Scott County Court Records

Court records in Scott County, Missouri, are official papers that describe court cases and rulings made by the county's judges. These documents are essential for maintaining legal evidence, guaranteeing openness, and aiding in the settlement of conflicts in criminal, civil, and family law proceedings.

Case numbers, names of parties, court dates, filings, motions, judgments, and sentencing information are examples of often-contained material. Information on financial transactions, custody agreements, and property disputes may also be included in court records.

They are typically available to the public and are crucial for conducting legal research, confirming backgrounds, and comprehending court decisions within the context of Scott County law. (Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 483)

Are Court Records Public in Scott County?

The Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSM) Section 610.011, which promotes government transparency, makes Scott County, Missouri, court records generally accessible to the public. The public can access most records through the Circuit Court Clerk's office, including civil, criminal, and probate case files. Nonetheless, the following restrictions or exclusions apply to the release of court records:

• Court-ordered sealed records are not available to the general public.
• Access to juvenile records is restricted, mostly to those who are permitted.
• Records containing sensitive information, including adoption records, are restricted to confidential situations.
• Until investigations are finished, some records of current investigations might not be available.
• Some data, including social security numbers and other personal identifiers, may be redacted to preserve privacy.

Scott County Court Records Search

In Scott County, Missouri, court record searches can be conducted through the following options:

• The Scott County Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
• The Missouri Case.net is an online portal for searching public court records statewide.
• Missouri State Archives where Historical court records may be available.
• Third-Party Services.

Scott County Courts

The Missouri trial court system consists of a Circuit Court, Municipal Courts, and an Administrative Hearing Commission. Below is a directory of court locations in Scott County:

Scott County Circuit Court
Scott County Courthouse
131 South Winchester Street, P.O. Box 587
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3596 (Civil)
Fax: (573) 545-3597 (Civil)
Phone: (573) 545-3576 (Criminal)
Fax: (573) 545-4231 (Criminal)
Phone: (573) 545-3511 (Probate)
Fax: (573) 545-3685 (Probate)

Benton Municipal Division
Scott County Courthouse
131 South Winchester Street, P.O. Box 587
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3576
Fax: (573) 545-4231

Chaffee Municipal Court
222 West Yoakum Avenue
Chaffee, MO 63740
Phone: (573) 887-3558

Kelso Municipal Division
Scott County Courthouse
131 South Winchester Street, P.O. Box 587
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3576
Fax: (573) 545-4231

Miner Municipal Court
103 State Highway H
Miner, MO 63801
Phone: (573) 471-8512

Morley Municipal Division
Scott County Courthouse
131 South Winchester Street, P.O. Box 587
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3576
Fax: (573) 545-4231

Oran Municipal Division
Scott County Courthouse
131 South Winchester Street, P.O. Box 587
Benton, MO 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3576
Fax: (573) 545-4231

Scott City Municipal Division
City Hall
215 Chester Avenue
Scott City, MO 63780
Phone: (573) 264-2006
Fax: (573) 264-0081

Sikeston Municipal Court
City Hall
105 East Center Street
Sikeston, MO 63801
Phone: (573) 475-3705
Fax: (573) 471-1526

Scott County Criminal and Civil Court Records

The Circuit Court Clerk's Office, which acts as the custodian of these data, provides access to Scott County's criminal and civil court records. People may need to fill out a formal request form and supply specific case details, like names, case numbers, or dates, to acquire documents. For copies, identification and payment may be necessary.

Interested parties can visit the Criminal Division, Judicial Building behind the Courthouse, close to the Sheriff's Department, and the Civil & Administrative Unit, 2nd Floor of the Courthouse, Room 208, to see civil and criminal records. The public can use the Case.Net site to search for these court records online by using the case number or by name.

The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol provides $15.00 name-based and $20.00 fingerprint-based record check alternatives for obtaining complete criminal records. Fill out forms and send them to:

Missouri State Highway Patrol,
CJIS Division,
Post Office Box 9500,
Jefferson City,
MO 65102-9500

Scott County Marriage Records

Legitimate partnerships are documented in marriage records, which also contain information about names, dates, and marriage places. The Recorder of Deeds Office, the official office for marriage license applications in Scott County, is responsible for maintaining these records. Generally speaking, anyone can access marriage records. Record copies can be purchased for $1.00 per page. Interested parties can visit the Recorder's Office in person to pick up marriage certificates at:

Recorder of Deeds
P.O. Box 78, 131 S Winchester, Room 134
Benton, Missouri 63736
Phone: (573) 545-3551
Fax: (573) 545-4482

Marriage statements are also available from the Department of Health's Office of Vital Statistics. These can be used to authenticate a person's marital status and, in cases where there is doubt, to confirm the county where the marriage occurred.

Scott County Divorce Records

The formal breakup of a marriage is documented in divorce records, which also include information on dates, parties' names, and terms of settlement. The Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Scott County is responsible for keeping divorce records. Except in cases when a court order seals them, divorce documents are publicly available. Usually, authorized individuals or the parties involved can obtain certified copies.

Interested parties can simply send a written request, in person or by mail, to the clerk's office to get copies of the records. Divorce statements are also available from the Vital Statistics Office of the Department of Health, which is useful in situations where a person is unsure about the county of record or in other such situations.

Scott County Birth Records

In Scott County, Missouri, birth records capture important information about a person's birth, including name, date, location, and parents. These records are kept at the local level by the Scott County Health Department (since 1920) and at the state level by the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records (since 1910). Birth records are not publicly available under Missouri law; only the individual, their parents, legal guardians, or designated representatives may access them.

The county health department requires applicants to fill out a request form, pay $15.00 per copy, and present acceptable identification to get a record. To get birth data from the Bureau of Vital Statistics, applicants must complete a request form and pay $15 per copy.

Birth records play a crucial role in both legal and private contexts since they are necessary for identification verification, passport applications, citizenship verification, and genealogical research.

Scott County Death Records

In Scott County, Missouri, death records capture important information regarding a person's passing, including the cause, date, and location of death. The Scott County Health Department (since 1980) and the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records (since 1910) are responsible for maintaining these records at the local level. Missouri law prohibits the public from accessing death records; only the deceased person, their parents, legal guardians, or chosen representatives may do so.

According to the County Health Department, applicants must fill out a request form, pay $14 per copy, and present valid identification to get a record. To receive birth records, applicants must complete a request form and pay $14 per copy to the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

To settle estates, confirm death for legal grounds, do genealogy research, and get survivor benefits like Social Security or insurance claims, death records are crucial.

Scott County Probate Records

In Scott County, Missouri, probate court records record court cases about the management of trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, wills, and estates. These documents provide information on guardianship appointments, asset distribution, and financial affairs management for minors or those who are incapable of managing their finances.

These documents are kept in Scott County by the Probate Division of the Circuit Court. People can look for probate records online at Missouri Case.net or in person at the Court Clerk's Office. Usually, requests call for the payment of relevant fees as well as case information, like names or case numbers. Only authorized parties may have access to certain records.

Scott County Property Records

In Scott County, Missouri, property records preserve real estate ownership, transactions, assessments, and tax data. The Scott County Assessor's Office and Recorder of Deeds are in charge of keeping these records. These consist of property tax evaluations, liens, mortgages, deeds, and plats. Through an online property search site, the County Collector's Office also provides some information about properties.

Individuals can view some property information online through the GIS portal or physically visit the Assessor's Office or Recorder of Deeds to access property records. Property records are necessary for completing real estate transactions, determining property boundaries, settling disputes, and confirming ownership. While the majority of records are available to the public, some information, such as financial details, may be restricted to preserve privacy.

Scott County Court Records Online

An alternate method of obtaining court records in Scott County, Missouri, is through third-party internet resources. An easy way to search public documents, including those related to civil, criminal, and probate matters, is through websites such as Missouricourtrecords.us. Benefits include faster access than in-person requests, user-friendly search options, and availability around the clock. Nevertheless, there are drawbacks, such as possible errors, missing information, and costs for premium services. Furthermore, some systems might not provide access to sealed or sensitive documents. Although these tools are useful for preliminary research, users should confirm the accuracy and completeness of information using official county or state resources.