Hennepin County Court Records
What Is Hennepin County Court Records
Hennepin County court records comprise the official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the Hennepin County District Court, which serves as the Fourth Judicial District of Minnesota. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities and decisions pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which governs public access to government data.
Court records in Hennepin County typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Docket sheets chronicling case events and filing history
- Judicial orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Sentencing records in criminal matters
- Marriage dissolution decrees and related family court documents
- Probate filings and estate administration records
It is important to distinguish court records from other public records maintained by Hennepin County. While property records, vital statistics (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records are also public documents, they are maintained by separate county departments rather than the court system.
The Minnesota State Law Library provides guidance on accessing these judicial documents, which are generated by various courts within Hennepin County's jurisdiction, including District Court divisions handling civil, criminal, family, probate, housing, and conciliation (small claims) matters.
Are Court Records Public In Hennepin County
Court records in Hennepin County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.01, government data, including court records, shall be public unless specifically classified otherwise by law.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed documents)
- Criminal case files after formal charging
- Judgments, orders, and decrees
- Docket sheets and registers of actions
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Probate and estate administration records
However, Minnesota law establishes important exceptions to public access. Under Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171, juvenile court records are generally confidential. Additionally, certain domestic abuse proceedings, adoption records, and mental health commitment cases have restricted access under various statutory provisions.
The Minnesota Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules governing public access through the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, which balance transparency with privacy concerns and the administration of justice.
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota are governed by separate federal access policies and are not maintained by Hennepin County.
How To Find Court Records in Hennepin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Hennepin County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Records Center - Hennepin County District Court serves as the centralized repository for court records and provides multiple access options:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Hennepin County Government Center Records Center
- Complete a record request form specifying the case number or party names
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($10 for the first page, $5 for each additional page for certified copies)
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the appropriate record request form from the Hennepin County District Court Forms page
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail to:
Hennepin County District Court Records Center
300 South Sixth Street, Room C-3
Minneapolis, MN 55487
612-348-3724
Hennepin County District Court
Online Access:
- Navigate to Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO)
- Create a user account or log in as a guest
- Select search parameters (case number, party name, attorney)
- Review available documents (note that not all documents are available electronically)
For specialized records such as juvenile court documents, requestors must file an Affidavit for Access to Juvenile Court Record and receive judicial approval before access is granted.
Researchers seeking historical court records predating electronic systems may need to contact the Minnesota Historical Society, which maintains archived court documents pursuant to the state's records retention schedule.
How To Look Up Court Records in Hennepin County Online?
Hennepin County court records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. The primary portal for electronic access is Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO), which provides comprehensive search capabilities for public court documents.
To conduct an online search:
- Access the MCRO portal through the Minnesota Judicial Branch website
- Select either guest access (limited functionality) or create a registered user account (enhanced access)
- Choose the appropriate search method:
- Case Search: Requires case number in format ##-##-######
- Party Search: Enter name information (last name required, first name recommended)
- Attorney Search: Enter attorney registration number or name
- Specify Hennepin County as the jurisdiction
- Review search results showing basic case information
- Select specific cases to view available documents
- Pay applicable document access fees if required ($8 per document for some document types)
The Minnesota State Law Library provides additional guidance on navigating these online systems. Users should note that certain document types, particularly those filed before 2012, may not be available electronically and might require in-person requests.
For specialized searches, additional online resources include:
- Minnesota Public Access Remote View (PA-CIS): Provides register of actions and calendaring information
- eFile and eServe (eFS): For registered attorneys and legal professionals
- Appellate Courts Case Management System: For Minnesota Court of Appeals and Supreme Court cases
Online access is governed by the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, which balances public transparency with privacy protections for sensitive information.
How To Search Hennepin County Court Records for Free?
Minnesota law provides for free public inspection of court records at courthouse facilities pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, Subdivision 3, which states that government data shall be accessible for inspection without charge. Hennepin County implements this statutory requirement through several free access options:
Free In-Person Access:
- Public access terminals are available at the Hennepin County Government Center Records Center during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- No appointment is necessary for basic record viewing
- Staff assistance is available for locating records
- While viewing is free, printing or obtaining certified copies incurs standard fees
Free Online Search Options:
- Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) offers free case search functionality and display of basic case information
- Register of actions (docket sheets) can be viewed without charge
- Case search by party name or case number is available at no cost
- Calendar information and hearing schedules are freely accessible
Free Remote Access:
- Public libraries throughout Hennepin County often provide free computer access to court record systems
- The Minnesota State Law Library offers research assistance and access to court records databases
While basic search and viewing functions are free, users should be aware that obtaining copies of documents (either electronic or paper) typically involves fees. Additionally, certain specialized searches or bulk data requests may incur charges pursuant to court administrative policies.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains these free access options to ensure public oversight of judicial proceedings while balancing operational costs associated with maintaining record systems.
What's Included in a Hennepin County Court Record?
Hennepin County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. A typical court record file includes:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and responsive pleadings
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Affidavits and declarations
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts (when prepared)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Settlement agreements (unless sealed)
- Appeal notices and related documents
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (complaints, indictments)
- Arrest warrants and returns
- Bail and bond information
- Plea agreements
- Pre-trial motions and orders
- Trial exhibits and transcripts
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (with redactions)
- Restitution orders
- Post-conviction filings
Family Court Records:
- Petitions for dissolution of marriage
- Custody and parenting time orders
- Child support worksheets and orders
- Property division decrees
- Domestic abuse protection orders
- Paternity determinations
- Name change petitions
- Adoption records (typically sealed)
Probate Records:
- Wills and codicils
- Letters testamentary or of administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Guardianship and conservatorship documents
- Annual accountings
- Final distributions and estate closings
The Records Center - Hennepin County District Court maintains these documents in accordance with Minnesota Court Rules. Certain sensitive information is redacted from public view pursuant to Minnesota General Rules of Practice 11, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain identifying information for minors.
How Long Does Hennepin County Keep Court Records?
Hennepin County maintains court records according to the Minnesota Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule, which is established pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 138.17 governing the preservation and disposal of government records. Retention periods vary significantly based on case type and document importance:
Criminal Case Records:
- Felony cases: 50 years after case closure
- Gross misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
- Petty misdemeanors: 3 years after case closure
- Homicide and criminal sexual conduct cases: Permanent retention
Civil Case Records:
- General civil litigation: 10 years after entry of judgment
- Personal injury: 20 years after case closure
- Contract disputes: 10 years after case closure
- Property disputes: 10 years after case closure
- Civil commitments: 10 years after discharge or death
Family Court Records:
- Dissolution of marriage: 30 years
- Child support: Until the youngest child reaches age 28
- Custody determinations: Until the youngest child reaches age 28
- Domestic abuse proceedings: 10 years
- Paternity: Permanent retention
Probate Records:
- Formal probate: Permanent retention
- Informal probate: 10 years after closing
- Guardianships/Conservatorships: 10 years after termination
Court-Generated Documents:
- Judgments and decrees: Permanent retention
- Orders for protection: 10 years
- Court minutes: Permanent retention for felonies; varies for other case types
After the retention period expires, records may be transferred to the Minnesota Historical Society for archival preservation or destroyed in accordance with approved procedures. The Minnesota State Court Administrator's Office oversees the implementation of these retention policies throughout the state court system.
Researchers seeking historical court records that have exceeded their retention period should contact the Minnesota Historical Society, which maintains the State Archives collection.
Types of Courts In Hennepin County
Hennepin County's judicial system operates within Minnesota's unified court structure as the Fourth Judicial District. The following courts serve the county's residents:
Hennepin County District Court - Government Center
300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
612-348-6000
Hennepin County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
This main courthouse handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters exceeding $15,000
- Complex litigation
- Probate and mental health proceedings
- Family court matters
- Juvenile delinquency and child protection
Hennepin County Family Justice Center
110 South 4th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-596-1000
Hennepin County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Hennepin County Juvenile Justice Center
590 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-348-5162
Hennepin County Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Hennepin County Housing Court
300 South Sixth Street, Room C-300
Minneapolis, MN 55487
612-348-5186
Hennepin County Housing Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Hennepin County Suburban Court Locations:
Brookdale
6125 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
763-561-1463
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Ridgedale
12601 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka, MN 55305
612-348-7000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Southdale
7009 York Avenue South
Edina, MN 55435
612-348-7000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Appeals from Hennepin County District Court decisions are heard by the Minnesota Court of Appeals, with further appeal possible to the Minnesota Supreme Court. The county does not have separate municipal courts, as Minnesota's unified court system incorporates all trial-level proceedings within the district court structure.
What Types of Cases Do Hennepin County Courts Hear?
Hennepin County District Court, as Minnesota's Fourth Judicial District, exercises comprehensive jurisdiction over a wide range of legal matters pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 484.01, which establishes the authority of district courts. The court's divisions handle the following case types:
Criminal Division:
- Felony prosecutions (murder, assault, robbery, drug offenses)
- Gross misdemeanors (DWI, domestic assault)
- Misdemeanors (theft under $500, disorderly conduct)
- Petty misdemeanors (traffic violations, minor ordinance violations)
- Probation violations and sentencing matters
- Post-conviction relief proceedings
Civil Division:
- General civil litigation (contract disputes, personal injury)
- Commercial and business litigation
- Property disputes and real estate matters
- Consumer protection cases
- Civil rights claims
- Medical malpractice and product liability
- Employment disputes
- Appeals from administrative agencies
Family Division:
- Divorce and legal separation proceedings
- Child custody and parenting time determinations
- Child support establishment and modification
- Spousal maintenance (alimony) matters
- Paternity actions
- Domestic abuse protection orders
- Name changes
- Adoption proceedings
Probate/Mental Health Division:
- Estate administration (testate and intestate)
- Will contests
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Civil commitments for mental illness or chemical dependency
- Treatment authorization proceedings
Juvenile Division:
- Delinquency proceedings
- Child protection/child in need of protection (CHIPS) cases
- Termination of parental rights
- Truancy matters
- Juvenile traffic offenses
Housing Court:
- Eviction actions (unlawful detainer)
- Rent escrow proceedings
- Housing code violation cases
- Tenant remedy actions
Conciliation Court (Small Claims):
- Civil disputes not exceeding $15,000
- Consumer credit cases
- Landlord-tenant security deposit disputes
- Minor property damage claims
The Hennepin County District Court processes approximately 40% of all cases filed in Minnesota, making it the state's busiest judicial district. Specialized problem-solving courts within the district include Drug Court, Veterans Court, Mental Health Court, and DWI Court, which provide alternative approaches to addressing underlying issues while maintaining public safety.
How To Find a Court Docket In Hennepin County
Court dockets in Hennepin County, which provide chronological listings of all filings and proceedings in a case, are accessible through multiple channels. Members of the public seeking docket information may utilize the following methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO)
- Select "Case Search" or "Party Search" depending on available information
- Enter case number (format: ##-##-######) or party name
- Specify Hennepin County as the jurisdiction
- Review search results showing the register of actions (docket)
- Access available documents linked to docket entries (fees may apply)
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the Records Center - Hennepin County District Court
- Request case file by providing case number or party names
- Use public access terminals to view electronic docket information
- Request assistance from court staff if needed to locate specific entries
Daily Court Calendars:
- Access the Minnesota Judicial Branch website
- Navigate to the Hennepin County District Court page
- Select "Calendars" from the navigation menu
- Choose specific court location and date
- Review scheduled hearings by courtroom or judge
For specialized docket information such as criminal arraignment calendars or housing court matters, users may need to contact the specific court division directly. The Minnesota State Law Library provides additional guidance on navigating court docket systems.
Attorneys and legal professionals may access enhanced docket information through the Minnesota Government Access (MGA) system, which requires bar registration credentials for login.
Which Courts in Hennepin County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Minnesota's unified court system, all district courts, including those in Hennepin County, are courts of record as established by Minnesota Statutes § 484.01. A "court of record" maintains official transcripts and documentation of proceedings, which can be used in subsequent legal matters and appeals.
However, within the Hennepin County District Court structure, Conciliation Court (small claims) functions as a limited court of record. While technically part of the district court system, Conciliation Court proceedings have the following distinctions:
- Proceedings are not recorded verbatim by court reporters
- Formal rules of evidence are relaxed
- Legal representation is optional and often not present
- Judgments are entered in a simplified format
- Appeals from Conciliation Court are heard as trials de novo (new trials) in District Court
This arrangement is established under Minnesota Statutes § 491A.01, which governs Conciliation Court procedures. When a Conciliation Court case is appealed to District Court, it receives a completely new hearing rather than a review of the record, which is characteristic of appeals from courts not of record.
Prior to Minnesota's court unification in the late 20th century, the state had municipal courts and justice of the peace courts that were not courts of record. However, these have been abolished and incorporated into the district court system. Currently, all judicial proceedings in Hennepin County take place within courts of record, with Conciliation Court being the only partial exception as described above.
Lookup Court Records in Hennepin County
Records Center - Hennepin County District Court
Minnesota Court Records Online
Hennepin County District Court