Ward County, North Dakota court records are available through several channels. WardCourt.us allows quick access to public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be viewed through the state court system's online portal, directly at the district court clerk's office, or at public terminals in the Ward County courthouse in Minot.
Ward Court System & Jurisdictions
Ward County is part of the Northwest Judicial District of North Dakota. The only court of general jurisdiction here is the District Court, which handles virtually all categories of cases.
- Criminal Cases — from felonies to misdemeanors, including traffic violations.
- Civil Cases — lawsuits for any amount, contract disputes, debt collection, damage claims.
- Small Claims — handled within the District Court for amounts not exceeding the state-legislated limit.
- Family Law — divorce, child custody, alimony, protective orders. Information on divorce procedures can be found on the court's self-help page.
- Probate — wills, estate management, guardian appointments.
- Traffic Violations — fines, DUI, and other traffic offenses.
The Minot Municipal Court separately handles violations of city ordinances. Some of these cases also appear in the state district court search system.
Ward Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out which hearings are scheduled for today, tomorrow, or during the week, contact the Ward County District Court office at (701) 857-6600. Office hours are from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays.
The online schedule for a specific case can be checked in several ways:
- Open the ND Court Records portal.
- Select "Northwest District" → "Ward County."
- Enter the case number or party's last name.
- In the search results, review the section with scheduled hearing dates.
Court contact information:
If you need general information about the state court system, visit the official North Dakota Court System website.
How to Get a Copy of a Ward Court Document
Court document copies come in two types: certified and uncertified. A certified copy bears the clerk's seal and confirms authenticity — it is usually required for submission to other courts, government agencies, or immigration procedures. An uncertified copy is suitable for review.
Ways to obtain:
- In person — visit the court clerk's office at the Ward County Courthouse in Minot. A staff member will locate the case and make a copy on-site.
- By mail — send a written request specifying the case number, party names, document type, and payment to the address:Clerk of District Court
- Online — through the ND Court Records portal you can view case information for free. However, obtaining a certified copy of a document requires contacting the clerk's office.
Some records have restricted access: juvenile cases, adoptions, and documents sealed by court order. Confirm with the clerk whether the desired document is publicly accessible before making a request.
Divorce records are kept at the clerk's office in the county where the decision was made. Certified copies of divorce records are issued by the county clerk, not the state vital records office.
Ward Court Records Fees & Payment
The fees for copying and certifying court documents in North Dakota are regulated by state law (N.D.C.C. § 11-17-04 and related provisions). Below are the approximate fees charged by the Ward County District Court clerk's office. Confirm the exact amount directly with the clerk's office, as rates may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (per page) | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Certification fee | $5.00 – $10.00 per document |
| Registry search by request | An hourly fee may apply |
| Online case viewing (ND Court Records) | Free |
The clerk's office accepts payment in person or by mail. For online payment of fines and fees, the District Court Case Search and Payment Processing system is available. Call (701) 857-6600 to confirm acceptable forms of payment — checks, money orders, or cards — before sending a request by mail.
According to the state open records law, any person has the right to request public documents regardless of residency. The request must clearly identify the specific records.