Sherburne County Court Records Search
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Sherburne County, located in central Minnesota about 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis, is served by the Sherburne County District Court. Part of Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District, this court has original jurisdiction over all criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile, traffic, and conciliation matters filed within the county. Court Administration, housed in the Sherburne County Government Center in Elk River, manages case processing, fee collection, hearing schedules, court records, and jury operations for all divisions.
Searching for court records in Minnesota can be done through a combination of official online tools, local clerk offices, and in-person visits to the courthouse. MinnesotaCourts.us may help users locate publicly available case data, court directories, filing fees, forms, and self-help resources across the state. For Sherburne County specifically, the District Court’s administrative office handles most record requests, while online access is available through the statewide Minnesota Court Records Online system.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Sherburne County?
There are several ways to look up a court case in Sherburne County, depending on whether you need basic case data, public documents, or certified copies.
Online Case Search (Free)
The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system provides free public access to many state district court records, including those from Sherburne County. MCRO offers four search functions:
- Case Search — look up cases by person name, business name, case number, citation number, attorney name, or attorney bar number. Results display the Register of Actions with case details and links to available public documents.
- Document Search — search by case number to find and view public documents filed in a case. Documents filed prior to July 1, 2015 may have limited availability online.
- Hearing Search — find scheduled hearings by person name, case number, judicial officer, or attorney.
- Judgment Search — search by debtor name for docketed money judgment details, including satisfactions.
Not all case types are available through MCRO. Public documents in civil commitment, domestic abuse, harassment, delinquency felony 16+, and child protection (CHIPS) cases are not accessible remotely. For those records, users must contact the local court administration office.
In-Person Access
Individuals can visit the Sherburne County District Court during business hours to view case files and request copies:
Sherburne County District Court
Sherburne County Government Center
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, MN 55330
Phone: (763) 284-7140
Email: Contact form available through the court website
Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Copy Fees
The Sherburne County District Court fee schedule sets copy charges under Minn. Stat. § 357.021:
| Copy Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy of any instrument | $0.00 |
| Uncertified printouts from MNCIS or imaged/e-filed documents | $0.00 |
| Certified copy of any instrument (civil or criminal) | $14.00 |
| Exemplified and certified copy | $28.00 |
| Exemplified and uncertified copy | $14.00 |
| Scanning fee (per 50 pages or part thereof) | $25.00 |
| Copies of reports from case management system (1–50 pages) | $5.00 |
| Copies of reports from case management system (50+ pages, per 50) | $25.00 |
| Judgment search (per name certified) | $5.00 |
Uncertified copies are available at no charge, which makes basic record retrieval relatively straightforward at the courthouse.
Are Court Records Public in Sherburne County?
Sherburne County court records are generally public documents. Two primary legal frameworks govern access: the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch (particularly Rule 4, governing accessibility to case records) and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), which broadly regulates government data in the state.
Under these rules, the public may inspect, view, and obtain copies of most court records maintained by the Sherburne County District Court. However, the Rules of Public Access identify categories of information that are restricted from public view, either entirely or when accessed remotely.
Records restricted from public access include:
- Juvenile court records (delinquency and non-offender matters)
- Adoption records
- Records involving sexual assault victim identification
- Child custody evaluations and related confidential reports
- Medical and mental health records filed with the court
- Sealed and expunged records
- Domestic violence protection order petitions (publicly viewable in some respects, but with remote access limitations)
- Ongoing investigation records involving national security concerns
- Witness and victim identifying information
Under Rule 8, subdivision 2, certain case types have additional restrictions on remote electronic access. For example, public documents in domestic abuse, harassment, civil commitment, and CHIPS cases cannot be viewed through MCRO — they can only be inspected at the courthouse. Confidential case types and cases that are not remotely accessible will not appear on the publicly posted court calendar.
Court staff may also redact specific personal identifiers from publicly available records, including Social Security numbers and financial account numbers, consistent with state rules designed to protect individual privacy.
Sherburne County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Sherburne County — including felonies, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanors — are prosecuted in the Sherburne County District Court. Criminal records generated through these proceedings include charging documents, arraignment records, plea entries, motions, trial transcripts, judgments, and sentencing orders.
Searching Criminal Court Records Online
Criminal case data can be searched through the MCRO Case Search by defendant name or case number. Public documents in adult criminal cases filed on or after July 1, 2015 are generally available for viewing and download. For older records, contact Court Administration at (763) 284-7140.
Statewide Criminal History Records
For a comprehensive criminal background check beyond individual court case files, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) operates the Minnesota Public Criminal History Search website. This free service, offered by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, allows users to search the statewide Criminal History System (CHS) by name. The CHS contains information on individuals arrested for felony, gross misdemeanor, and certain misdemeanor offenses across Minnesota.
Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office
The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office Records Division maintains criminal history files, investigative reports, and arrest records. To request records from the Sheriff’s Office:
- Download the Sherburne County Data Request Form.
- Complete the form with as much detail as possible.
- Submit the form by email to records@co.sherburne.mn.us, by mail, or in person.
Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office
13880 Business Center Dr NW, Suite 100
Elk River, MN 55330
Phone: (763) 765-3500
Toll-Free: (800) 433-5245
Email: sheriff@co.sherburne.mn.us
The Sheriff’s Office also maintains an inmate search portal where users can look up individuals currently in custody by name.
Criminal Court Filing Fees
Criminal cases in Minnesota do not require the defendant to pay a filing fee at the outset, but a $200 filing fee may be imposed upon conviction (under Minn. Stat. § 10.01.160). A crime victim penalty assessment of $500 for felonies/gross misdemeanors or $250 for misdemeanors may also apply. Criminal expungement petitions carry a $320 filing fee ($310 base + $10 law library fee).
Sherburne County Civil Court Records
The Sherburne County District Court handles all civil litigation within the county, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, landlord-tenant matters, consumer protection cases, and eviction proceedings. The court also operates a Conciliation Court division (Minnesota’s small claims court) for disputes involving smaller amounts.
Accessing Civil Court Records
Civil case records can be searched online through MCRO Case Search and Document Search. In-person access is available at the Court Administration office during business hours. Requests can also be directed to the court by phone at (763) 284-7140 or through the email contact form.
Selected Civil Filing Fees
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil action (first paper filed) | $320.00 |
| Civil action with jury trial request | $420.00 |
| Motion or response to a motion (civil/family, excl. child support) | $100.00 |
| Conciliation Court (first paper filed) | $75.00 |
| Conciliation Court removal to District Court | $320.00 |
| Eviction action | $320.00 |
| Rent escrow / lockout / emergency tenant remedies | $75.00 |
| Name change | $320.00 |
| Harassment restraining order | $320.00 (may be waived for certain acts) |
| Issuing writs / filing return | $55.00 |
| Subpoena (per name) | $16.00 |
All fees are authorized under Minn. Stat. § 357.021 and related provisions. Full details are published on the court’s fee schedule page. Individuals who cannot afford filing fees may apply for a fee waiver through the court.
Sherburne County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Sherburne County are adjudicated through the family division of the District Court. Case types include dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, annulment, child custody and parenting time, child support, paternity, domestic violence protection orders, and adoption proceedings.
Accessing Family Court Records
Family case data can be searched through MCRO by party name or case number. However, remote access restrictions apply to certain family case types under Rule 8 of the Minnesota Rules of Public Access. Documents in domestic abuse protection order cases, for instance, are only viewable at the courthouse rather than online. Adoption records are confidential and not accessible to the general public.
To request certified copies of family court records — including divorce decrees — contact Sherburne County Court Administration:
Sherburne County Court Administration
13880 Business Center Dr. NW
Elk River, MN 55330
Phone: (763) 284-7140
Fax: (763) 441-4177
Email: 10thSherburneCourtMailbox@courts.state.mn.us
A certified copy of a divorce decree or other family court instrument costs $14.00. Requests should include the case name, file number, requester’s phone number, and a check or money order payable to the court.
Family Law Filing Fees
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Dissolution of marriage (with or without children) | $400.00 |
| Legal separation or annulment | $370.00 |
| Custody, paternity, parenting time, registrations | $320.00 |
| Child support modification motion | $50.00 |
| Motion or response to a motion (family) | $100.00 |
| Order for Protection (petitioner) | $0.00 |
| Order for Protection (respondent, motion/response) | $100.00 |
| Adoption (child born in U.S.) | $395.00 |
| Adoption (child born in foreign country) | $320.00 |
| Dissolution forms packet (with or without children) | $10.00 |
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Sherburne County are issued by the Sherburne County Recorder’s Office. The marriage license fee is $125, or $50 with proof of completing 12 hours of premarital education and a signed Educator’s Statement. Applicants must complete an online marriage application and then schedule an appointment for both parties to appear in person. A certified copy of a marriage certificate costs $9.00. Marriage records can also be searched through the Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS), which displays Sherburne County marriage certifications from 1856 to the present.
Sherburne County Recorder’s Office
13880 Business Center Drive NW, Suite 100
Elk River, MN 55330-4668
Phone: (763) 765-4420
Fax: (763) 765-3271
Email: recorder@co.sherburne.mn.us
Birth and Death Records
The Recorder’s Office also issues certified copies of birth and death records. Under Minnesota law, birth certificates are available only to the record subject (if 16 or older), immediate family members, and authorized legal representatives. Birth records become publicly available 100 years after the date of birth. Death records are similarly restricted, with public access opening 100 years after the date of death.
| Vital Record | First Copy | Additional Copies (same order) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | $26.00 | $19.00 |
| Death certificate | $13.00 | $6.00 |
Applicants must present valid photo identification. Mail requests require a completed application form — the Birth Certificate Application or Death Certificate Application — along with a copy of a photo ID and a check or money order mailed to the Recorder’s Office. Online ordering is also available through VitalChek.
Sherburne County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Sherburne County — including estate administration, will contests, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships — are handled by the probate division of the District Court. Court Administration maintains all probate case files.
Searching Probate Records Online
Probate case information can be searched through MCRO Case Search by party name or case number. The Document Search function provides access to public documents filed in probate cases on or after July 1, 2015. Older probate records may need to be obtained directly from Court Administration at (763) 284-7140.
Historical Sherburne County probate records — including wills, probate orders, and estate files from earlier periods — are preserved at the Minnesota Historical Society.
Requesting Probate Records
To obtain copies of probate court records, contact Court Administration in person, by phone, by fax, or by email. Certified copies cost $14.00 per instrument. Uncertified copies are provided at no charge.
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships (first paper) | $320.00 |
| Deposit of will (safekeeping) | $27.00 |
| Trust accounts (partial, final, or annual) | $55.00 |
Fees are authorized under Minn. Stat. § 357.021 and must be paid at the time of filing.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
The Sherburne County District Court appoints guardians and conservators for individuals who cannot manage their own personal or financial affairs. The county provides information on guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, including the distinction between a guardian (who makes personal care decisions) and a conservator (who manages financial matters). Petitions for guardianship or conservatorship are filed through the probate division. The Self-Help Center, available on Tuesdays by walk-in at the Government Center or by calling (763) 760-6699, can assist individuals who need guidance on filing without an attorney.