Jackson County Probate Records

Like other Jackson County court records, probate records are generated when the Probate division of the 16th Circuit Court of Jackson County manages and distributes a deceased person's estate. These records include cases involving estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships, trust administration, will execution, and estate disputes following a testator's death.

Jackson County probate records are significant and resourceful to heirs, legal professionals, financial professionals, researchers, and other interested persons as they help them to:

• Verify inheritance claims
• Settle estate dispute
• Trace family history
• Conduct genealogical research

Jackson County's probate process takes a comprehensive approach, addressing estate distribution alongside matters related to mental health, substance abuse, and the legal management of potentially dangerous individuals. It also offers accessible service points at Kansas City and Independence Courthouses.

Are Probate Records Public?

Yes. Jackson County Probate records are accessible to the public. According to Rule 2.02 of the Missouri Court Operating Rules, case records, including those related to probate matters, are open to any public member for inspection or copying.

However, this rule also necessitates the redaction of certain confidential information, which includes but is not limited to the following:

• Passport numbers, state identity numbers, driver's license numbers, social security numbers, and taxpayer identification numbers;
• Account numbers of financial institutions, credit or debit card numbers, PINs, or passwords that are used to protect these accounts or cards;
• The names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses, victims, informants, and those covered by protection orders or restraining orders;
• Birth dates;
• The names of people who are recognized as minors; and
• Case numbers of sealed, purged, or confidential documents.

What is Probate Court in Jackson County?

Jackson County Probate Court is the Probate Division of the 16th Circuit Court that manages the estates of deceased persons and protects the interests of incapacitated, disabled adults and minors. The division oversees disputes involving trusts—including those established by wills—and handles cases concerning the civil commitment of individuals facing mental health or substance abuse challenges, as well as the institutionalization of alleged sexually violent predators.

Additionally, the Probate Judge reviews transfers from other divisions related to probate matters. The division operates with a dedicated team at the following courthouses:

Jackson County Circuit Court
Kansas City Courthouse
415 East 12th Street,
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: (816) 881-3000

Jackson County Circuit Court
Independence Courthouse Annex
308 West Kansas,
Independence, MO 64050
Phone: (816) 881-4400.

Probate Court Case Lookup

The Probate Records Department of the 16th Circuit Court of Jackson County maintains probate court records. Individuals can access these records online through the court's Probate Records portal, which offers searches by estate number or party names for cases closed before May 16, 2005. Comprehensive information about cases initiated after May 15, 2005, is also available via Missouri's Case.net system. To locate a specific case, users should have the estate number or the parties' full names. It's important to note that certain case types, such as mental health and substance abuse-related estates, are confidential and not accessible to the public.

For in-person inquiries or service, the Probate Records Department operates from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at both the Kansas City Courthouse and the Independence Courthouse.

How to Find Probate Records Online Free

Resources from state and municipal governments offer a number of helpful choices to anyone looking for free probate data online. Users can conduct free searches of probate cases in Missouri through the state-run Missouri's Case.net system. Users can input simple search parameters such as party names, case numbers, or filing dates to find relevant records. This online application provides a cost-free and efficient way to see case information and is made to be easily accessible.

In addition to Missouri's Case.net system, Jackson County offers a dedicated Probate Records portal on its official website. This portal provides public access to probate records filed with the county court. Users can look up probate records using the estate number or party names, as mentioned in the "Probate Court Case Lookup".

However, users should note that while these portals may offer free online access, obtaining certified copies may require payment or an in-person visit to the courthouse.

How Long Does Probate Take in Missouri

In Missouri, probate often lasts 6 months and one year for straightforward estates. The duration increases when the estate is large or complex, disputes among heirs arise, or creditors file claims that delay asset distribution.

Are Wills Public Record?

In Jackson County, once a will is filed for probate, it becomes part of probate records and the public record and is accessible to the public as provided for by Rule 2.02 of the Missouri Court Operating Rules. However, the court may seal or redact certain sensitive information sections under specific circumstances highlighted in the "Are Probate Records Public?" section above.

How to Find Out If Someone Has a Will

Interested Individuals may determine whether someone has filed a will by taking two approaches. First, they may check with the probate court in the decedent's last county of residence—many courts offer online search tools or provide in-person assistance to review filed documents. Second, they may contact the attorney who prepared the will, as that professional can confirm if the document was filed for probate. These approaches help ensure that any existing will is located and verified.

Jackson County Family Court Case Search

Jackson County Family Court has exclusive, original jurisdiction over matters such as marriage, child custody, adult abuse and neglect, and related issues. Depending on whether the case falls under the Juvenile Justice or Marriage and Family category, it is heard at one of three locations.

Individuals can search for family court cases by using an official online database provided by the Missouri Courts system. Users typically enter basic search criteria, such as party names, case numbers, or filing dates, to locate the needed records. Also, interested persons may access these records by contacting the court clerk or visiting the Deputy Court Administrator/Family Court's office in person at:

Deputy Court Administrator/Family Court
Theresa Byrd
Phone: (816) 435-4850
Fax: (816) 435-4844
Email: theresa.byrd@courts.mo.gov