Clerk of District Court Responsibilities
The Clerk of District Court is a constitutional office directed by statute the official keeper of all District Court records. These records include Adoption, Civil, Criminal, Dependent Neglect, Domestic Relations, Guardianship, Juvenile, Paternity, Probate and Sanity cases. The clerk also issues, files and records all Madison County Marriage license applications and license.
The Clerk of District Court records dates back to the 1860’s and until 1990 were managed in books. The books included an index of names to provide ease in accessing records. While these are still utilized all records from 1990 are maintained on a computer system, Full Court, provided by the State of Montana.
The majority of Clerk of Court records are open to the public. Records are searched daily by title companies, credit agencies, investigative agencies and the general public. It is the Clerk of Court’s responsibility to ensure accurate and up-to-date records. 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 Madison County. As required by statute, each June the Clerk receives a list of registered voters and licensed drivers and State Identification Card holders from the Secretary of State office. This list is stored and maintained electronically and it is from this list that jurors are pulled for the Municipal Court, Justice Court and District Court and District Court. 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 upon request.
The Clerk of District Court is the collection site for Court ordered child support payments, bonds and criminal restitution, fines and fees. Monies that are collected for child support and criminal fines and fees on one business day are distributed to the appropriate parties the same business day. Monies collected for bonds are released only by Court Order.
The Clerk of District Court is responsible for compilation of water bills due on adjudicated streams with a water commissioner appointed.
There are over three-hundred statutes directing the Clerk of District Court duties and responsibilities. These statutes range from directing filing process, issuing marriage license, receiving and distribution funds. Daily tasks are directed by statute. The Secretary of State retention scheduled must be followed concerning purging documents.
