Clay County Court Records

Courts in Clay County, Missouri, are responsible for generating and preserving comprehensive information about cases or controversies presented before them. These documents—formally termed "case records" or, more traditionally, "court records"—play a vital role in upholding transparency and accountability within the judicial system. Further, being accurate accounts of legal actions or proceedings, court records are indispensable resources for uncovering legal precedents, tracking case statuses and outcomes, understanding the justice process, and assessing the efficacy of the legal system.

Like all other Missouri court records, Clay County court records contain a wealth of information about a legal matter that might have been civil or criminal. Specific examples of documents in a Clay court file include motions, orders, pleadings, responses, summons, judgments, decrees, affidavits, registers of action, calendars, transcripts, and exhibits.

Are Court Records Public in Clay County?

Yes. Clay County court records are presumed open to the public under the Missouri Supreme Court Operating Rule 2 (COR 2) and the relevant sections of the Missouri Sunshine Law, 610 RSMo.

According to these regulations, any member of the public may inspect or copy records maintained by the judicial branch, except records deemed confidential by law, court rule, or court order. The following are examples of confidential Clay court records:

• Expunged or sealed records
• Dates of birth
• Passport, Social Security, driver's licenses, and taxpayer identification numbers
• Names, contact information, and addresses of victims, witnesses, informations, and those protected under a restraining or protection order
• Names of minors

Generally, confidential case records are only releasable to the subject of the record, parties of the case, attorneys of record, and as permitted by law or order.

Clay County Court Records Search

A variety of offline and online options are available to individuals who wish to conduct a Clay court records search. These include:

• Dropping off a request at the presiding courthouse (i.e., where a case was heard)
• Mailing, faxing, or emailing a request to the Clerk of the Circuit Court or the relevant municipal court administrator/clerk's office
• Accessing the Missouri Case.net portal
• Searching a third-party public records database

Each record retrieval option offers certain conveniences and limitations to the inquirer. Therefore, it is essential for requesters to carefully consider their information needs—for example, how urgently they need a record, whether only basic case information will do, the availability of customer support, and the costs involved—to ensure the effectiveness of the search process.

Clay County Court Records Search by Name

In Clay County, a court records search by name can be performed using virtually any record retrieval channel recommended by the local judicial system. Court records are typically indexed, organized, or archived by name, frequently the name of the plaintiff or defendant involved in a specific case. Thus, any member of the public who has at least the last and first name of a case party can submit a records request to the court.

One of the more readily accessible methods for conducting a Clay County court records search by name is to utilize the Missouri Judiciary's Case.net system. This online database furnishes access to case records from all participating courts in Missouri, of which the Clay County Circuit Court is one. Users can search the system with parameters such as a litigant's name, filing date, case number, or scheduled hearing/trial info. Those performing a Litigant Name Search must input the last or business name of a case party where indicated. However, an option to search by first name, middle name, case type, or filing year is available to filter the search results.

It should be noted that although Case.net is free, users mostly only have remote access to case information generated in the courts. The public can also view, download, and print nonconfidential case documents filed with a court on or after July 1, 2023. However, anyone needing access to the actual records of cases filed before that timeline must request directly at the courthouse.

Reproduction/duplication and certification fees are assessed to obtain any case record from a local courthouse. However, the fee may be waived if the requester is the subject of the record.

Clay County Courts

Clay County is Missouri's 7th Judicial Circuit, which solely comprises a circuit court. The Circuit Court of Clay County has various divisions (nine in total) that handle cases filed within the county. These include the civil, criminal, probate, municipal, family, and juvenile divisions. Below are the contact details and addresses of the courthouses in Clay County:

Circuit Court in Clay County

Clay County Courthouse
James S. Rooney Justice Center
11 South Water Street
Liberty, MO 64068
Phone: (816) 407-3900
Fax: (816) 407-3899

Municipal Court Divisions in Clay County

Claycomo Municipal Division
City Hall
115 Northeast 69 Highway
Claycomo, MO 64119
Phone: (816) 452-4539
Fax: (816) 453-1852

(The above is the Claycomo municipal court clerk's office address. Court is held in the Claycomo Community Building at 28 South Drake Street, Claycomo, MO 64119, behind City Hall/Claycomo Police Department.)

Excelsior Springs Municipal Division
Hall of Waters Building
201 East Broadway Avenue
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
Phone: (816) 630-0209
Fax: (816) 630-4104

(The Excelsior Springs municipal court clerk's office is housed in the city's police department at 301 South Main Street.)

Gladstone Municipal Division
City Hall
7010 North Holmes
Gladstone, MO 64118
Phone: (816) 423-4119
Fax: (816) 436-2532

Kearney Municipal Division
City Hall
100 East Washington Street
Kearney, MO 64060
Phone: (816) 628-5535
Fax: (816) 628-4543

Liberty Municipal Division
101 East Kansas Street
Liberty, MO 64068
Phone: (816) 439-4430
Fax: (816) 439-4435

North Kansas City Municipal Division
2010 Howell Street
North Kansas City, MO 64116
Phone: (816) 274-6007

Oakview Municipal Division
6404 North Locust Street
Oakview, MO 64118
Phone: (816) 642-8387
Fax: (816) 436-2671

Pleasant Valley Municipal Division
6502 Royal Street
Pleasant Valley, MO 64068
Phone: (816) 792-4812
Fax: (816) 781-7195

Note: Clay County is also home to the Avondale, Birmingham, Glenaire, Holt, Missouri City, Mosby, Smithville, and Village of Prathersville Municipal Divisions, which hold court sessions at the Clay County Courthouse.

Clay County Superior Court Case Search

The Circuit Court of Clay County exercises jurisdiction comparable to that of a "superior court" in other US states. The court possesses original jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including domestic relations, breach of contract, real estate, adoption, traffic, and felony cases.

To find case records from the Clay County Circuit Court, individuals can query the Case.net system, which is accessible on the Missouri Judiciary's website. The system can generally be searched by a case party's name, case number, or filing date to retrieve court case information and some case documents (from July 1, 2023, onwards).

Alternatively, people can stop by the Clay County Courthouse at 11 South Water Street, Liberty, Missouri, during regular business hours to conduct a court case search at the public access terminal. A court visit is usually advised when an individual seeks a nonconfidential case document unavailable on the Missouri Case.net system. Confidential case information is also available to qualified parties at the courthouse.

Inquirers can also fax a request for Clay court records to the Circuit Clerk's office at (816) 407-3899. Each fax request should indicate the case number or other identifier, the requester's contact information, and the return address.

Anyone requesting a copy of a circuit court record should note the following duplication fees (which excludes postage, if required):

• Photocopy: $1 per page
• Certified copy: $4 for the first page; $1 for each additional page
• Authenticated copy: $6 for the first page; $1 for each additional page

The circuit court's Fees page may be reviewed occasionally for up-to-date court costs. One can also contact the Circuit Clerk's office for instructions about performing a court case search in Clay County.

Clay County District Court Records

There are no "district courts" in Clay County, Missouri. The county only has a circuit court that presides over legal matters brought to the local justice system. However, various municipal divisions operate as qualified subdivisions or extensions of the Clay County Circuit Court, retaining original jurisdiction over traffic and ordinance violations in their respective municipalities (cities or villages). These courts are not "courts of record," as defined in § 476.010, RSMo. Nevertheless, they may keep recordings of their proceedings.

To access a municipal court record in Clay County, a person may search the Missouri Case.net portal by name, case number, or filing/hearing date. At the same time, one can submit a written or oral request to the applicable municipal court clerk's office. Information such as a case party's name, case number, or filing year will be needed to retrieve records. Requesters should be aware that reasonable fees may apply to print, certify, or authenticate a copy of a record. Furthermore, municipal court records not considered part of the Clay County public records can only be released to eligible parties, such as the subject of a record.

For inquiries about the records request process, individuals can contact the municipal court clerk's office. Relevant contact information is provided in this article's "Clay County Courts" section.

Clay County Criminal Records

Members of the public can get Clay County criminal records from the State Highway Patrol, the state's central criminal records repository. Admittedly, any criminal records search through the State Patrol covers not only Clay County but also other Missouri regions where a person might have been arrested or convicted of a crime.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol provides name- and fingerprint-based criminal record checks to the public per Chapter 43, RSMo. Name-based checks (also called Personal Identifier Searches) cost $15 per request, plus a nominal convenience fee. These background checks can be completed on the MACHS Name Search Portal and require a person's name, birth date, and Social Security number.

Note that a name-based check only reveals "open" Clay criminal records, including conviction records, charges awaiting final disposition from the court, Clay County arrest information less than 30 days from the incident date, and records containing a suspended imposition of sentence (SIS) during the probation period.

A fingerprint-based criminal background search, on the other hand, is available to authorized parties via the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) Fingerprint Search Portal. The portal is used to schedule fingerprinting with the state vendor, and the total fee payable for a record check is thus:

• Statewide background search: $20 + a $11.50 vendor fee.
• State and federal background check: $20 + $13.25 + a $11.50 vendor fee.

Fingerprint background checks provide closed criminal record information, including all criminal history data, charges that were nolle prossed, dismissed, or resulted in a not guilty verdict, expunged/closed records, and any SIS after the probation period is over.

Additional details about the criminal background check process are provided on the State Patrol's Criminal Record Check website.

Clay County Criminal Court Case Lookup

A great deal of information about a person's criminal past can be gleaned by reviewing the corresponding criminal court case records. To look up these case files in Clay County, one may utilize the Missouri Case.net portal (which accepts searches by name or case number), or they may submit a request to the clerk of the court that adjudicated the matter. In Clay County, criminal cases are heard in the circuit court or a municipal court division.

Specifically, those who wish to examine a criminal case record in the circuit court can fax their requests to (816) 407-3899 with the subject "Attention Records". It should be noted that access restrictions apply to closed records, defined as a criminal case that was nolle prossed, dismissed, had the imposition of sentence suspended, or where the court entered a not guilty verdict. Such records are only released to the subject of a record or the attorney of record with a valid ID. Also, the request must be notarized (if made in writing) and bear the requester's contact information.

Get Clay County Civil Court Records

Civil court records include all case documents or information pertaining to a noncriminal matter filed in court to determine private rights or obtain legal remedies for an injury, harm, or damage done to a party.

Civil cases are heard in the Clay County Circuit Court's Civil Department. The department has the following divisions: Circuit Civil (claims over $25,000), Associate Civil (claims below $25,000), Small Claims (suits up to $5,000), and Domestic Relations. To review records generated in civil court, one may access the Missouri Case.net database on the Missouri Courts' website. Individuals can also call (816) 407-3850, email civil@circuit7.net, or stop by the Clay County Courthouse with their requests. Each requester must be able to provide identifying information about a case, which is not limited to a case party's name or case number.

Clay County Family Court Records

The phrase "family court records" encompasses all legal proceedings related to a domestic matter or dispute. These include marriage dissolution, adoption, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, domestic violence, and paternity.

The circuit court is responsible for adjudicating family cases in Clay County, and its Civil Department can be contacted for information.

It is worth mentioning, however, that compared to other categories of court files, family court records frequently have more stringent access restrictions due to their sensitive contents. Nevertheless, individuals can still search the Missouri Case.net platform for nonconfidential cases or submit a formal request to the Civil Department, as indicated in the previous section.

Clay Dissolution of Marriage Records

A dissolution of marriage in Clay County is a legal action that terminates a marital relationship. More commonly known as a "divorce," this type of case falls under the purview of the circuit court in Clay County. Related records can be obtained from the court through the Missouri Case.net portal or by making a written or oral request to the circuit court's Civil Department. The Civil Department can be reached at (816) 407-3850 for inquiries.

Clay County Marriage and Divorce Records

Clay County divorce records can be ordered from the Clay County Circuit Court Clerk's office. Requests can be submitted using any method the Clerk's office accepts, such as an in-person request. However, those seeking a certified copy of a divorce decree and having no knowledge of the county where the record exists can request a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce from the state vital records office for $15.

On the other hand, copies of Clay County marriage records are available through the Clay County Recorder of Deeds. This office issues marriage licenses within Clay County and maintains the associated records. Here's how parties can obtain their Clay marriage license records from the Recorder's office:

• By Mail: Include both spouses' full names at the time of the marriage application, the marriage date, and the fee. It costs $10 for a certified copy and $2 for an uncertified copy. Payment can be made by money order, cash, or check, and the inquirer must include their contact phone number and a self-addressed return envelope. Below is the mailing address:

Recorder of Deeds
ATTN: Marriage License Desk
P.O. Box 238
Liberty, MO 64069

• By Phone: Call the Recorder's office at (816) 407-3550 to request a copy of the marriage license, which will be delivered to the requester via mail. To process a request, the Recorder's office will need both spouses' names at the time of the license application and the requester's credit card details. In addition to the standard record fee, a nominal convenience fee is charged for credit card transactions.

It is important to note that the Recorder does not issue a Clay County marriage certificate but a Clay County marriage license record.

Where the Recorder cannot locate a record or one does not know the county in which they purchased a license, the party can apply to the Missouri State Department of Health & Senior Services, i.e., the state vital records office. However, the department only issues a certified Statement of Marriage to eligible parties upon request for $15. This statement is helpful for ascertaining the issuing county where one can submit a marriage license copy request.

Notably, members of the public can view an index of marriage licenses recorded by the Clay Recorder of Deeds at a public access terminal in the Clay County Administration Building. They can also access the office's iRecordWeb portal. No cost is assessed to use the online system, which is accessible with at least a person's last name.

Clay Birth and Death Records

The Clay County Public Health Center (CCPHC) issues birth records for individuals born in Missouri after 1920 and death records for persons deceased after 1980. Generally, there are three ways to obtain these records from the health center:

• Online: Individuals can order Clay County birth records and death certificates through the local Public Health Center's third-party vendor. Details about making such requests are provided on the CCPHC's website.
• By Mail: An Application for Certified Copy of Birth/Death Certificate can be completed, notarized, and mailed to the Clay County Public Health Center. Mail requesters must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order payable to the CCPHC.
• In-Person: Individuals can visit the Center during regular business hours to obtain copies of birth or death records. One can fill out the Application for Certified Copy of Birth/Death Certificate beforehand or complete the form at the office. A valid photo identification (driver's license, school ID, etc.) is required for such requests.

Note: The processing time for mail or online requests is generally 7 to 10 business days. However, same-day service is offered to walk-in requesters. It costs $15 to order a Clay County birth certificate. Meanwhile, Clay County death certificates are available for $14 for the first copy and $11 per additional copy.

Individuals seeking older Clay County birth or death records (1910 to present) can query the Missouri Department of Health in Jefferson City. Order guidelines are available on the agency's website.

Birth and death records comprise the Clay County vital records, along with marriage and divorce records. Birth records are useful for verifying a person's age, citizenship, or identity. On the other hand, death records are important for claiming life insurance benefits, settling estates, and genealogy research.

It should be noted that Missouri is a closed vital records state. Thus, only parties with a direct and tangible interest, as outlined in §193.255, RSMo, can obtain copies of a Clay County birth or death record. These generally include the subject of the record, a close relative, or an official representative (lawyer, physician, etc.).

Clay County Probate Court Records

Cases heard in the Clay County Probate Court, a circuit court division, include wills, trusts, inheritances, guardianships, conservatorships, estate administration, mental health proceedings, and sexually violent predator actions.

Interested members of the public can obtain Clay County probate case information from the Missouri Case.net portal. One can also contact the Probate Department at (816) 407-3880 or visit the James S. Rooney Justice Center (Clay County Courthouse) to retrieve documents.

Clay County Property Records

A Clay County property record contains vital information about real estate (land and anything affixed to it), such as a property's ownership, characteristics, and legal description.

Per 59 RSMo, the Recorder of Deeds is the official recorder of all real estate/land instruments in Clay County. Those researching a property in the area can access the office's iRecord Web portal to conduct a real estate search. Individuals can log in as guests or registered users. No fee is charged to access online records.

The iRecord system provides recorded document information from 1984 to the present. However, only registered users can view and print document images. One can also stop by the Recorder of Deeds office in the Clay County Administration Building to look up recorded documents at a public access terminal.

Another way to find Clay County property records is to use search tools provided on the local Assessor's office website.

Clay County Court Records Online

Third-party websites, such as Missouricourtrecords.us, present an alternative avenue for reviewing court records in Clay County. These websites offer extensive databases to users, feature simplified navigation, and provide swift access to information.

Unlike an official court repository, third-party websites typically supplement the search results with other publicly available data, making them effective utilities for investigating a person's background. For example, an individual may find Clay County arrest records on a third-party database, as well as related deeds, marriage licenses, bankruptcy information, liens, and employment data.

However, limitations may arise regarding data accuracy or the fees incurred to access comprehensive information.