Clerk of District Court

Our Purpose

The Clerk of District Court is the official keeper of all District Court records for Sanders County. These records include Adoption, Civil, Criminal, Dependent Neglect, Domestic Relations, Guardianship, Juvenile, Paternity, Probate and Sanity cases. It is the Clerk of Court's responsibility to ensure accurate and up-to-date records. The Clerk also issues, files, and records all Sanders County marriage applications and marriage licenses.

The majority of all Clerk of Court records are open to the public. Records are searched daily by title companies, credit agencies, investigative agencies and the general public. Searches, copies and certified copies are provided upon request. Fees for searches and copies are charged according to statute.

The Clerk of District Court also serves as Jury Commissioner for Sanders County. As required by statute, each May the Secretary of State provides a combined list of registered voters, licensed drivers, and holders of Montana ID cards to the Clerk of District Court. This list is stored and maintained electronically and it is from this list that jurors are pulled for the City, Justice, and District Court Judges. It is the Clerk's duty to maintain an accurate listing of all selected jurors and to pull individual jury panels for the District Court Judges upon request.

Legal Advice

Montana State statutes MCA 3-1-601, 7-4-2210, and 37-61-203 prohibit the Clerk of Court's Office from giving legal advice or preparing legal documents.  

Montana State statute MCA 37-61-210 prohibits individuals from practicing law without a License. You may represent yourself, but you may not represent others, including family. 

The Montana Law Library may have forms and legal instruction.

JURY TRIAL (status for jury duty) - (406) 827-6979. 

Law & Motion Days 

• Department 1 - Judge Molly Owen; 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 10 am.
• Department 2 - John A Mercer; 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 10am.
• Most District Court proceedings are open to the public and Trials are held periodically throughout the year.
• There will be no Law and Motion on the 5th Tuesday during months that have 5 weeks.

Information

• 20th Judicial District Court Rules (PDF)
• Fees - District Court (PDF)
• SB 16-02 Plea Agreement Policy Department 2 (PDF)

Passports

We are now processing passports BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, M, W-F, from 9 am to 4 pm Refer to the Travel.State.Gov website for required documents.

• Routine: 4 to 6 weeks (see note)
• Expedited: 2 to 3  weeks plus $60 expedite fee (see note)

Note: Mailing times are not included in processing times. Processing times only include the time your application is at one of our passport agencies or centers. The total time to get your passport includes both processing and mailing times. It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center, and up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport in the mail after we print it. Consider the total time it will take to receive your passport when you are booking travel. Express mailing is available to and from the passport agency for additional fees. Call 406-827-6962 for more information.