To search for court records in Sherburne County, Minnesota, several resources can be used. SherburneCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about court cases in this county. Additionally, records are available through the official online tools of the state's judicial branch, the district court clerk's office, and public terminals directly in the courthouse in Elk River.
Sherburne Court System & Jurisdictions
In Sherburne County, there is one court of general jurisdiction — the Sherburne County District Court. Minnesota does not have separate magistrate or probate courts as independent entities: everything is concentrated in the District Court, which handles cases of various categories.
Here are the main types of cases under the jurisdiction of this court:
- Criminal cases — from felonies to misdemeanors and traffic violations.
- Civil cases — claims for damages, contract disputes, small claims cases (conciliation court, where amounts usually do not exceed $15,000).
- Family cases — divorces, child custody, alimony, protective orders.
- Probate cases — estate administration, appointment of guardians and conservators.
- Juvenile cases — offenses committed by individuals under 18, as well as child protection cases.
Procedural rules for all these categories are established by the Minnesota Court Rules, adopted by the state Supreme Court. If you are unsure which category your case belongs to, contact the court clerk's office — the staff will help determine the appropriate direction.
Sherburne Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of court hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be most easily checked through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system. After logging into the site, select Sherburne County from the list and search by party name or case number — the results will display the scheduled hearing dates.
Some practical tips:
- Go to the MCRO search page and select "Sherburne" in the county selection field.
- Enter the party's last name or case number (court file number).
- In the case card, review the section with scheduled hearings — it lists the date, time, and courtroom.
Note: MCRO is not an official registry. The state judicial branch does not certify the results of this search. To confirm the exact hearing date, call the district court clerk's office directly.
How to Get a Copy of a Sherburne Court Document
Copies of court documents come in two types: uncertified and certified. A certified copy has the court's seal and the clerk's signature — this is usually required by other government agencies or employers.
Online
Through MCRO, you can view many public documents for free. Some documents are available for download. However, downloaded files do not have the status of a certified copy.
In Person
Visit the Sherburne County District Court clerk's office at:
The clerk will find the required case by number or party names and make a copy on the spot. An additional fee is required for certifying the copy.
By Mail
Send a written request to the court's address, specifying:
- The case number (if known) or full names of the parties.
- The name of the document you need.
- Whether a certified copy is needed.
- Your return address and contact phone number.
Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount (see the fees section below). To obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree, contact the county court where the decision was made — the Minnesota State Law Library explains this procedure in more detail.
Some records are restricted: juvenile cases, sealed cases, materials with confidential information. In such cases, the clerk will inform you that a copy cannot be issued without the appropriate court order.
Sherburne Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies and document searches in Minnesota courts are set by an administrative order of the state Supreme Court. Below are the main rates applicable to district courts.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Case search (per name) | $5.00 |
| Document copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Copy certification | $10.00 per document |
| Copy of court hearing audio recording | $5.00 per disc/file |
Payment is accepted at the court clerk's office. Confirm acceptable payment methods (cash, check, money order) directly with the clerk's office, as credit cards are not always accepted. For mail requests, a check or money order is usually required, payable to "Sherburne County Court Administrator."
If you need legal assistance and cannot afford an attorney, the legal referrals page for Sherburne County provides contacts for free legal services.