Records of divorce in Lewis and Clark County, Montana, are available through several channels. LewisandClarkCourt.us can help find public divorce information in the county. Additionally, court documents can be obtained through the district court that issued the decision, the Lewis & Clark County Clerk and Recorder's office, as well as through the Montana Office of Vital Records. Online portals, in-person visits, and written requests all work depending on the type of document you need.
Lewis and Clark Divorce Records Search
In Lewis and Clark County, divorce cases are handled by the First Judicial District Court of Montana, located in Helena. The office of this court maintains complete case files — decree of dissolution, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and related procedural documents. Some records are available through the Montana District Court Public Access Portal.
Separately from the court, the Office of Vital Records at the Department of Public Health and Human Services maintains a registry of divorce certificates — brief documents that confirm the fact of divorce. These certificates do not contain details of the agreement or court orders.
First Judicial District Court — Lewis and Clark County
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Lewis and Clark
Montana uses a system of District Courts for handling family cases. When a judge signs a divorce decree, the original remains in the office of the First Judicial District Court. This is where you should go if you need a full copy of the decree, settlement agreement, or custody order.
If you only need a document that simply confirms the fact of divorce — without details — contact the state Office of Vital Records. This office maintains divorce certificates for all counties in Montana. Forms and instructions for ordering are available on the Vital Records website.
The County Clerk and Recorder's office can also be helpful: through its document search system, you can find records registered since 1865.
Where to Contact Depending on Your Needs
- Complete court decree, property settlement agreement, custody orders — First Judicial District Court office.
- Divorce certificate (brief document confirming the fact) — Montana Office of Vital Records.
- Search for registered documents in county archives — Lewis & Clark County Clerk and Recorder.
Montana Office of Vital Records
Lewis & Clark County Clerk and Recorder
Forms for self-filing a divorce in Montana are available on the Judicial Branch page, where guides from the Montana Legal Services Association are also posted.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Lewis and Clark
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate (certified copy) — Office of Vital Records | $15 | 2–4 weeks by mail |
| Search in the Vital Records database (for each additional 5 years of search) | $5 | Included in request processing |
| Copy of court decree — District Court Clerk | $0.50 per page | Usually 3–7 business days |
| Certified copy of court document — District Court Clerk | $2.00 for certification + copying cost | Usually 3–7 business days |