Court records in Cascade County, Montana can be searched through several channels. CascadeCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Montana Public Access Portal, the Cascade County Clerk of Court's Office, and public terminals available at the courthouse in Great Falls. Each resource offers different levels of detail depending on the case type and record availability.
Cascade Court System & Jurisdictions
Cascade County sits within Montana's Eighth Judicial District. Several courts operate in the county, each handling specific case types.
Eighth Judicial District Court
This is the court of general jurisdiction for Cascade County. It hears:
- Criminal cases — felonies and some misdemeanor appeals
- Civil cases — lawsuits exceeding the limited-jurisdiction threshold, including contract disputes and personal injury claims
- Family law — divorce, parenting plans, custody modifications, and orders of protection
- Probate and estate matters — wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and estate administration
- Adoption proceedings
- Dependent neglect and abuse cases
The Clerk of District Court maintains all records for this court, including civil, criminal, dependent neglect, adoption, and probate files.
Justice Court and City Court (Courts of Limited Jurisdiction)
Montana's courts of limited jurisdiction in Cascade County include Justice Court and Great Falls Municipal Court. These courts handle:
- Misdemeanors — criminal offenses carrying penalties of up to six months in jail and/or fines
- Traffic violations — speeding, DUI, and other moving violations
- Small claims — civil disputes up to the statutory limit (currently $7,000 in Montana)
- Preliminary felony hearings — initial appearances and probable cause determinations before cases transfer to District Court
- Civil infractions and ordinance violations
If you are unsure which court holds a particular docket, the Montana Judicial Branch website lets you look up courts by county and judicial district.
Cascade Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Cascade County can be accessed through the state's online portals and directly from the courthouse.
Online Access
- Montana District Court Public Access Portal — The FullCourt Enterprise portal provides online access to District Court calendars and case information. You can search by party name or case number to find scheduled hearings.
- Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Portal — The Montana Public Access Portal page also links to the limited-jurisdiction portal, which covers Justice Court and City Court schedules.
In-Person and Phone
- Contact the Clerk of District Court or the applicable limited-jurisdiction court directly to ask about today's or this week's hearings.
- Court calendars are typically posted at the courthouse. Some judges' divisions maintain their own scheduling practices, so calling ahead is often the most reliable approach.
Cascade County Clerk of District Court
How to Get a Copy of a Cascade Court Document
The Clerk of District Court is the official custodian of all District Court records in Cascade County. You can request copies through three channels.
Online
Some documents may be viewable or downloadable through the FullCourt Enterprise portal. Not all documents are available electronically — sealed, confidential, or older records may require an in-person or mail request.
In Person
- Visit the Clerk of Court's Office at the Cascade County Courthouse.
- Provide the case number or the full names of the parties involved.
- Specify whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Certified copies carry an official court seal and are typically required for legal proceedings, while uncertified copies work for personal reference.
- Pay the applicable fee at the counter.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk of District Court that includes:
- Your full name and return mailing address
- The case number or party names
- A description of the document(s) you need
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- Payment (check or money order made payable to Cascade County Clerk of Court)
The Clerk's office also provides search request forms and copy request documents on the county website for divorce decrees, marriage licenses, and other commonly requested records.
Restricted Records
Certain records are not available to the general public. These typically include:
- Adoption files
- Juvenile proceedings
- Sealed cases
- Records subject to a court order restricting access
- Confidential documents such as mental health evaluations or certain victim information
Ask the clerk whether the record you need is publicly accessible before submitting payment.
Cascade Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Cascade County are set by Montana statute and local court policy. The table below reflects standard fees commonly charged by the Clerk of District Court. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Record search (per name) | $2.00 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $2.00 certification fee plus per-page copy charges |
| Certificate with seal | $2.00 |
| Exemplification of a record | $5.00 |
Source: Montana Code Annotated § 25-1-201 et seq. (Clerk of District Court fee schedule). Verify current fees with the Cascade County staff directory or by calling 406-454-6869 (Records/Searches).
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order. Ask the clerk whether credit or debit cards are accepted.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to Cascade County Clerk of Court.
- Online: Payment options through the FullCourt Enterprise portal may vary. Some document requests may require payment by mail even if the search is done online.
If you need a criminal background check rather than a specific court record, the Montana Department of Justice handles statewide criminal history checks through a separate process and fee structure.