Meeker County Court Records

Meeker County court records are all documents pertaining to the civil, criminal, probate, and other cases filed in the county. These documents are useful for personal or appellate review, convey court transparency, and provide a means to prove or enforce decisions. Generally, court records may provide the following:

• Case number
• Case type (criminal, civil, juvenile, etc.)
• Case status (ongoing, closed, etc.)
• Names of involved parties (defendant, plaintiff, attorney, etc.)
• File, hearing, and disposition dates
• Description or summary of legal actions
• Final judgment.

Additionally, information in records maintained by other criminal justice agencies, such as local police and jails, may also be available in court records, and vice versa. Hence, Meeker County arrest records, jail rosters, and criminal records may hold data from criminal court cases, just as court records may provide information on arrests, incarcerations, or crimes.

Are Court Records Public in Meeker County?

Under state laws, court records are mostly public in Meeker County. The Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch guide access to court records and allow members of the public to inspect and obtain copies of court records that are not deemed confidential, protected, nonpublic, or private by court rules, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, or other statutes.

Examples of records or information that may be unavailable to the public include:

• Domestic abuse data
• Medical and mental health data
• Drafts and work products
• Civil investigations and civil commitment cases
• Information concerning foster care or adoption proceedings
• Child in Need of Protection (CHIPS) cases
• Certain personnel data
• Certain juvenile or delinquency records
• Sensitive information on ongoing criminal investigations
• Crime scene videos and images
• Records sealed by court order.

Meeker County Court Records Search

Persons seeking Meeker County court records may perform searches with the public access terminals at the courthouse, view/download case details with the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal, or direct queries to the court administrator or clerk. Generally, record seekers have to provide specific case descriptions, such as case/document numbers, names, and dates, to obtain the best matches or results.

Meeker County Courts

In Meeker County, the court system comprises a District Court of general jurisdiction, which handles all types of cases filed in the county. This court is located as follows:

Meeker County District Court
Meeker County Courthouse
325 North Sibley Avenue,
Litchfield, MN 55355
Phone: (320) 535-6015
Fax: (320) 693-5254

Meeker County Criminal and Civil Records

The Meeker County District Court hears criminal cases involving felonies, misdemeanors, traffic, and ordinance violations. This court also settles civil disputes regarding the private obligations and rights of two or more parties, including contract violations, employment disputes, and personal injury cases, regardless of the claim size.

To access records on these criminal and civil cases, perform searches on the courthouse terminal, conduct online searches on the MCRO portal, or direct queries to the court administrator or clerk. Persons may use any known case details to perform searches, but requesting records directly from the court requires more specific details like case number, parties' names, and other descriptors that can help the custodian easily retrieve the needed document.

Additionally, requesters often have to pay reasonable fees for record duplication. Persons requesting exempted records or information may also have to prove their right to access with valid identification or other applicable documentation. Interested persons should contact:

Meeker County District Court
Meeker County Courthouse
325 North Sibley Avenue,
Litchfield, MN 55355
Phone: (320) 535-6015
Fax: (320) 693-5254

Persons seeking Meeker County arrest records may find arrest information in court records or may direct requests to the arresting body for more comprehensive reports. Inmate rosters and criminal background checks may also provide arrest data.

Meeker County Marriage Records

Meeker County marriage records since 1858 are available at the Treasurer's Office where the license was issued. For certified copies, make in-person or mailed requests by providing the marriage date, the bride's maiden name, and the groom's name. Requesters should also pay $9 for each certified copy requested and provide ID when required. Direct requests to:

Meeker County Treasurer
114 North Holcombe Avenue,
Suite 100
Litchfield, MN 55355
Phone: (320) 693-5345

Alternatively, record seekers may search for Meeker County marriage certificates on the Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS).

Meeker County Divorce Records

Divorce records or decrees in Meeker County are obtainable from the Meeker County District Court Administrator or Clerk (if the marriage was dissolved in the county). Record seekers may use public access terminals or the MCRO portal to search for and view case information, or direct requests for copies to:

Meeker County District Court
Meeker County Courthouse
325 North Sibley Avenue,
Litchfield, MN 55355
Phone: (320) 535-6015
Fax: (320) 693-5254

Requesters may visit the courthouse to provide divorce/case details and pay appropriate fees, or send these to the custodian via mail or other acceptable channels.

Meeker Birth Records

The Meeker County Treasurer's Office maintains birth records from 1865 to date. However, only eligible applicants, like the record subject, parents, grandparents, direct descendants, legal custodians, and authorized representatives, may obtain certified copies of Meeker County birth certificates. Uncertified copies are also available to persons with court orders or notarized consent forms.

Interested persons may request records in person or by mailing the birth applications, fees, a copy of government-issued IDs, and other requirements to:

Meeker County Treasurer's Office
114 North Holcombe Avenue,
Suite 100
Litchfield, MN 55355-2155

The Treasurer's Office charges $26 for the first certificate and $19 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Alternatively, persons may order birth certificates from the Minnesota Office of Vital Records (OVR), which charges $26 per certificate, $13 per informational copy, and $9 for verification of birth.

Meeker Death Records

Records of deaths in Meeker County from 1865 to date are available at the Treasurer's Office. However, only applicants who meet the legal requirements may obtain copies of Meeker County death certificates. Eligible persons like the decedent's close relatives, spouse, or estate representative may request records by providing filled death certificate applications, fees, government-issued IDs, and other requirements in person or via mail to:

Meeker County Treasurer's Office
114 North Holcombe Avenue,
Suite 100
Litchfield, MN 55355-2155.

The first certified copy costs $13, and additional copies ordered at the same time cost $6 each. Alternatively, eligible persons may order death certificates from the Minnesota Office of Vital Records (OVR), which charges $13 per certificate and $13 per informational copy.

Meeker County Probate Court Records

The Meeker County District Court probes wills, settles matters involving a deceased person's estates, and handles other probate cases like mental commitments, guardianships, or conservatorships. Persons may use public access terminals or the MCRO portal to find records, or direct queries to:

Meeker County District Court
Meeker County Courthouse
325 North Sibley Avenue,
Litchfield, MN 55355
Phone: (320) 535-6015
Fax: (320) 693-5254

Meeker County Property Records

Property records in Meeker County are government-maintained documents that provide information on land and real estate in the county. The Meeker County Recorder keeps most land records, including mortgages, deeds, plat maps, state/federal, and mechanical liens. Interested persons may use tools on the Recorder's website to access plats or look up records. To obtain copies, direct queries to:

Meeker County Recorder's Office
Meeker County Government Center
114 North Holcombe Avenue,
Suite 150
Litchfield, MN 55355
Phone: (320) 693-5440
Fax: (320) 693-5444

Additionally, persons seeking information on property assessments and valuation may contact the Assessor or use the property tax search tool to find records by parcel ID or address. Direct record requests to:

Meeker County Assessor's Office
Meeker County Government Center
114 North Holcombe Avenue,
Suite 150
Litchfield, MN 55355
Phone: (320) 693-5205
Fax: (320) 693-5294

Meeker County Court Records Online

Third-party sites like Minnesotacourtrecords.us may prove useful resources for finding and accessing Meeker County court records. Although these sites operate independently of the government, they often compile records into a comprehensive database and provide user-friendly interfaces or tools to make data easily accessible. Hence, persons may find records by providing case details like party name, case number, court name, location, or file date.

However, records may not be as detailed or up-to-date as those found using official court resources. Users may therefore be required to verify the accuracy of information obtained on such platforms.