Bollinger County Civil Records

Bollinger County civil court records date back to 1851 when the county was formed in southeast Missouri. The Circuit Clerk's office in Marble Hill manages all civil case files for the county. You can search for recent Bollinger County civil cases through Missouri's free online court system, or visit the clerk in person for older records. This page covers where to find these records, how much copies cost, and what rights you have to access court files in Bollinger County.

Bollinger County Circuit Clerk Office

Shirley P. McElrath is the Bollinger County Circuit Clerk. The office is at 204 High St., Marble Hill, MO 63764. You can call 573-238-1070 to reach the office. The clerk serves as the record keeper for civil, criminal, and probate courts in the county. Staff at the office prepare dockets, handle filings, and maintain all court documents.

Bollinger County is part of the 32nd Judicial Circuit along with Cape Girardeau County. The two counties share a circuit but each has its own Circuit Clerk who keeps the local records. Civil cases filed in Bollinger County are stored at the Marble Hill courthouse. If a dispute involves someone in Cape Girardeau County, you may also want to check that county's records. The Bollinger County Circuit Clerk page may have more details on office services, though the site may be down at times.

Bollinger County Civil Records History

Bollinger County was formed in 1851. Court records have been maintained from the county's formation. That gives researchers over 170 years of civil case history in this jurisdiction. The earliest records cover land disputes, debt collection, and other civil matters that were common in rural Missouri during that era.

Not all of these older records are digitized. Records from the early decades exist only in paper form or on microfilm at the courthouse or the Missouri State Archives. The Judicial Index Database at the Archives can point you to the right microfilm reel for a specific case. If you are doing genealogy work or historical research on Bollinger County civil cases, the Archives is a valuable resource. Contact them at archref@sos.mo.gov for guidance.

Search Bollinger County Civil Cases Online

For recent cases, Missouri Case.net is your best option. This free tool from the state courts covers all 114 counties including Bollinger County. Search by party name (last name first), case number, or filing date. Results show docket entries, party names, judgments, and upcoming hearings. The system runs Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 1 AM.

The Missouri civil court records page below provides an overview of the types of civil cases handled in Bollinger County and other Missouri counties.

Case.net shows case summaries. It does not show the actual filed documents like petitions, answers, or motions. For those, call the clerk at 573-238-1070 or visit the Marble Hill office. You can inspect the full case file at the courthouse and request copies of specific documents. The Track This Case feature on Case.net will send you email alerts about updates to any Bollinger County case you are following.

Note: Older Bollinger County civil cases from before the Case.net system will not show up in online searches.

Bollinger County Civil Court Fees

Filing fees for Bollinger County civil cases follow the standard Missouri schedule. Here is a summary:

• Circuit Civil cases: $93.50 to $105.50
• Associate Civil cases: $43.50 to $53.50
• Small Claims: $30.50 to $35.50
• Copies: $0.25 per page
• Certified copies: $1.50 to $2.50 plus $0.25 per page
• Clerk search time: $0.20 per minute

Attorneys must file most civil cases through the Missouri eFiling system and pay electronically. Self-represented parties can file on paper at the clerk's office and pay with cash, check, or money order. Fees are set by Missouri statute and court order.

Public Access to Bollinger County Records

Missouri law protects public access to civil court records in Bollinger County. The Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo) requires that record requests be acted on within three business days. The state constitution says courts shall be open to every person. You can visit the courthouse, send a letter, or call the clerk to request records.

Sealed records, juvenile cases, and expunged files are the main exceptions. The public cannot see these without a court order. Court Operating Rule 2 requires removal of Social Security numbers, financial details, and minor children's names from any filing that goes into the public record. These rules protect privacy while still keeping the vast majority of Bollinger County civil court records available to anyone who asks.

Legal Resources for Bollinger County

If you need a lawyer for a civil matter in Bollinger County, the Missouri Bar has an attorney search tool on its website. You can look for lawyers by location and practice area. Legal Services of Missouri provides free legal help to residents who meet income requirements. Their staff can also show you how to use Case.net to track your case.

The Circuit Clerk cannot give legal advice. But the office can hand you the right forms and explain the filing fees for different types of civil cases. Missouri offers downloadable court forms on the state judiciary website for people who want to file on their own.

Bollinger County Court Schedule

The Bollinger County Circuit Court holds regular sessions as set by the presiding judge. Court dates can shift, so call the clerk's office at 573-238-1070 to check the current calendar. Civil cases get assigned hearing dates based on the court's schedule and the type of case. Small claims hearings tend to be set sooner than larger civil trials.

If you have a pending civil case in Bollinger County, you can track your hearing dates through Case.net. The system shows scheduled court dates along with the assigned judge and courtroom. Make sure to check a few days before your hearing in case the date or time changed. The clerk's office can confirm any details you are unsure about.

Nearby Counties

Bollinger County shares the 32nd Judicial Circuit with Cape Girardeau County. Other neighboring counties include Madison County, Perry County, Wayne County, and Stoddard County. Civil cases are filed in the county where the events took place or where the defendant resides, so check the right county if you are not sure where a case was filed. A statewide search on Case.net can help you narrow it down.