Find Clark County Civil Records
Clark County civil court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Kahoka, Missouri. The 1st Judicial Circuit handles all cases for Clark, Schuyler, and Scotland counties. You can look up Clark County civil court records through Missouri's Case.net system or visit the clerk's office on Court Street in person. The clerk's office handles a range of civil matters including small claims, associate and circuit civil cases, domestic relations, and orders of protection.
Clark County Quick Facts
Clark County Circuit Clerk Office
Kimberly Schantz-Smith serves as the Clark County Circuit Clerk. The office is at 111 E. Court St. in Kahoka. The staff work to make sure everyone is respected and served promptly with complete access to the judicial system. Call 660-727-3292 for help with a case or to ask about filing requirements. The office is open during regular weekday hours.
Clark County is part of the 1st Judicial Circuit along with Schuyler and Scotland counties. This is Missouri's first numbered judicial circuit, covering the northeast corner of the state. Judges rotate between the three counties to hold court. Each county keeps its own records through its local clerk. For Clark County civil court records, the Kahoka office is your source. The Clark County Circuit Clerk website has contact details and helpful information about the court process.
| Circuit Clerk | Kimberly Schantz-Smith |
|---|---|
| Address | 111 E. Court St. Kahoka, MO 63445 |
| Phone | 660-727-3292 |
| Judicial Circuit | 1st Judicial Circuit (with Schuyler and Scotland) |
Search Clark County Civil Records Online
Missouri Case.net is the primary tool for searching Clark County civil court records online. It is free and covers every county in Missouri. You can search by party name, case number, filing date, or hearing date. Results show docket entries, parties, judgments, and court dates. The system runs from 6 AM to 1 AM on weekdays.
The screenshot below shows the Clark County Circuit Clerk's page, which provides information about accessing civil court records and other court services.
Clark County civil court records on Case.net include case types like small claims, circuit civil, associate civil, domestic relations, child support, and probate. The system shows the docket history for each case, including all filings, motions, and orders.
Case.net also offers a Plead and Pay feature. Once a case is in the system, defendants in certain case types can plead guilty and pay their fine online without going to court. This does not apply to all civil cases, but it is available for some traffic and minor matters. Note that it can take up to 25 days for a ticket or case to appear in the system after it is issued.
Clark County Civil Filing Fees
Filing fees in Clark County follow the statewide Missouri schedule. Circuit civil cases cost $100.50 to file. Associate civil cases are $48.50. Small claims cost $35.50. These are base filing fees. Other costs may come up for service of process, motions, and other actions during the case. The Missouri Courts fee schedule has the complete list.
Copy fees for Clark County civil court records are $0.25 per page for standard copies. Certified copies cost $1.50 to $2.50 for the certification plus the per-page charge. Under Section 610.026 RSMo, the state caps what can be charged for public record copies. Clerk search time runs $0.20 per minute.
Civil Case Types in Clark County
The Clark County Circuit Court handles a broad range of civil case types. The clerk's office processes traffic tickets, small claims, circuit and associate civil cases, domestic relations matters, child support cases, probate filings, and orders of protection. That covers pretty much everything from a $500 small claims dispute to a major civil lawsuit worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Small claims in Clark County use simplified procedures designed for people representing themselves. The dollar limit is $5,000. The associate division handles civil cases up to $25,000, while the full circuit court takes the larger matters. Domestic relations cases, including divorce, custody, and support matters, create their own set of civil records. The clerk also processes juvenile cases and adoptions, though those records have restricted public access.
Public Access to Clark County Records
Clark County civil court records are public under the Missouri Sunshine Law. Chapter 610 RSMo gives everyone the right to request and view government records. The clerk must respond within three business days. You do not need a reason to make a request.
Sealed cases, juvenile records, and expunged records are not open to the public. Court Operating Rule 2 requires that Social Security numbers, bank account details, and other personal information be removed from public court filings. Most Clark County civil cases are fully accessible. The Missouri Courts self-help page has more about access rights.
Filing Civil Cases in Clark County
File a civil case in Clark County by submitting a petition at the Circuit Clerk's office in Kahoka. Attorneys must use the Missouri eFiling system. Self-represented parties can file on paper. After filing, the clerk assigns a case number. You then need to serve the other party with a copy of the petition and summons.
The Missouri Bar has a directory of attorneys if you need legal representation. Legal Services of Missouri provides free assistance for qualifying residents with certain civil matters.
Clark County Historical Civil Records
Older Clark County civil court records from before the electronic system are kept at the courthouse in Kahoka. The Missouri State Archives holds historical court records from many Missouri counties on microfilm. Their Judicial Index Database can help locate older Clark County cases. Contact the clerk or the State Archives for help with records from decades ago.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Clark County in northeast Missouri. Schuyler and Scotland share the 1st Judicial Circuit with Clark County.