Gallatin County Court Records
What Is Gallatin County Court Records
Court records in Gallatin County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records. Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 3-1-212, court records are defined as "all papers, documents, exhibits, and other items filed with the court in connection with a case or proceeding."
Court records differ from other public records such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) and vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), which are typically maintained by the county clerk and recorder's office rather than the court system.
In Gallatin County, court records are maintained by several courts:
- Gallatin County District Court (18th Judicial District)
- Gallatin County Justice Court
- Bozeman Municipal Court
- Belgrade City Court
- Manhattan City Court
- Three Forks City Court
- West Yellowstone City Court
These courts handle various types of cases including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims. The specific records maintained depend on each court's jurisdiction as established by Montana Code Annotated § 3-1-111, which outlines the structure and authority of Montana's courts.
Are Court Records Public In Gallatin County
Court records in Gallatin County are generally public under Montana's constitutional right to know and the Montana Public Records Act § 2-6-1003. This statute establishes that "every person has a right to examine and obtain a copy of any public record of this state," which includes most court records.
Public court records typically include:
- Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
- Criminal case files (post-charging documents)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Hearing schedules and calendars
- Final dispositions
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 3-1-213, which authorizes courts to limit access to records when necessary to protect privacy interests that exceed the public's right to know. Restricted records often include:
- Adoption proceedings
- Youth court records
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Certain family law matters involving minors
- Records sealed by court order
- Confidential criminal justice information
The Montana Supreme Court has established specific rules governing public access to court records through the Montana Supreme Court's Privacy and Public Access to Court Records in Montana rules. These rules balance the public's right to access information with individual privacy concerns.
It is important to note that federal court records for cases in Montana are maintained separately through the federal court system and are subject to different access rules than state and county records.
How To Find Court Records in Gallatin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Gallatin County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Identify the specific court where the case was filed
- Visit the court clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form providing case number, party names, or filing date
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees (typically $0.25-$1.00 per page)
Gallatin County District Court Clerk
Law & Justice Center
615 S 16th Ave, Room 302
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 582-2171
Gallatin County District Court
Gallatin County Justice Court
Law & Justice Center
615 S 16th Ave, Room 108
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 582-2191
Gallatin County Justice Court
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
- Include case number, party names, case type, and filing date
- Specify documents needed and preferred delivery method
- Include payment for copy fees and return postage
- Provide contact information for follow-up questions
Online Access:
- Access the Montana Judicial Branch Case Search portal
- Register for an account if required
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Pay any applicable online access fees
- Download available documents
For certified copies of court records, requestors must specifically request certification and pay additional certification fees (typically $2-$5 per document). Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 25-1-201, courts may charge reasonable fees for copying and certifying records.
How To Look Up Court Records in Gallatin County Online?
Gallatin County court records are accessible through several online portals, each providing access to different types of court documents:
Montana Courts Public Access Portal:
- Navigate to the Montana District Court Public Access Portal
- Create a user account or log in as a guest
- Select Gallatin County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review search results and select desired case
- View available documents and case information
- Pay applicable fees for document downloads
This portal provides access to District Court records, including civil, criminal, family, and probate cases.
Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Portal:
- Access the Montana Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Portal
- Select Gallatin County Justice Court or municipal courts
- Enter search parameters
- Review available case information
- Request copies of specific documents if needed
This system covers Justice Court and Municipal Court records, including misdemeanors, traffic cases, and small claims.
Montana Supreme Court Case Search:
- Visit the Montana Supreme Court Case Search
- Search for appeals originating from Gallatin County
- View case summaries, briefs, and opinions
- Download available documents
Currently, not all court documents are available online, and some records may only be accessible in person. The availability of online records varies by court and case type, with newer cases generally having more comprehensive online access than older cases. Pursuant to Montana Supreme Court Order No. AF 06-0163, certain sensitive information is redacted from online court records to protect privacy.
How To Search Gallatin County Court Records for Free?
Montana law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006, which states that "a person may inspect and copy public information in a public agency without charge during the agency's normal business hours."
Free access options include:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- Examine records at designated public terminals or reading areas
- Take notes at no charge
Gallatin County Law Library:
Law & Justice Center
615 S 16th Ave, 3rd Floor
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 582-2158
Gallatin County Law Library
The Law Library provides public access terminals for searching court records at no cost.
Free Online Resources:
- Basic case information is available without charge through the Montana Court Case Search
- Case status, hearing dates, and party information can be viewed without fees
- Court calendars and dockets are freely accessible online
While inspection is free, copy fees still apply for document reproduction pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1006(3), which allows agencies to "charge a fee for providing copies of public information." Additionally, certified copies and extensive searches may incur administrative fees.
What's Included in a Gallatin County Court Record?
Gallatin County court records contain various documents depending on the case type and stage of proceedings. Typical components include:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the lawsuit
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Affidavits and declarations
- Court orders and rulings
- Judgment or dismissal
- Notice of appeal (if applicable)
- Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)
Criminal Case Records:
- Information or indictment
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Initial appearance documents
- Bail/bond information
- Plea agreements
- Motions and responses
- Court orders
- Pre-sentence investigation reports (often confidential)
- Judgment and sentencing documents
- Probation/parole conditions
- Appeal notices
Family Law Records:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property settlement agreements
- Temporary orders
- Final decree
- Post-judgment modifications
Probate Records:
- Will (if testate)
- Petition for probate
- Letters testamentary or of administration
- Inventory of estate assets
- Creditor claims
- Accounting reports
- Distribution orders
- Estate closing documents
Each court record also typically includes a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all filings and proceedings in the case. Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 3-5-504, court clerks must maintain these registers for all cases filed.
How Long Does Gallatin County Keep Court Records?
Gallatin County courts retain records according to the Montana Supreme Court's Records Management Policies, which establish mandatory retention schedules for all state courts. These retention periods vary by record type:
Permanent Retention:
- Felony case files
- Civil case files involving real property
- Adoption records
- Probate/estate cases
- Marriage dissolution cases
- Paternity proceedings
- Registers of actions (dockets)
- Judgment dockets and indexes
- Court orders and opinions
Extended Retention (50+ years):
- Juvenile court records (until age 100 of juvenile)
- Mental health commitment proceedings (75 years)
- Guardianship/conservatorship cases (until termination plus 10 years)
Medium-Term Retention (10-25 years):
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (10-25 years depending on offense)
- Civil cases not involving real property (10 years after final disposition)
- Small claims cases (10 years)
- Protection/restraining orders (10 years after expiration)
Short-Term Retention (3-7 years):
- Traffic infractions (3-7 years)
- Parking violations (3 years)
- Administrative records (3-7 years)
- Financial records (7 years)
These retention periods are established pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1012, which authorizes the secretary of state to establish retention schedules for public records. The Montana Supreme Court has adopted specific schedules for judicial records.
After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed, transferred to the Montana State Archives, or preserved in other formats such as microfilm or digital images. Historical records of significant value may be permanently preserved regardless of standard retention schedules.
Types of Courts In Gallatin County
Gallatin County's court system consists of several levels of courts, each with distinct jurisdictions and authority:
Gallatin County District Court (18th Judicial District)
Law & Justice Center
615 S 16th Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 582-2171
Gallatin County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The District Court is Gallatin County's court of general jurisdiction, presided over by four district judges. It handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, domestic relations, probate, juvenile proceedings, and appeals from lower courts.
Gallatin County Justice Court
Law & Justice Center
615 S 16th Ave, Room 108
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 582-2191
Gallatin County Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $12,000, small claims up to $7,000, landlord-tenant disputes, protection orders, and traffic violations in unincorporated areas of the county.
Bozeman Municipal Court
615 S 16th Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 582-2040
Bozeman Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Handles city ordinance violations, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses occurring within Bozeman city limits.
Belgrade City Court
91 E Central Ave
Belgrade, MT 59714
(406) 388-3760
Belgrade City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Handles city ordinance violations, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses occurring within Belgrade city limits.
Manhattan City Court
120 W Main St
Manhattan, MT 59741
(406) 284-3235
Manhattan City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Handles city ordinance violations, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses occurring within Manhattan city limits.
Three Forks City Court
206 Main St
Three Forks, MT 59752
(406) 285-3431
Three Forks City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Handles city ordinance violations, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses occurring within Three Forks city limits.
West Yellowstone City Court
440 Yellowstone Ave
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
(406) 646-7795
West Yellowstone City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Handles city ordinance violations, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses occurring within West Yellowstone city limits.
The court hierarchy in Montana proceeds from Municipal/City Courts and Justice Courts to District Courts, then to the Montana Supreme Court. Montana does not have an intermediate Court of Appeals.
What Types of Cases Do Gallatin County Courts Hear?
Gallatin County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters based on their jurisdictional authority:
Gallatin County District Court:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $12,000
- Domestic relations (divorce, child custody, support)
- Probate and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Mental health commitments
- Appeals from lower courts
- Property disputes and real estate matters
- Complex business litigation
- Administrative agency appeals
Gallatin County Justice Court:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by up to 1 year in jail)
- Civil lawsuits up to $12,000
- Small claims up to $7,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Protection/restraining orders
- Traffic violations in unincorporated areas
- Fish and game violations
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Search and arrest warrants
Municipal/City Courts:
- City ordinance violations
- Misdemeanor offenses occurring within city limits
- Traffic violations within city boundaries
- Parking infractions
- Animal control violations
- Nuisance complaints
- City code enforcement
- DUI and other alcohol-related offenses
The jurisdiction of these courts is established by Montana Code Annotated § 3-10-301 for Justice Courts and Montana Code Annotated § 3-11-102 for Municipal Courts.
In certain cases, concurrent jurisdiction exists where multiple courts may have authority to hear a case. For example, both Justice Court and Municipal Court may have jurisdiction over a misdemeanor offense occurring within city limits, with the prosecuting authority determining where to file charges.
How To Find a Court Docket In Gallatin County
Court dockets in Gallatin County provide chronological listings of all proceedings and filings in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Montana Courts Case Search portal
- Select the appropriate court (District, Justice, or Municipal)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review the register of actions (docket) for the selected case
- Note that some older cases may not be available online
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court
- Request to view the docket for a specific case
- Provide identifying information (case number or party names)
- Review the docket at public terminals or request printed copies
- Pay applicable copy fees if printed copies are requested
Upcoming Court Calendars:
- Access the Gallatin County District Court Calendar
- Review scheduled hearings by date, judge, or case type
- Note that calendars are typically published one week in advance
- Municipal and Justice Court calendars may be posted at the courthouse or available by phone
Telephone Inquiries:
- Contact the appropriate court clerk's office
- Provide case number or party names
- Request basic docket information
- Note that detailed information may require in-person visits
Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 3-1-212, court dockets are public records unless specifically sealed by court order. However, access methods and availability may vary by court and case type.
Which Courts in Gallatin County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Montana's judicial system, "courts of record" are those that maintain verbatim records of all proceedings, typically through court reporters or digital recording systems. Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated § 3-1-102, courts of record include the Supreme Court and District Courts.
The following Gallatin County courts are not courts of record:
Justice Courts:
- Gallatin County Justice Court
Municipal/City Courts:
- Bozeman Municipal Court
- Belgrade City Court
- Manhattan City Court
- Three Forks City Court
- West Yellowstone City Court
These courts do not maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings unless specifically requested by a party and at that party's expense. Instead, they keep written records of essential information, including:
- Charges or claims filed
- Parties' appearances
- Pleas or answers
- Judgments or orders issued
- Fines or sentences imposed
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeals. Appeals from courts not of record to District Court are conducted "de novo" (anew), meaning the District Court holds a completely new trial rather than reviewing the lower court's proceedings for errors. This is established in Montana Code Annotated § 25-33-301, which states that "all cases on appeal from justices' or city courts must be tried anew in the district court."
Some municipal courts in Montana have elected to become courts of record under Montana Code Annotated § 3-6-101, but none in Gallatin County have currently done so.