Jackson County Court Records Search
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Jackson County is the second-most populous county in Missouri, anchored by Kansas City on its western side and the city of Independence to the east. The county’s judicial system is administered by the 16th Judicial Circuit, one of the busiest trial courts in the state. The Circuit Court operates multiple divisions handling criminal, civil, family, juvenile, probate, small claims, and traffic matters from courthouse locations in both Kansas City and Independence. Court records generated through these proceedings — including docket entries, orders, judgments, filed documents, and hearing schedules — are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and the various court divisions.
Individuals looking for Jackson County court records can access them through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by the Missouri judiciary. MissouriCourts.us can help users locate publicly available court case information across the state. The primary electronic search system is Case.net, the Missouri Courts’ statewide case management portal, which provides free public access to docket entries, party information, and case status for participating courts, including the 16th Judicial Circuit. Records can also be reviewed in person at the Circuit Clerk’s offices in Kansas City and Independence during regular business hours.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Jackson County?
Jackson County court cases can be searched through several methods depending on the type of record and the level of detail needed.
Online through Case.net:
- Navigate to the Missouri Courts Case.net portal.
- Select the litigant name search option.
- From the dropdown menu, choose “Jackson County – 16th Judicial Circuit”.
- Enter the party’s last name (or business name) in the required field.
- Optionally add a first name, case type, case status, or filing year to narrow results.
- Review the returned results and click a case number to view docket entries and party details.
Case.net is free for basic searches, though it does not provide downloadable copies of filed documents. For cases and docket entries prior to May 16, 2005, probate records must be accessed through the 16th Circuit’s Probate Records search, which offers estate number and party name inquiries.
In-person access:
Visitors may request records at either courthouse location during operating hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday:
Jackson County Courthouse – Kansas City
Address: 415 East 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: (816) 881-3000
Jackson County Courthouse – Independence
Address: 308 West Kansas, Independence, MO 64050
Phone: (816) 881-4400
By mail or email:
Written requests for record copies should include the case number, party names, and case type, along with payment. The Clerk’s Office accepts mail requests at either courthouse address.
Copy fees (Civil Records Department):
| Copy Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy | $0.30 per page |
| Certified copy (first page) | $4.00 + $1.00 each additional page |
| Authenticated copy (first page) | $6.00 + $0.30 each additional page |
| Microfilm/archive copy (first page) | $5.00 + $0.50 each additional page |
Credit card payments are accepted with a $2.00 handling fee for transactions of $50.00 or less, and a 4% fee for transactions above $50.00. Cash payments require exact change. Checks should be made payable to the 16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri.
Are Court Records Public in Jackson County?
Missouri’s Sunshine Law, codified at Section 610.011 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, establishes a presumption of openness for records maintained by public governmental bodies, including courts. Section 2.02 of the Missouri Court Operating Rules further provides that court records are accessible to members of the public.
Records generally available to the public include:
- Civil case filings, docket sheets, and judgments
- Criminal case registers of action, charges, and sentencing records
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce) decrees
- Probate filings such as wills, estate inventories, and settlement records
- Property records filed with the Recorder of Deeds
- Municipal court records for ordinance violations
Records that are restricted or confidential under Missouri law include:
- Juvenile records under Chapter 211 RSMo
- Adoption and foster care records under Chapter 453 RSMo
- Certain child custody information under Chapter 452 RSMo
- Mental health records under Chapter 630 RSMo
- Crime victim identifying information under Chapter 595 RSMo
- Expunged records under Section 610.140 RSMo
Sealed or expunged records are inaccessible to the public and can only be viewed by authorized legal representatives, court officials, or government agencies permitted by statute. The 16th Circuit’s probate division also notes that mental health and alcohol/drug-related estate records are confidential and excluded from the public online search system.
Jackson County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Jackson County are processed through the 16th Judicial Circuit Court. Felony matters and serious criminal cases proceed through the Circuit Court division, while misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and preliminary felony hearings may be handled by the Associate Circuit division or by one of the county’s municipal courts.
Court locations handling criminal matters:
| Court/Division | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Records – Kansas City | 1315 Locust Street, Kansas City, MO 64106 | (816) 881-4350 |
| Criminal Records – Independence | 308 West Kansas, Independence, MO 64050 | (816) 881-4500 |
Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Searching criminal case records:
Criminal docket information is available through Case.net by searching a defendant’s name, case number, or filing date. The portal displays charges, hearing dates, docket entries, and disposition information for publicly accessible cases.
Sheriff’s Office resources:
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, warrants, and inmate information. The office can be contacted at:
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 4001 NE Lakewood Court, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
Phone: (816) 541-8017
Fax: (816) 795-1969
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Statewide criminal history checks can be conducted through the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s online records system. Record seekers are encouraged to schedule an appointment before visiting the Sheriff’s Office for in-person records requests.
Expungement:
Under Section 610.140 RSMo, eligible individuals may petition to expunge certain criminal convictions. Missouri’s expungement statute covers more than 1,900 qualifying offenses. Once a court grants expungement, the record is sealed from public access. Individuals whose records have been expunged are generally not required to disclose those convictions.
Jackson County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Jackson County are divided between the Circuit Court and the Associate Circuit Court based on the amount in controversy and case type.
Jurisdiction breakdown:
- Circuit Court: Civil cases involving claims that exceed established thresholds, equity actions, condemnation proceedings, and replevin
- Associate Circuit Court: Civil disputes under $25,000, landlord/tenant matters, rent and possession actions, and small claims
- Small Claims Division: Cases with lower monetary thresholds, heard with simplified procedures
Key filing fees (effective March 2026):
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Circuit civil action (basic) | $112.50 |
| Associate civil action (basic) | $62.50 |
| Small claims (basic) | $27.50 |
| Rent and possession | $50.00 |
| Associate civil over $25,000 | $112.50 |
| Foreign judgment (Circuit) | $112.50 |
| Service fee per defendant | $46.00 |
| Garnishment clerk fee | $10.00 |
| Garnishment/execution service | $46.00 |
| Notice of appeal | $70.00 |
Filing fees do not include service fees, which must be added when using Jackson County Civil Process. A $3.50 Juvenile Justice Preservation Fund surcharge is also added to civil filings.
Searching and requesting civil records:
Civil case records can be searched on Case.net by case number, party name, or filing date. For copies, contact the Civil Records department at either courthouse:
- Kansas City Case Initiation: (816) 881-3970
- Independence Case Initiation: (816) 881-1710
Copies are available at $0.30 per page, with certified copies at $4.00 for the first page plus $1.00 per additional page. Certification fees for documents are $21.00 (under $100 value) or $16.00 (over $100 value).
Property records:
Real property documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps are maintained by the Jackson County Recorder of Deeds, located at the Historic Truman Courthouse, 112 West Lexington, Suite 30, Independence, MO 64050, Phone: (816) 881-4483 The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Property records can be searched through the Recorder of Deeds online public records portal by name, instrument number, or property description. To receive a copy of a divorce decree through the Recorder’s Office, call Civil Records at (816) 881-1710.
Jackson County Family Court Records
The Family Court Division of the 16th Judicial Circuit exercises exclusive original jurisdiction over matters involving marriage dissolution, child custody, child support, paternity, adult abuse, and related proceedings. Cases are heard at three locations depending on whether the matter falls under Marriage and Family or Juvenile Justice categories.
Family Court locations:
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Courthouse | 415 East 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106 | (816) 881-3000 |
| Independence Courthouse Annex | 308 West Kansas, Independence, MO 64050 | (816) 881-4400 |
| Family Justice Center (Juvenile) | 625 East 26th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108 | (816) 474-3606 |
Dissolution of marriage, child custody modifications, child support, and adult abuse/protection matters are heard at the Kansas City and Independence courthouses. Juvenile delinquency, status offenses, child abuse and neglect allegations, and adoption cases are heard at the Family Justice Center.
Useful contact numbers:
- Family Court Division Information: (816) 474-3606
- Child Support Records: (816) 881-6491
- Domestic Relations Docketing – Kansas City: (816) 881-6491
- Domestic Relations Docketing – Independence: (816) 881-1710
- Protection Order Unit – Kansas City: (816) 881-3974
- Protection Order Unit – Independence: (816) 881-4555
- Evening/Weekend Emergencies: (816) 435-4700
Family Court filing fees:
| Action | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Dissolution of marriage / annulment | $144.50 |
| Paternity / habeas corpus – child | $144.50 |
| Grandparent visitation | $144.50 |
| Motion to modify (regular and with custody) | $144.50 |
| Motion to modify – no service | $144.50 |
| Change of name | $142.50 |
| Adult adoptions | $215.50 |
| Step-child adoptions | $280.50 |
| Other adoptions | $325.50 |
| Each additional child (adoption) | $30.00 |
| Motions for contempt | Service fee only |
| Adult abuse actions | No fee |
| Waivers of consent to adoption | No fee |
Service fees of $46.00 per defendant apply when civil process is used.
Searching family records:
Family and domestic relations cases can be searched on Case.net by selecting the “Family/Domestic” case type when filtering results. Certain records involving minors, adoption, and sealed protection orders may not appear in public search results. Record copies can be requested from the Family Court clerks at either the Kansas City or Independence courthouse.
Marriage records:
Marriage licenses and certified copies are maintained by the Jackson County Recorder of Deeds. Certified copies of a marriage license cost $10.00, payable by personal check or money order made out to the Recorder of Deeds Department. Requests can be submitted online through the Recorder’s portal or by mail to the Historic Truman Courthouse, 112 West Lexington, Suite 30, Independence, MO 64050. Include the names used at the time of application, date of marriage, current mailing address, and a phone number.
Birth and death records:
Vital records are managed by the Jackson County Public Health Department and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Birth certificates cost $15.00 per copy; death certificates are $14.00 for the first copy and $11.00 for each additional copy. In-person requests are accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at:
Jackson County Public Health Department
Address: 3651 NE Ralph Powell Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
Phone: (816) 404-6427
Jackson County Probate Court Records
The Probate Division of the 16th Judicial Circuit has jurisdiction over estates of deceased persons, guardianships and conservatorships of incapacitated or disabled adults and minors, trust litigation, civil commitment proceedings for individuals with mental illness or substance abuse issues, and cases involving sexually violent predators. The division maintains offices at both courthouses.
Probate Division locations:
Probate Department – Kansas City
Address: 415 East 12th Street, 9th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: (816) 881-3755
Fax: (816) 881-3228
Probate Department – Independence
Address: 308 West Kansas, Suite 304, Independence, MO 64050
Phone: (816) 881-3755 (main) / (816) 881-4465
Fax: (816) 881-1609
Hours of operation for both locations are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Searching probate records:
Case information entered after May 16, 2005, is accessible through Case.net. For older cases and docket entries, use the 16th Circuit Probate Records search tool, which allows inquiries by estate number or party name. Mental health and alcohol/drug-related cases are confidential and will not appear in either system.
Probate filing fees:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Decedent’s estate – testate (with will) | $190.50 |
| Decedent’s estate – testate (will previously admitted) | $155.50 |
| Decedent’s estate – intestate | $155.50 |
| Guardianship – minor (person only) | $100.50 |
| Guardianship – minor (person and estate, or estate only) | $100.50 |
| Guardianship/conservatorship – incapacitated person | $115.50 |
| Guardianship/conservatorship – incapacitated person and estate | $115.50 |
| Close conservatorship (Section 475.320 RSMo) | $35.00 |
| Small estate affidavit | $55.50 |
| Trusts and other civil filings | $85.50 |
| Refusal of letters (spouse/creditor) | $55.50 |
| Determination of heirship | $55.50 |
| Deposit of will for safekeeping | $3.00 |
| Admit will to probate (no other proceedings) | $55.50 |
| File will of decedent (no other proceedings) | No fee |
Filing deposits do not include copy costs. The Probate Department accepts cash (exact change required), checks payable to the 16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri, and credit/debit card payments. Credit card transactions carry a $2.00 handling fee for amounts of $50.00 or less, and a 4% fee for amounts above $50.00. Requests for certified probate documents can be made in person, by mail, or by contacting the Records Department at the Kansas City or Independence office. The Probate Department contacts page provides direct phone numbers for specific staff members handling new estates, settlements, and auditing.