Court records in Grand Forks County, North Dakota, can be searched through several channels. GrandForksCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry portal, contact the Grand Forks County Clerk of Court directly, or visit public access terminals at the courthouse during regular business hours.
Grand Forks Court System & Jurisdictions
Grand Forks County is part of North Dakota's Northeast Central Judicial District. The North Dakota Court System is unified, meaning the District Court serves as the trial court of general jurisdiction. There are no separate county-level courts — the District Court handles virtually all case types.
District Court Case Types
- Criminal cases — felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions prosecuted under state law
- Civil cases — contract disputes, personal injury, property disputes, and other civil actions
- Family law — divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protection orders, adoptions, and guardianships
- Probate and estate — wills, estate administration, conservatorships, and trusts
- Small claims — civil disputes involving limited dollar amounts, handled through a simplified process within the District Court
- Traffic and municipal offenses — traffic violations and certain city ordinance cases; some municipal court cases from Grand Forks also appear in the statewide search system
- Juvenile cases — delinquency, unruly child, and deprivation matters (these records are generally restricted from public access)
If you are unsure which case type applies to the record you need, start by searching the District Court public access portal, which covers criminal, traffic, and civil records for Grand Forks County.
Grand Forks Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The court calendar for Grand Forks County is available online through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system. To view scheduled hearings:
- Go to the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry site.
- Select "Court Calendar" from the available search options.
- Choose "Grand Forks County" under the Northeast Central District location dropdown.
- Select a date or date range to view today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings.
Calendar results typically show the case number, party names, hearing type, judge, courtroom, and scheduled time. Data is current through the end of the previous business day.
You can also call the Clerk's Office at (701) 787-2700 to confirm a specific hearing date or check whether a hearing has been continued or rescheduled.
How to Get a Copy of a Grand Forks Court Document
Court documents filed in Grand Forks County cases — such as complaints, motions, orders, judgments, and sentencing records — are maintained by the Clerk of District Court. You can request copies through three channels:
Online
Basic case information, including docket entries and some document images, may be viewable through the District Court case search. Not all documents are available for download online; availability depends on the case type and when the case was filed.
In Person
Visit the Grand Forks County Courthouse during regular business hours. The main entrance is through the East door. Ask the Clerk's Office staff for copies of specific documents by providing the case number or party names.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk of District Court specifying the case number, document title, and whether you need certified or uncertified copies. Include payment for applicable fees.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies bear the court's official seal and clerk's signature. These are typically required for legal proceedings, government filings, or official use.
Restricted records — including juvenile cases, sealed files, adoption records, and certain mental health proceedings — are not available to the general public. Under N.D. Const. art. XI, § 6 and related statutes, most court records are presumed public unless specifically restricted by law or court order.
Related Records From Other Agencies
- Criminal history record checks — available through the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Request a criminal history record check by submitting the required form and fee by mail.
- Incarcerated individuals — use the ND DOCR Resident Lookup to search for people currently held in a state correctional facility.
- Divorce records — certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained from the county clerk or recorder in the county where the divorce was granted.
Grand Forks Court Records Fees & Payment
The Clerk of District Court charges fees for copies, certifications, and record searches. North Dakota fee amounts are established by statute and administrative rule. Contact the Clerk's Office at (701) 787-2700 to confirm current amounts before submitting a request.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of a document | $10.00 |
| Record search (per name) | $10.00 |
| Exemplified copy (with additional seal) | $10.00 plus copy fees |
Fees are based on commonly applied North Dakota statutory rates. Some fees may vary depending on the document type or service requested. Confirm exact amounts with the Clerk's Office before mailing payment.
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted at the courthouse window. Ask the Clerk's Office whether credit or debit cards are accepted.
- By mail: Include a check or money order made payable to the Clerk of District Court. Do not send cash.
- Online: Some fees associated with electronic filings may be payable through the court's e-filing system. Check with the Clerk's Office for details.
If you are requesting multiple documents or a search across several case types, call ahead to get an estimate so you can include the correct payment with your written request.