Contact the Clerk of Court
Send an email to flatheadclerkofcourt(at)flatheadcounty.gov or call 406-758-5870.
Child Support
My child support is not being paid. What can I do?
The following three options should be considered:
- Complete and file an application for contempt, which is available on the Clerk of Court forms page. The filing cost is nominal, and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office will serve paperwork on the child support payer if he or she resides in Flathead County.
- Contact the Child Support Enforcement Division for the State of Montana at 1-800-346-5437 to open a case. CSED will collect child support by means of a wage assignment, automatically deducting funds from each paycheck.
- Seek advice from an attorney licensed to practice law in Montana.
Where do I mail child support payments?
Child support payments for any case must be made payable to the payee and mailed to the Clerk of Court.
Payee's Namec/o Clerk of Court
920 South Main, Suite 300
Kalispell, MT 59901
Include enough information with your payment for the Clerk of Court to identify the correct case.
Court Filings
What types of court filings are public?
Civil, dissolution, probate, felony criminal, juvenile records, and lower court appeals are generally public records.
Some filings are confidential by law, including abused and neglected children cases and adoption cases.
Can I file documents by fax or email?
No. As of June 18, 2013, filing via email or facsimile is not allowed. The courts in this jurisdiction signed a Local District Court Order that allows only proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order documents to be submitted electronically.
Criminal Payments
Can I pay supervision and/or felony restitution fees here?
Supervision fees and felony restitution fees are paid through State offices in Helena. Their contact information is 800-801-3478.
The mailing address is:
Dept of CorrectionsCollection Unit
PO Box 201350
Helena, MT 59620
The payment must include your name, your Department of Corrections DOC ID number, such as AO#12345, and the name of your current Probation, Parole, or ISP Officer.
Only criminal fines, public defender fees, and misdemeanor restitution payments are payable through the Clerk of Court.
Jury Duty
Who qualifies as a prospective juror in Montana?
A person may be eligible to serve on jury duty in Montana if they are 18 years of age or older and are registered to vote or licensed to drive.
Marriage
Who can marry us?
Montana law identifies who may solemnize a marriage. This may include certain judges, public officials, tribal judges, and ceremonies recognized by religious denominations, Indian nations or tribes, or native groups.
Review Montana Code Annotated, Title 40, Chapter 1, Part 3 for marriage solemnization and registration requirements: Marriage Solemnization and Registration Opens in a new tab. .
The completed marriage certificate must be forwarded to the Clerk of the District Court after the marriage is solemnized.
Name Changes
Can I change my name or the name of my child?
Yes. You may open a civil name change case with the Clerk of Court. A $120 filing fee applies.
Name change packets are available from the Self-Help Law Center at 920 South Main Street in Kalispell. You may also call the Self-Help Law Center at 406-758-2496.
Name change forms are also available from the Montana Courts forms website. Adults may be required to publish notice in a newspaper. A minor name change may not require publication if both parents file consent.
If changing the names of multiple children in one family, a separate petition must be filed for each child.
Passports
Where else can I get information about passports?
Most questions about passports and international travel are answered by the U.S. Department of State.
Visit the official U.S. Department of State passport website: Passport and international travel information Opens in a new tab. .
Probate
Do I have to open a probate case if my parent passed away?
A probate case may not be required in every situation. Some small estates may qualify for an affidavit process instead of opening a full probate case.
If probate is necessary, a filing fee applies. You may consult an attorney licensed to practice law in Montana or represent yourself.
The Self-Help Law Center may be able to assist with forms. Call 406-758-2496 for more information.
Records, Copies, and Notary Services
Can the Clerk of Court search court records?
The Clerk of Court can search names in public court matters, including civil, felony criminal, probate, and divorce records. Statutory search fees apply.
Search fees are $2.00 per year, per name, for the first seven years searched, and $1.00 per year, per name, for each year after that.
How do I request copies or certifications?
Send a detailed written request with full names, dates, case type, and the information you need. Please identify whether you need plain copies, certified copies, or other documents.
- Photocopies are $1.00 per page for the first ten pages and $0.50 per page after that.
- Certifications are an additional $2.00 per document.
- Copies of marriage licenses are $5.00 each.
- Copies of decrees of dissolution are $10.00 each.
Include a check or money order to cover search fees, copies, certifications, and return postage. You may send a blank signed check with a memo note stating “Not to exceed $25.00,” or send a check for a specific amount. If there is an overpayment, a refund check will be issued.
What genealogy records are available?
Naturalization records up to 1980 are on file with the Clerk of Court. Marriage licenses, divorce records, probate records, and wills are on file from 1893 to present.
Records dated before 1893 are on file with Missoula County. Birth and death records are available through the Clerk and Recorder.
Does the Clerk of Court provide notary services?
Notary services are available with appropriate photo identification. The fee is $1.00 per notary seal.
Self-Help Law Center
If you do not have an attorney and need help finding court forms or understanding court procedures, the Montana Self-Help Law Center may be able to help.
The Self-Help Law Center is a state-run service through the Montana Court Help Program. It is not operated by Flathead County, the Clerk of District Court, or District Court.
The Flathead County Self-Help Law Center is located at the Flathead County Justice Center, 920 South Main Street in Kalispell. Please check the Montana Courts website for current hours, closures, and service availability before visiting.
What Self-Help can and cannot do
Self-Help staff may provide general information about court forms and court procedures. They cannot give legal advice, represent you in court, tell you what to file, predict what a judge may decide, or explain how the law applies to your specific situation.
What Clerk of Court staff can and cannot do
Clerk of Court staff can provide general procedural information and accept documents for filing. Staff cannot choose forms for you, fill out forms for you, correct your answers, give legal advice, or tell you what you should file.
Location
Suite 300
Kalispell, MT 59901
920 South Main
Suite 300
Kalispell, MT 59901
Contact Info
+1 (406) 758-5870
Email Us