St. Francois County Court Records Search
MissouriCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on MissouriCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
St. Francois County is part of Missouri’s 24th Judicial Circuit, which also encompasses Madison, Ste. Genevieve, and Washington counties. The county seat is Farmington, where the Circuit Court handles criminal, civil, family, probate, small claims, and traffic matters. The Circuit Clerk’s office, led by Circuit Clerk Kristina Bone, employs approximately seventeen deputy clerks organized into civil, criminal, and probate divisions. Whether you need to check the status of a pending lawsuit, obtain a certified copy of a court order, or research property filings, St. Francois County maintains several in-person and electronic channels for accessing judicial records.
Missouri residents and members of the public searching for court case information can use a combination of official resources. The Missouri Judiciary operates Case.net, a statewide public portal that allows searches by litigant name, case number, filing date, or judgment index. Locally, the St. Francois County Circuit Clerk’s office accepts requests in person, by mail, and by email. Additional background on Missouri court records—including links to county-specific pages—can be found through MissouriCourts.us. The clerk’s office also maintains public access terminals at the courthouse for those who prefer to conduct research on-site during business hours.
How to Look Up a Court Case in St. Francois County?
There are several ways to locate a court case in St. Francois County, depending on the type of record and the level of detail required.
1. Online via Case.net
The Missouri courts’ Case.net portal is the primary electronic tool for searching public case records statewide. To find a St. Francois County case, navigate to the portal and select the 24th Judicial Circuit or St. Francois County from the jurisdiction menu. The system supports searches by litigant name, filing date, case number, and judgment index. Case.net displays publicly available docket information including file dates, case numbers, case types, party names and addresses, attorney information, docket entries, charges, dispositions, sentencing details, and judge assignments. Note that since July 2023, access to certain attached documents has been restricted and may require an in-person request.
2. By Email
The Circuit Clerk maintains division-specific email addresses for record inquiries:
- Civil Division: SFRCivil.email@courts.mo.gov
- Criminal Division: SFRCriminal.email@courts.mo.gov
- Probate Division: SFRProbate.email@courts.mo.gov
3. In Person
Visit the Circuit Clerk’s office at the courthouse. A valid photo ID is required. Staff can assist with record searches and certified copy requests during regular business hours.
St. Francois County Circuit Clerk
Address: 1 North Washington Street, Courthouse Building, Suite 102, Farmington, MO 63640
Phone: (573) 756-4551 or (573) 431-6505 (Option 2, then 1)
Email: circuitclerk@stfrancoiscountymo.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
4. By Mail
Written requests should include the full case number or party names, the type of document needed, applicable fees (check or money order payable to the Circuit Clerk), and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
Are Court Records Public in St. Francois County?
Missouri law establishes a strong presumption of public access to court records. The Missouri Supreme Court’s operating rules—particularly Court Operating Rule 2 (COR 2.02)—define which case information is available to the general public, and Court Operating Rule 1 (COR 1) provides the governing definitions. The Missouri Sunshine Law further reinforces the public’s right to inspect governmental records, including many court filings.
Publicly accessible fields on Case.net and through the clerk’s office typically include:
- File date, case number, and case type
- Party names and addresses
- Attorney names and bar numbers
- Docket entries and hearing dates
- Charges and charge descriptions
- Dispositions and sentencing information
- Judge assignments and courtroom information
Confidential and restricted records are defined under Court Operating Rule 4 (COR 4.24) and include several categories that are not available through public search or inspection:
- Adoption records
- Drug court proceedings
- Juvenile records
- Mental health records and proceedings
- Sealed cases and expunged records
- Records containing Social Security numbers, dates of birth, or financial account numbers (redacted from public view)
- Guardian ad litem reports and certain family court evaluations
When records contain both public and confidential information, the clerk’s office will redact the protected portions before releasing the document. Individuals seeking access to their own sealed or expunged records should contact the Circuit Clerk directly and may need to provide a court order authorizing disclosure. Missouri statutes governing expungement (§§ 610.140 and 610.122 RSMo) set out specific procedures for sealing eligible criminal records from public view.
St. Francois County Criminal Court Records
The Criminal Division of the St. Francois County Circuit Clerk’s office processes all felony, misdemeanor, and traffic cases filed within the county. Criminal case records can be searched through Case.net by entering the defendant’s name or the case number. However, court staff do not provide case information or criminal history details over the phone; requests for copies of criminal filings must be made in person, by mail, or by email to SFRCriminal.email@courts.mo.gov.
Obtaining Criminal History Reports
For formal criminal background checks that go beyond court docket information, the Missouri State Highway Patrol operates the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS). This system offers two types of searches:
- Name-based search: $15 per name
- Fingerprint-based search: $20, plus a $5 notarization fee if applicable
MACHS results draw from law enforcement records statewide and are distinct from court case records available through Case.net.
Sheriff’s Office Resources
The St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department maintains arrest records and incident reports. The department also offers the Mobile Patrol App for community notifications about recent law enforcement activity.
St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department
Address: 1550 Doubet Road, Farmington, MO 63640
Phone: (573) 756-3252 or (573) 431-2777
Fax: (573) 756-9622
Email: sheriff@sfcsd.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Expungement
Individuals seeking to seal eligible criminal records may petition the Circuit Court. Filing fees are:
- Expungement of a conviction: $93.50
- Expungement of arrest records: $95.50
Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense and the time elapsed since the disposition. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at (573) 756-1955 can provide additional guidance on whether a particular record qualifies.
Victim Assistance
The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is located at 1 N. Washington Street, Suite 101, Farmington, MO 63640 and handles victim notification and advocacy services in coordination with the court.
St. Francois County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in St. Francois County are heard by both Circuit and Associate Circuit Judges depending on the amount in controversy and the type of action. The Civil Division of the Circuit Clerk’s office manages all filings, docket entries, and copy requests.
Civil Case Categories
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Circuit Civil (general) | $95.50 |
| Associate Civil | $43.50 |
| Small Claims | $20.50 |
| Small Claims (1 certified mail) | $39.50 |
| Small Claims (2 certified mails) | $58.50 |
| Mechanic’s Lien | $5.00 |
| Garnishment (Clerk) | $10.00 |
The complete filing fee schedule is published on the Circuit Clerk’s website and is subject to periodic adjustment.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records are publicly searchable through Case.net by selecting the appropriate case type filter. In-person searches can be conducted at the clerk’s office during regular hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), or email inquiries may be directed to SFRCivil.email@courts.mo.gov. Copy fees generally apply—expect to pay approximately $1.00 per page for standard copies, with an additional charge for certification.
Small Claims
Small claims cases are filed through the Associate Circuit division. The maximum jurisdictional amount for small claims in Missouri is $5,000. Plaintiffs file the claim with the clerk, and the court arranges for service on the defendant via certified mail. Hearings are informal, and attorneys are permitted but not required.
Property Records
Property-related civil records such as deeds, liens, and surveys are maintained by the St. Francois County Recorder of Deeds rather than the Circuit Clerk. The Recorder’s office is located on the first floor of the County Annex Building.
St. Francois County Recorder of Deeds
Address: 1 West Liberty Street, Suite 100, Farmington, MO 63640
Phone: (573) 756-2323 or (573) 431-6505 (Option 1, then 7)
Email: recorder@stfrancoiscounty.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Deed index books and recorded documents are available online through the Tapestry land records search system or by Laredo subscription. Recording fees are $24 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. The St. Francois County Assessor provides an online real estate search tool for property valuation and ownership information.
St. Francois County Family Court Records
Family law matters—including dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, paternity, orders of protection, and adoption—are handled within the Circuit Court’s domestic relations docket. Family cases are governed in part by local rules specific to the 24th Judicial Circuit, which address scheduling, discovery, mediation, and parenting plans.
Filing Fees for Family Cases
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Domestic (divorce, custody, paternity) | $97.50 |
| Motion to Modify | $97.50 |
| Family Access Motion | $97.50 |
| Adoption | $145.50 (excludes birth certificate fee) |
| Termination of Parental Rights (Private Attorney) | $98.50 |
Searching Family Court Records
Family and domestic case records are searchable on Case.net under the “Family/Domestic” case type filter. Because family cases often involve minor children, certain documents—such as guardian ad litem reports, home studies, and financial declarations—may be restricted from public access under COR 4.24.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses are issued by the St. Francois County Recorder of Deeds. Both applicants must appear in person with a valid photo ID. No blood test or waiting period is required. An online application is available; after completing it, applicants receive an email verification to bring to the office. Key details include:
- License fee: $60.00 ($51 license + $9 certified copy); cash or money order. Debit/credit cards accepted with a $2 convenience fee.
- License validity: Must be used within 30 days and returned within 15 days if unused.
- Minimum age: Effective August 28, 2025, the minimum legal age for marriage in Missouri is 18 with no exceptions.
- Additional certified copies: $9.00 each.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events that occurred in St. Francois County are available through the St. Francois County Health Center.
- Birth certificate: $15.00 per copy
- Death certificate: $14.00 (first copy), $11.00 (each additional)
- Accepted payment: Cash, cashier’s check, money order, or debit/credit card (in person only)
The Health Center is located at 1025 W. Main Street, Park Hills, MO 63601. A valid ID is required for all vital records requests.
St. Francois County Probate Court Records
The Probate Division of the St. Francois County Circuit Clerk’s office handles estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, trusts, and related proceedings. Probate cases are searchable on Case.net by selecting the “Probate” case type, and staff can be reached at SFRProbate.email@courts.mo.gov. The division operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Decedent Estate | $143.50 |
| Decedent Estate With Will | $178.50 |
| Small Estate Affidavit | $63.50 |
| Small Estate Affidavit With Will | $101.50 |
| Amended Small Estate | $35.00 |
| Reopen an Estate | $43.00 |
| Adult Guardianship/Conservatorship | $103.50 |
| Minor Guardianship/Conservatorship | $88.50 |
| Minor Guardian/Conservator Annual Fee | $25.00 |
| Adult Guardian/Conservator Annual Fee | $30.00 |
| Trusts | $73.50 |
| Spousal Refusal of Letters | $63.50 |
| Creditor’s Refusal of Letters | $63.50 |
| Petition to Determine Heirship | $63.50 |
| Will Deposit (Safekeeping) | $3.00 |
Requesting Probate Records
To obtain copies of probate filings, visit the Circuit Clerk’s office at the courthouse or submit a written request by mail. Include the decedent’s full name, the case number if known, a description of the documents sought, and the applicable copy fees. Certified copies carry an additional charge beyond the standard per-page rate.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Petitions for guardianship or conservatorship of incapacitated adults or minor children are filed in the Probate Division. Annual reporting fees ($25 for minors, $30 for adults) apply for the duration of the appointment. Local rules for the 24th Judicial Circuit govern required filings, inventory deadlines, and annual accounting procedures. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the proposed ward, and those reports are generally not accessible to the public.
Will Safekeeping
The clerk’s office accepts wills for safekeeping at a fee of $3.00. The document is stored until the testator’s death, at which point it is filed with the probate case. This service ensures that the original will is preserved and available when needed for estate administration.