Traill County Clerk of Court

District courts are the key elements in the judicial system established in 1995. With the elimination of county courts, district courts became responsible for the workload and positions of the county courts.

The clerk of district court could well be called "custodian of court files" because much of the clerk's time is spent working with legal records. It is an important job because maintaining accurate, updated and accessible records helps bring efficient delivery of judicial services.

District Court
Clerks of district court must summon jurors, maintain exhibits and attend court when it is in session, but their primary responsibility is the administration of court records.

These records fall into several categories:

  • Civil actions proceedings concern the rights of private individuals. They include divorces, foreclosures and personal injury/property damage cases.
  • Restricted action files aren't open to the public. They include formal juvenile proceedings, adoptions and paternity suits.
  • Criminal actions, or felonies, are handled in district court. These serious crimes include murder, gross sexual imposition and burglary.
  • Child support: Because of the number of divorces and a growing number of state and federal laws, the number of child support cases has expanded faster than other court responsibilities.
  • Passports: Applications can be obtained from the U.S. Department of State or our office.
  • Vital records: Contact the Division of Vital Records in Bismarck, N.D.

The 1989 Legislature opened the way for district clerks of court to become state employees. The county commission must initiate the transfer, which needs the approval of the state Supreme Court. Funding for the move must be appropriated by the Legislature.

District courts are part of the court system that includes the state supreme courts and municipal courts.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Clerk of Court
PO Box 805
Hillsboro, ND 58045
Phone: 701.636.4454
Jody Schill email: jody.schill@co.traill.nd.us
Carissa Koehn email: carissa.koehn@co.traill.nd.us