $15.00 for the first copy; $10.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously
Requests may be submitted online, by mail, or by appointment in person. Eligible requestors for certified birth records include the adult subject, immediate family members, and authorized third parties. Death records are available in three formats depending on the requester’s eligibility: a complete certified copy (with cause of death and Social Security number), a facts-of-death copy, or a general informational copy available to the public.
Williams County Probate Court Records
The Williams County District Court holds original jurisdiction over all probate matters in the county. Probate proceedings handled through the court include formal and informal probate of wills, intestate estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, trust proceedings, appointment proceedings, and creditor claims against estates.
Probate Filing Fees (Effective July 1, 2025)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Probate, guardianship, or testamentary case (Title 30.1) | $160.00 |
| Trust proceedings filing (Titles 30.1 & 59) | $160.00 |
| Subsequent administration of an estate | $20.00 |
| Certified letters of administration, testamentary, or guardianship | included in filing |
Searching Probate Records
The North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry includes probate case records under the civil/family/probate category. Searches can be filtered by case status, case type, and filing date, and may be used to locate probate administration, probate of will, guardianship appointments, and related proceedings.
Requesting Probate Documents
To obtain copies of probate filings — including wills, letters of appointment, inventory filings, or court orders — contact the Williams County Clerk of District Court:
- Visit in person at 205 East Broadway, 1st Floor, Williston, during courthouse hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).
- Submit a written request by mail to P.O. Box 2047, Williston, ND 58802-2047.
- Include the decedent’s or ward’s full name, the approximate filing year, and the case number if known.
Standard copy fees apply: $0.10 per page for regular copies and $20.00 for the first certified copy of any judgment, order, or filed document, with additional copies of the same document at $10.00 each. Court forms for probate proceedings, including fillable PDF packets, are available at no charge through the North Dakota Court System’s forms portal, or may be obtained from the Clerk’s Office for a $5.00 form set fee.