Jefferson County Court Records
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Jefferson County is part of Missouri's 23rd Judicial Circuit, with its county seat in Hillsboro. All trial-level matters — criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family law proceedings, and probate administration — run through the circuit court system. Missouri consolidates trial court authority within the circuit court, so the Circuit Clerk's office is the central hub for virtually all case records generated in the county. Jefferson County also operates several municipal court divisions that handle ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and minor criminal matters within individual city limits.
Several pathways exist for locating court case information. Clerk offices maintain physical files and can help with in-person, mail, and telephone inquiries. Public access terminals inside courthouses let visitors view electronic case documents. Online, the Missouri judiciary operates Case.net, a statewide case management portal with real-time docket information, party details, and — for documents filed on or after July 1, 2023 — remote viewing and downloading of public filings. Additional court resources and structure information can be found through MissouriCourts.us. Between these tools, most people can locate basic case data without ever visiting a courthouse, though certain older records and confidential filings require direct contact with the clerk.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Jefferson County?
The fastest way to find a Jefferson County case is through Case.net, operated by the Missouri judiciary. Search by participant name, case number, or filing date, then select Jefferson County from the jurisdiction list. Once you find a case, you can view docket entries, party information, attorney assignments, and scheduled hearings. Public documents filed on or after July 1, 2023, appear as clickable links within the docket and can be viewed, downloaded, or printed remotely. For more details on the expanded remote access program, visit the Missouri Courts Remote Public Access information page.
If you're a party to a case, you can also sign up for the Track This Case service, which sends electronic updates whenever new activity is recorded on a docket.
Documents filed before July 1, 2023, are not available for remote viewing. To access those older records, visit the public computer terminals inside the Jefferson County Courthouse or submit a request directly to the Circuit Clerk.
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk
Address: 300 Main Street, P.O. Box 100, Hillsboro, MO 63050
Phone: (636) 797-5443
Fax: (636) 797-5073
Email: 23circuit@courts.mo.gov
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding state holidays)
To request copies by mail, include the case number or full names of the parties, the type of document you need, and a check or money order to cover copy fees. The current rate is $1.00 per page, plus $0.50 for certification. Non-attorneys may file pleadings in person at the Clerk's Office on the second floor of the Circuit Court building. Attorneys must use the Missouri Courts E-Filing system under Missouri Supreme Court Rule 103.
Jefferson County has no Superior Court or District Court. The Circuit Court is the general jurisdiction trial court, and municipal divisions handle lower-level matters. The principal municipal courts and their locations are listed below.
| Municipal Division | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Arnold Municipal Division | 2101 Jeffco Boulevard, Arnold, MO 63010 | (636) 296-0595 |
| Byrnes Mill Municipal Division | 141 Osage Executive Circle, Byrnes Mill, MO 63051 | (636) 677-7727 ext. 223 |
| Jefferson County Municipal Division | 400 First Street, Hillsboro, MO 63050 | (636) 797-6265 |
| Pevely Municipal Division | 401 Main Street, Pevely, MO 63070 | (636) 475-3355 |
Several other municipal divisions — Crystal City, DeSoto, Festus, Herculaneum, and Hillsboro — hold their sessions at the Jefferson County Courthouse. A complete directory is available on the Municipal Divisions page. Municipal case records can also be searched through Case.net.
Are Court Records Public in Jefferson County?
Under Missouri Court Operating Rule 2.02, records held by all Missouri courts carry a presumption of public access. Any member of the public may inspect or copy court records — regardless of format, paper or electronic — unless a specific statute, court rule, or court order restricts the material.
Categories of records that are not publicly accessible include:
- Juvenile case files
- Adoption records
- Sealed records and expunged cases
- Financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, and state identification numbers contained within filings
- Names and identifying details of victims, witnesses, or informants when disclosure would endanger their safety
- Medical, psychiatric, and psychological reports shielded by statute or court order
- Case numbers referencing confidential, expunged, or sealed proceedings
Since July 1, 2023, anyone filing a document in a Missouri court must certify compliance with redaction requirements. Filers are responsible for removing confidential information before submission — the clerk cannot redact on their behalf. A Redaction Certification form must accompany every filing. If a document contains redacted material, the filer must also submit a Confidential Redacted Information Filing Sheet with the unredacted version, so the court can consider the full record while keeping confidential data out of public view.
If someone believes a filed document contains information that should have been redacted, they can file a Motion to Correct Redaction. Upon receipt, the clerk removes the document from public view while the court evaluates the issue within 30 days.
Viewing public case documents on Case.net is free. Obtaining physical copies at the clerk's office costs $1.00 per page, with an additional $0.50 for certification. Audio recordings of proceedings are available on CD for $30.00 per disc.
Jefferson County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Jefferson County are prosecuted in the Circuit Court. Cases range from misdemeanors and felonies to driving-while-intoxicated charges and drug offenses. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains all criminal case files, including charging documents, plea records, sentencing orders, and judgments.
Searching criminal case records is straightforward through Case.net — enter the defendant's name or case number and select Jefferson County from the jurisdiction list. Docket entries, scheduled hearings, and public filings from July 1, 2023, onward are available remotely. Older criminal records, particularly those filed before May 2006, are accessible only in person at the courthouse.
Arrest and incident records are held by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, not the court. Reports can be obtained in person at the Sheriff's main headquarters:
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
Address: 400 First Street, Hillsboro, MO 63050
Phone: (636) 797-5000
Records Division: (636) 797-5018
Fax: (636) 797-6451
Copies of incident reports cost a minimum of $5.00 each, payable in exact change, by check, or by credit card (credit cards accepted only at the main headquarters). Reports typically take 10 to 14 business days to process after the initial request. Individuals listed as suspects cannot obtain copies of their own reports — those must be subpoenaed through an attorney. Reports involving juvenile suspects are restricted and must be requested through the Jefferson County Juvenile Office at (636) 797-5350.
Statewide criminal history checks are handled by the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS). Two search types are available:
- Name-based search: Uses the individual's name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Available to any member of the public. Fee: $15.00. Results provide potential matches but are less detailed.
- Fingerprint-based search: Available only to the record's subject or entities authorized by law. Provides a comprehensive criminal history. The state-only fee is $20.00; a combined state and FBI check costs $44.00.
Payment for MACHS searches is made by money order or check. Federal criminal history records can also be requested separately through the FBI for $18.00.
Jefferson County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Jefferson County are divided between Circuit and Associate divisions based on the type and value of the claim. The Circuit division handles higher-value matters such as declaratory judgments, mechanics lien enforcement, and writs of habeas corpus. The Associate division manages small claims, certain lower-value disputes, and SATOP reviews. Both divisions' records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and are searchable through Case.net.
Pending civil cases from May 2006 onward are viewable online. Cases filed before that date are accessible only at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Hillsboro.
Key filing fees, effective May 1, 2025, from the official filing fee schedule:
| Filing Type | Associate Division | Circuit Division |
|---|---|---|
| Civil case (general) | $48.50 | $98.50 |
| Declaratory Judgment with service | $108.50 | |
| Mechanics Lien | $98.50 | |
| Scire Facias (Revival of Judgment) | $48.50 | $5.00 |
| Small Claims (per defendant for certified mail) | $20.50 | |
| Trial de Novo (Appeal from Associate) | $60.00 | |
| Expungement | $98.50 | |
| Limited Driving Privileges | No fee | |
| Writ of Habeas Corpus | No fee | |
| Appeal to Court of Appeals | $70.00 | |
| Copy request (per page) | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Certification | $0.50 | $0.50 |
| Audio CD (per disc) | $30.00 | $30.00 |
Garnishment filings require a separate $10.00 fee, plus payment for service made directly to the serving agency. Court forms for civil matters can be found on the Missouri state court forms page or the local court forms page maintained by the 23rd Circuit. Local filing procedures and publication requirements are set out in the 23rd Judicial Circuit Local Court Rules.
Property records are separate from court files and are managed by the Jefferson County Recorder of Deeds (729 Maple Street, Hillsboro, MO 63050; Phone: (636) 797-5414) and the County Assessor. The Recorder maintains deeds, deeds of trust, easements, plats, and other instruments. Online property searches are available through the Jefferson County Property Tax Inquiry portal or through subscription-based land records services such as Laredo (covering April 1985 to the present) and COTT Systems (covering 1817 through March 1985). A pay-per-search option is also available through landrecords.net at $8.95 per search plus $1.00 per page for copies. Document recording fees are $24.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page.
Jefferson County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Jefferson County are adjudicated within the Circuit Court's family division. These cases include dissolutions of marriage, legal separations, child custody and support disputes, paternity actions, name changes, domestic violence protective orders, and contempt proceedings.
While family court docket entries are publicly searchable on Case.net, certain underlying documents may be restricted based on their content. Records involving minors, sealed protective order details, and confidential financial disclosures are typically not available to the general public.
Filing fees for family cases, effective May 1, 2025, include:
- Dissolution (with or without children) / Legal Separation: $130.50
- Modification of custody or support: $130.50
- Paternity action: $130.50
- Petition for child custody/support: $130.50
- Motion for contempt: No fee
- Motion for family access: No fee
- Change of name: $128.50 (publication costs paid separately to the publisher)
- Adoption: $178.50
Self-represented litigants can access forms and guidance through the Missouri Courts Self-Represented Litigants page.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses in Jefferson County are issued by the Recorder of Deeds office at 729 Maple Street, Hillsboro, MO 63050. Applications are currently handled by appointment only, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Both parties must appear together with valid government-issued photo identification. The license fee is $51.00, payable in exact cash or by credit card (a $2.00 convenience fee applies for card payments). The license must be used within 30 days of issuance, or the couple must reapply.
Certified copies of a marriage license can be obtained three ways:
- In person at the Recorder's Office — $9.00 per copy.
- By mail — Send a written request with the bride and groom names, approximate marriage date, a $9.00 check per copy, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Recorder of Deeds, 729 Maple Street, Hillsboro, MO 63050.
- By phone — Call (636) 797-5414 with a credit card. The cost is $9.00 plus $0.55 postage and a $1.00 convenience fee.
The Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City can also issue a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage, which confirms only the names, date, and county of the marriage. This statement costs $15.00 and can be requested in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek. Actual certified copies of the marriage certificate itself are available only from the county Recorder of Deeds where the license was obtained.
Divorce Records
Certified copies of divorce decrees are available from the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk. The Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City can issue a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce, which includes the names, date, and county of record, also for $15.00.
Birth and Death Records
Missouri vital records are not open to the general public. Certified copies of birth and death certificates are issued only to persons with a direct and tangible interest, as defined in 19 CSR 10-10.090. Eligible requesters include the individual named on the record (age 18 or older), immediate family members, legal guardians, and authorized representatives.
Requests can be submitted to the Bureau of Vital Records:
Bureau of Vital Records
Address: 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: (573) 751-6387
Hours: Appointments available Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Applications for birth and death certificates must be completed and notarized for mail requests. Fees are $15.00 per birth certificate and $14.00 per death certificate, with additional copies at $15.00 and $11.00 respectively. Requests can also be placed through VitalChek at (877) 817-7363, though an additional processing fee applies. Local public health agencies also process birth (1920–present) and death (1980–present) certificates, often with shorter turnaround times than the state office.
Jefferson County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Jefferson County are handled by the Circuit Court's probate division. This includes administration of decedents' estates, admission of wills, guardianships and conservatorships for minors and incapacitated adults, small estate proceedings, and determinations of heirship.
Probate case data filed after May 2006 is searchable on Case.net. Earlier records are available only at the courthouse. To request a probate record by mail, provide the decedent's or ward's name and the case number (if known) along with payment for copy fees.
Filing fees for probate cases, effective May 1, 2025, per the official probate filing fee schedule:
| Probate Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Decedent's estate (without will) | $165.50 |
| Decedent's estate (with will admission) | $200.50 |
| Safe deposit box inventory application | $85.50 |
| Miscellaneous probate filing | $95.50 |
| Refusal of Letters (spousal, minor, or creditor) | $85.50 |
| Amended Refusal | $35.00 |
| Small estate (without will) | $85.50 |
| Small estate (with will) | $120.50 |
| Amended small estate | $35.00 |
| Petition to admit a will | $85.50 |
| Determination of heirship | $85.50 |
| Minor guardianship/conservatorship | $110.50 |
| Adult guardianship/conservatorship | $125.50 |
Small estates filed within one year of the decedent's passing and valued over $15,000 will require publication in a legal newspaper, with those costs paid directly to the publisher. Publication rates for Jefferson County legal papers are available through the Jefferson Countian rate sheet.
Due to the sensitive nature of many probate records — particularly those involving guardianships of minors or conservatorships of incapacitated individuals — portions of some files may be restricted to parties directly involved in the proceeding. Public components, such as the petition, letters testamentary or of administration, and final orders, are generally accessible under the same rules that govern other court records. Requests for probate documents follow the same copy fee structure as other court records: $1.00 per page plus $0.50 for certification. Direct inquiries to the Circuit Clerk's office at (636) 797-5443.