Court records in Franklin County, Missouri can be searched through several channels. FranklinMOCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additionally, the Franklin County government website provides access to official court resources and office contact details. Records are also available through the Circuit Court Clerk's office in person, by mail, or at public terminals located in the courthouse.
Franklin Court System & Jurisdictions
Franklin County is part of Missouri's 20th Judicial Circuit. The county's court system is organized under the Circuit Court, which is the trial-level court of general jurisdiction in Missouri. Within this structure, several divisions handle different case types:
- Circuit Court – Criminal Division: Felony cases, serious misdemeanors, and criminal appeals from municipal courts.
- Circuit Court – Civil Division: Lawsuits involving amounts over $25,000, contract disputes, personal injury, and real estate matters.
- Associate Circuit Division: Misdemeanors, ordinance violations, civil cases involving $25,000 or less, landlord-tenant disputes, and preliminary felony hearings.
- Small Claims Division: Civil disputes involving $5,000 or less. Individuals may represent themselves without an attorney.
- Family Court Division: Divorce, child custody, child support, adoptions, juvenile matters, and orders of protection.
- Probate Division: Estates of deceased persons, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings.
- Traffic Division: Moving violations, parking tickets, and other traffic-related offenses filed in the county.
Several municipalities within Franklin County also operate municipal courts — such as the City of Union Municipal Division, which holds court at the Franklin County Courthouse. Municipal courts handle city ordinance violations, including minor traffic offenses and code violations.
If you are unsure which division handled a particular case, contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office or search by party name through available online tools.
Franklin Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule in Franklin County, use Missouri's statewide case management system, Case.net, maintained by the Missouri Office of State Courts Administrator. Case.net allows users to search scheduled hearings by case number, party name, or date.
- Visit Missouri Case.net.
- Select "Franklin" from the county dropdown menu.
- Search by litigant name, case number, or browse the docket calendar for a specific date range.
- Review hearing details including date, time, courtroom, judge, and case type.
Court calendars may also be posted at the Franklin County government website or on bulletin boards inside the courthouse. For questions about a specific hearing, call the Circuit Court Clerk's office directly.
Municipal court schedules — such as the City of Union's docket — may be listed separately on the City of Union Municipal Court page.
How to Get a Copy of a Franklin Court Document
The Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk's office is the custodian of court records for cases filed in the county. You can request copies in person, by mail, or through Missouri Case.net for basic case information.
In Person
Visit the clerk's office at the Franklin County Courthouse:
Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can look up records and provide copies on-site. Public terminals inside the courthouse may also be available for self-service searches.
By Mail
Send a written request to the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of all parties
- Description of the document needed
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for applicable fees payable to the Franklin County Circuit Clerk
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. These are typically required for legal proceedings, government filings, or official use.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions suitable for personal reference.
Some records are restricted from public access, including sealed juvenile cases, certain family court matters, and cases involving mental health proceedings. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is available for public release.
For historical court records, the Missouri State Archives may hold older Franklin County judicial records that are no longer maintained locally.
Franklin Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies and searches in Franklin County are set by Missouri statute (§§ 483.530, 483.537 RSMo). The following table reflects standard fees commonly charged by Missouri circuit clerks. Contact the Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk at (636) 583-6355 to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification of a document | $2.50 per certification |
| Certified copy of a judgment or decree | $2.50 plus per-page copy fees |
| Court record search (per name/case) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Exemplified copy (with dual certification) | $5.00 plus per-page copy fees |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order. Some clerk offices accept credit or debit cards — confirm with the office.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the Franklin County Circuit Clerk.
Related Background Check Fees
If you need a criminal background check rather than a court document, the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) offers fingerprint-based state and FBI background checks for $44.00. A name-based criminal record search is also available through the Missouri State Highway Patrol for a separate fee.
Fees are subject to change. For the most current schedule, contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office or check the Franklin County website.