CLERK OF COURT
The Office of the Liberty County Clerk of Court is the record keeping entity for the county, with the Clerk elected to serve a four year term.
All civil, criminal, adoption, guardianship, probate, juvenile, and commitment cases are filed in the Clerk and Recorder's office. The Clerk and staff issue marriage licenses and process passport applications.
The Clerk of Court’s office is also in charge of calling juries and taking care of minutes, swearing in of witnesses, and handling evidence in all court trials.
It is important to note that, although the clerk and staff handle all of the legal documents attorneys and pro-se litigants file, they are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice.
PASSPORTS
The Clerk of Court is appointed by the Federal Government to handle Passport applications. Although not a County function, handling of passport applications is an important, convenient and confidential service for the residents of Liberty County. The Clerk of Court’s office in Chester is the only location in Liberty County appointed to sell passports. Applicants may apply for passport books and/or passport cards.
To apply for a passport in person:
First time applicants must apply in person and need to provide the following:
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An application which can be picked up at the Clerk of Court's office or online
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One Passport photograph following the guidelines set out in the Passport Application.
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A certified Birth Certificate (which is sent in and returned to applicant with the Passport)
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Applicable fees payable to the U.S. Department of State and to the Clerk of Court’s office.
It takes about ten to thirteen weeks to process and receive routine passports. For additional fees, the application can be sent “expedited” for faster service. Expedited passports take approximately seven to nine weeks. Submitting incorrect information could delay the processing of your application. Before submitting be sure to carefully read the instructions to ensure all information and payments are correct.
Adult passports are good for ten years and passports of individuals under age sixteen are valid for five years.
Where to send:
Montana residents should send forms along with required photos and fees directly to:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
For more information...
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For Questions To Live Help:
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Montana Legal Services Association
(Eastern Montana) 1-800-999-4941
(Western Montana)1-800-666-6899 or 1-800-926-3144
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For Forms:
Clerk of Court
Anne Seidlitz-Melton