Missouri Civil Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Missouri Civil Court Records

The Trial Courts, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court make up the three tiers of the Missouri court system.

The state's Trial Court System includes the Administrative Hearing Commission, Municipal Courts, and Circuit Court. These courts have authority over this state's criminal, civil, and family issues.

The Missouri Court of Appeals hears appeals from Civil Courts and those outside the Supreme Court's exclusive authority. This court in Missouri has 32 judges and is split into Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts.

Missouri's highest court is the Supreme Court. By publishing judicial procedures, this court oversees subordinate courts. It also has exclusive jurisdiction over some instances and can examine Court of Appeals decisions.

Is it possible to obtain Missouri Civil Court Records? In this state, you can access these records under the Missouri Public Records Law and the Missouri Sunshine Law.

However, social records, Juvenile Court records, and all information gathered for courts' official functions are not accessible without a court order.

What Are Missouri Bankruptcy Records?

Bankruptcy in Missouri involves firms, individuals, and other entities that cannot pay their debts.

In this state, bankruptcy cases are within the authority of the Federal Courts. Missouri's Western and Eastern District courts are responsible for generating and keeping bankruptcy records.

The following are the most common forms of bankruptcy filings in the state:

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

In this state, businesses that want to pay their debts while operating choose to file this bankruptcy.

However, this bankruptcy filing is also available to actors, athletes, and others who wish to keep their possessions but have excessive unsecured and secured liabilities.

Under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a debtor must show the court a reorganization plan, a proposal that categorizes debts into classes, reorganizes the company's operations, and lays out a plan for paying back debts.

In Missouri, a Chapter 11 bankruptcy will stay on a debtor's credit report for ten years.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

A debtor who applies for this type of bankruptcy in Missouri consents to sell or liquidate nonexempt properties in exchange for quick relief from nonexempt obligations.

To file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must first pass a means test to qualify for this chapter.

Unless the court expunges it, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy record will stay on a debtor's credit report for ten years.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

This bankruptcy filing is a legal procedure that offers debtors relief from unpayable personal debts.

In this state, self-employed individuals and sole proprietorships whose secured and unsecured liabilities do not surpass the debt restriction can submit a petition under this chapter as long as they meet other conditions.

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy must remain on the debtor's credit report for seven years.

Missouri Bankruptcy Records include Chapters 9, 12, and 15, in addition to Chapters 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcies.

How To Find Missouri Bankruptcy Records?

In Missouri, you can use the Public Access to Electronic Court Records (PACER) system to find bankruptcy records. In this system, you must first register to access court-filed bankruptcy records.

You may also submit requests in person at the office of the Bankruptcy Court Clerk. However, note that the bankruptcy court in Missouri charges $0.05 per page plus $11.00 for certified copies.

In addition, you can retrieve these documents by mail to the US Bankruptcy Court in Missouri. You must send the bankruptcy record request, the payment, and a self-addressed envelope when making a request.

You can also access older bankruptcy documents through the National Archives and Records Administrator (NARA). You can obtain physical copies of these records by submitting an online request on this website.

On Missouri Bankruptcy Records, you will likely find the following details:

  • The debtor's personal information
  • The debtor's income and job information
  • The trustee's personal information
  • A list of creditors and the debtor's obligation to each.
  • A complete list of the debtor's assets
  • Filing date
  • Case number

What Are Missouri Property Lien Records?

Missouri Civil Court Records include property liens that allow creditors to seize debtors' assets if they don't settle their debts.

In this state, creditors can place a property lien on any physical asset or other forms of real or personal property of a debtor.

Similarly, Missouri creditors can file several liens against debtors' property. But the most common types of property liens filed in this state are the following:

Judgment Lien

Once placed on a debtor's real property, this sort of lien requires the debtor to pay.

However, even though a judgment lien assures the payment of the debt, several factors limit it, including:

  • Existing liens in a property
  • Homestead exemptions
  • Bankruptcy foreclosure

In Missouri, a judgment lien stays on the property for ten years even if the debtor's property changes hands.

Mortgage Lien

This kind of lien is particular because it only affects the mortgaged property. Once placed in real estate, the property serves as security for a loan.

In Missouri, a mortgage lien is consensual and permits the mortgagee to sell the property or renegotiate the loan if payments are late.

A mortgage lien may remain on a property until the obligation payment or after ten years.

UCC Lien

A UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) lien permits creditors to file a formal notice asserting their right to claim debtors' assets in the event of credit default.

You can file this property lien with the Missouri Secretary of State (SOS)

In Missouri, this property lien is valid for ten years from the recording date.

Missouri Property Lien Records also include tax liens and mechanic's liens, in addition to the ones listed above.

How To Check Missouri Property Lien Records?

In Missouri, government agencies or offices are in charge of processing and keeping track of filed property liens.

If you want to check and get these records, you can go to your local county clerk's office.

Additionally, some offices offer remote access to these documents via their official website. Downloadable request forms are also available on their website.

You can also use the Department of Revenue (DOR) Tax Liens Finder to search for certificates of property liens registered with the department.

On this website, you can look for these certificates by the borrower's name or case number.

What Are Missouri Civil Driving Violation Records?

The Missouri Civil Driving Violations Record keeps track of all offenses drivers have committed on state roads or highways.

In Missouri, the most common type of civil driving violations records are:

  • Not wearing a helmet or safety gear while riding a motorcycle
  • Unauthorized parking
  • Speeding
  • Driving without a seat belt or a child restraint
  • Disregarding a red light
  • Driving an unregistered car
  • Using expired license plates
  • Using someone else's license plates

These breaches do not result in incarceration, in contrast to other offenses. When convicted, such offenders usually pay a fine. Similarly, these cases don't proceed to trial unless the accused wishes to contest the charge.

However, a repeat offense or an illegal component can escalate a civil driving violation to a misdemeanor. In these types of situations, an offender may receive a jail sentence.

How To Look Up Missouri Civil Driving Violation Records?

In Missouri, there are two methods for looking up tickets or records of civil driving violations.

Requesting a driving record from the DOR is the initial method for locating and acquiring this information. To obtain a copy of your driver's history from this agency, you must present a valid photo ID and pay a charge at any Missouri License Office.

Additionally, you can send the Driver License Record Center a filled-out Form 4681 and the correct fee by mail, email, or fax.

In this agency, you can also seek the driver record of another individual. However, the DOR will only disclose the information if you have the record holder's identifiable details.

Alternatively, you can use Case.net, a case management system run by the Missouri Judiciary, to look up these records. To access data from this system, you must choose the governing court and enter the case number in the section given.

What Are Missouri Legal Judgment Records?

Missouri Legal Judgment Records keep track of the final rulings of the state courts about the responsibilities of the people involved in a civil suit. These records contain legal decisions issued in the course of judicial processes.

A legal judgment in Missouri is an appealable ruling or order. It specifies the obligations and rights of each party involved in the lawsuit. Only the lawsuit's court judge can make judgments.

Rule 74 of the Missouri Rules of Civil Procedure has laws about issuing, enforcing, and putting a time limit on legal judgments in the state. Parties must strictly follow these laws, or they could lose their privileges or face more legal action.

How To Look Up Missouri Legal Judgment Records?

In Missouri, you can receive copies of legal judgment records by visiting the courtroom that handled your case.

Note, however, that seeking copies of these documents at the courts typically entails payment. After paying the processing charge, you will receive these documents electronically or by mail.

You can locate the exact locations of the state courts by visiting the Missouri Courts Directory.

Another option to get these records is by using the Case.net system.

Lastly, you can search for and get older legal judgment records from the Missouri States Archive.

You can expect the following when you get this state court record:

  • The debtor's full name
  • Case number
  • Address on file
  • Filing date
  • Date fulfilled
  • Circuit and location of filing
  • Judgment amount

What Are Missouri Small Claims Records?

The Small Claims Records of the Missouri Civil court Records contain every document generated during a small claims case.

Missouri's Small Claims Courts, sometimes known as the People's Court, adjudicate civil claims involving up to $5,000.

The most common types of cases that the Small Claims Court hears are:

  • Personal harm
  • Property damage
  • Landlord-tenant dispute
  • Other civil matters that don't involve eviction

Anyone over the age of 18 can file a small claim in Missouri. To file a case, you must go to the court of jurisdiction and fill out the Petition Small Claims Court form.

After filing, the parties' names, residences, and the amount at stake will become part of the Missouri Small Claims Records.

How To Look Up Missouri Small Claims Records?

Following the Sunshine Law of the state of Missouri, these records are available to the general public.

Like the other civil court records in Missouri, you can look up and get small claims records online through the Case.net of Missouri Judiciary.

You can also submit a request to the Circuit Court Clerk in the county that handled your petition to acquire this information.

What Are Missouri Divorce Court Records?

Divorce in Missouri occurs when married persons file a lawsuit in court and sign the necessary documents and forms.

Like other jurisdictions, you must meet the residency requirement and have legal grounds to petition for divorce in this state.

Missouri Family Court handles divorce cases in this state. If you wish to file for divorce, you can visit the website of the state's judiciary for the necessary court forms and instructions.

In Missouri, there are three official ways for a government body to record a divorce, which are as follows:

Divorce Certificates

This type of divorce document has the most basic information that reveals a divorce has occurred. It contains the names of the two people who split up and their dates and time.

Missouri Divorce Certificates are public records unless sealed by a court order. Anyone with a legal request form and additional details can access these documents.

Divorce Decree

This sort of divorce document has more information than a divorce certificate. It contains all the information on a divorce certificate and the divorce judgments and agreements.

In Missouri, these types of judgments can include:

  • Alimony
  • Child Custody
  • Insurance responsibilities
  • Property division
  • Debt allotment

Like divorce certificates, anyone with a legal reason can get this type of divorce document.

Divorce Records

Out of the three kinds of divorce court records, this one has the most information. It includes all of the information on the divorce certificate and divorce decree, plus the following:

  • Transcript
  • Documents
  • Testimony

In Missouri, anyone can look through these records as long as a judge hasn't sealed them.

How to Look Up Missouri Divorce Court Records?

There are a lot of ways to access Missouri Divorce Court Records.

The first option is to go to the Bureau of Vital Records. You must submit a request for divorce records with the relevant fees and a photocopy of a valid form of identification when submitting a request to the department. You can also look up and receive these records by mailing the department.

In addition, you can view Missouri Divorce Court Records online, although the record may be less comprehensive, having only the details contained in a divorce certificate, and more expensive.

You can visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to learn more about getting a divorce court record online.

What Are Missouri Probate Court Records?

Probate is a legal process for transferring property from the name of a deceased individual to the name of that person's living heirs or beneficiaries.

In this state, the following are examples of probate matters:

  • Inventories
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Bonds

The deceased property owner's county's Probate Court handles probate in this state.

The Missouri Statutes, Title XXXI, contains the state's probate code. Chapter 473 covers basic regulations, whereas Chapter 474 deals with the management of an estate. If interested, you can read the laws on this website.

Where can you find Missouri Probate Court Records? In this state, you can look up and get copies of these records through the Circuit Courts or by contacting the probate judge who handled the case.

How To Look Up Civil Court Cases in Missouri?

The initial step in obtaining Missouri Civil Court Records is identifying the court that handled your matter. Usually, you can find these records on the Court Clerks in this state as they are the custodians of civil court records.

After identifying the appropriate court, you can utilize the Missouri Courts Online Directory. In this directory, you can get contact information such as a physical address, postal address, phone number, and email of your court of interest.

You can also use this directory to search for courts by entering the zip codes and the name of the court's city or county.

After getting the correct contact information, you can access civil court records in person, online, or via mail.

If you want to request a person, you can go to the courthouse and get the proper form from the Clerk of the Court. The Clerk may charge a fee for making copies of the requested record.

In addition, you can send your request to the court of jurisdiction or use the Case.Net portal to access these documents online.