Big Stone County Civil Court Records Search
Big Stone County civil court records are filed and kept at the Big Stone County Courthouse in Ortonville, which is part of Minnesota's 8th Judicial District. If you need to find a civil case, confirm a judgment, or get certified copies of court documents from Big Stone County, this page covers the free online search option through Minnesota Court Records Online, how to reach the courthouse directly, and what to expect when requesting records in person or by mail.
Big Stone County Overview
Big Stone County Civil Court Records at the District Court
The Big Stone County District Court is located at the courthouse in Ortonville, a small county seat on the Minnesota-South Dakota border. Big Stone County is one of Minnesota's least populated counties, and its court is part of the 8th Judicial District, which covers a large portion of western Minnesota. In smaller counties like this one, court administrator responsibilities are sometimes shared with neighboring jurisdictions, though the courthouse in Ortonville handles all civil filings for the county.
| Court | Big Stone County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Big Stone County Courthouse, 20 2nd Street SE, Ortonville, MN 56278 |
| Phone | (320) 968-3031 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Court Administrator | Shared with neighboring counties |
| Website | mncourts.gov/Find-Courts/Big-Stone.aspx |
Because Big Stone County shares some court administrator resources with nearby counties in the 8th District, it's a good idea to call ahead before visiting. The number listed above connects you to the courthouse in Ortonville. Staff can confirm who handles records requests at any given time and what the best way is to submit a copy order.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch website has the most current contact and scheduling information for Big Stone County. If you're unsure whether to call the local number or contact the district office, start with mncourts.gov for updated details.
How to Search Big Stone County Civil Court Records
The statewide case search tool for all Minnesota courts, including Big Stone County, is Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO). It is free to use, requires no account, and covers all 87 counties. You can search by party name, case number, attorney name, or filing date range. Results show case type, status, filing date, party names, attorneys, and hearing dates.
Big Stone County cases are searchable through MCRO just like larger counties. The search function works the same way regardless of county size. If you know the full name of a party or have a case number, the search is straightforward. Older cases that weren't digitized may not appear. For those, contact the courthouse directly.
In-person access is available at the Ortonville courthouse during business hours. If you call ahead, staff can often pull a case and have it ready when you arrive, which saves time. The Access Case Records page explains in detail what's available through MCRO, what must be requested at the courthouse, and what types of records are restricted. For those with active cases, documents can be submitted electronically through the statewide eFile system.
Court information for Big Stone County is maintained on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website. The image below comes from that site and reflects the state court system's public access resources.
Minnesota Court Records Online provides free public access to case data from all 87 counties, including Big Stone.
Civil Cases in Big Stone County Court Records
Big Stone County District Court handles the full range of civil matters, though its caseload is smaller than metro area courts given the county's rural character. Contract disputes, debt collection cases, property disagreements, and personal injury suits are the most common civil filings. Family law cases, including divorce and child custody, are civil matters filed here as well, though those files have different access rules than standard civil cases. Probate filings and guardianship petitions are also part of the court's civil docket.
For small disputes, Minnesota's conciliation court process provides a simpler route. Conciliation court handles claims up to $20,000. Parties don't need to hire a lawyer, and the hearings are less formal than regular civil court. The Conciliation Court help page on mncourts.gov explains how to file a claim, what to bring to the hearing, and how to collect on a judgment. These cases are part of the public record and appear in MCRO after filing.
Fees for Copies of Big Stone County Civil Court Records
Certified copies of civil court records cost $16 per document in Big Stone County. This is the statewide rate and applies to all Minnesota counties. Non-certified copies printed at the courthouse cost around $0.25 per page. Mail requests add postage. Searching MCRO online is free.
Because Big Stone County has a shared court administrator arrangement, payment procedures may vary slightly. Call (320) 968-3031 before you send a mail request to confirm the correct payee name on your check or money order, and to verify whether card payments are accepted. Always include a written request that describes what you need and includes any case number or party name that can help staff locate the file.
Note: Fee amounts are set at the state level and may change. Confirm the current rate with the clerk's office before making payment.
Public Access Rules for Big Stone County Civil Court Records
Most civil court records in Big Stone County are open to the public. Case indexes, filing dates, party names, and judgment records are generally accessible. Some types of files are restricted. Family court records, especially those involving children, have limited public access. Sealed documents are not available regardless of the reason for sealing. Records that have been expunged no longer appear in the public index. Under Minnesota Statutes section 13.90, courts are exempt from the Government Data Practices Act, but court rules and specific statutes still govern what the public can view.
Attorneys of record have broader access rights under section 484.94. Members of the public who believe a record should be accessible but isn't can ask the clerk for an explanation or file a motion with the court. The Access Case Records page provides more information on how access rules work across the Minnesota court system.
Legal Help for Big Stone County Civil Cases
People handling civil cases in Big Stone County without an attorney can use the statewide resources provided by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. The Self-Help Centers offer forms, written guides, and staff assistance for people going through the court process on their own. The Civil Actions help page covers topics like how to file a complaint, how to serve the other party, and what happens after a judgment is entered.
The Minnesota State Law Library provides public access to statutes, court rules, and legal research tools. Civil procedure in Minnesota is governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 540. Legal aid services may also be available in western Minnesota for residents who qualify. The court administrator's office can provide referrals to local legal help organizations if needed.
Cities in Big Stone County
Ortonville is the county seat and largest city in Big Stone County. Other small communities in the county include Clinton and Graceville. None of the cities in Big Stone County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page on this site. All civil court filings for the county are handled at the Ortonville courthouse.
Nearby Counties
Big Stone County borders several counties in western Minnesota. If a civil case was filed in a neighboring county, use these links to find the right court.