Putnam County Civil Court Records Search
Putnam County civil court records are stored at the Circuit Clerk's office in Unionville, a small community in north Missouri. The 3rd Judicial Circuit covers Putnam County along with Sullivan County. Even though Putnam County has a small population, the court system handles all the same types of civil cases as larger counties. This page explains how to find, request, and use Putnam County civil court records through online searches and in-person visits to the courthouse.
Putnam County Civil Court Quick Facts
Putnam County Circuit Clerk Office
Teresa L. Smith serves as the Putnam County Circuit Clerk. The office is at 1601 Main St. in Unionville. Call 660-947-2071 to ask about a case or get filing help. The staff files, processes, and stores all civil case records for Putnam County. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
Putnam County is in the 3rd Judicial Circuit along with Sullivan County. The same judges handle cases in both counties. Each county has its own Circuit Clerk who keeps local records. If you need a civil court record from Putnam County, you go through the Unionville office. Cases in Sullivan County go through that county's clerk instead.
As a small rural county, Putnam does not see the same volume of civil cases as metro areas. But the clerk's office still handles the full range of civil matters. Contract disputes, small claims, domestic relations, and probate cases all come through here. The process works the same as in any other Missouri county. Under Missouri civil procedure law, the clerk must keep a record of all civil proceedings and make them available for public review.
| Circuit Clerk | Teresa L. Smith |
|---|---|
| Address | 1601 Main St. Unionville, MO 63565 |
| Phone | 660-947-2071 |
| Judicial Circuit | 3rd Judicial Circuit |
Search Putnam County Civil Records Online
You can search Putnam County civil court records for free through Missouri Case.net. This state portal covers all 114 Missouri counties. Search by party name, case number, filing date, or hearing date. Results show docket entries, case parties, judgments, and scheduled court dates.
The Missouri courts system shown below is the main way to search for Putnam County civil court records from anywhere with internet access.
Case.net is free. It runs Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 1 AM. The system shows case summaries and docket entries but not the full filed documents. For copies of petitions, motions, or orders, contact the Putnam County Circuit Clerk in Unionville. You can use the Track This Case feature to get email alerts about new entries in a case. Older cases from before the mid-2000s may not appear in the online system.
Putnam County Civil Filing Fees
Filing fees in Putnam County follow the statewide schedule. A new circuit civil case costs $93.50 to $105.50. Associate circuit civil cases run $43.50 to $53.50. Small claims are $30.50 to $35.50. Check the Missouri Courts fee schedule for the full list of current fees by case type.
Copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $1.50 to $2.50 for the certification plus $0.25 per page. Search fees run $0.20 per minute of clerk time. The clerk's office accepts cash, check, or money order. These fees are set by state law under Section 610.026 RSMo.
Civil Case Types in Putnam County
The Putnam County Circuit Court handles the same types of civil cases as any Missouri circuit court. Contract disputes, personal injury claims, and debt collection cases come through here. The court also hears property disputes, domestic relations matters, and probate actions. Small claims for amounts under $5,000 go through the Associate Circuit Division.
In a rural county like Putnam, you may see more cases tied to agricultural operations, land use, and property boundaries. Neighbor disputes over fences, drainage, or access roads can turn into civil cases. The Associate Division handles these smaller matters with simpler procedures and quicker timelines. You do not need a lawyer for small claims court, which helps in an area where attorneys may not be as close by.
Public Access to Putnam County Court Records
Missouri's Sunshine Law gives the public a right to view civil court records. The Putnam County Circuit Clerk must act on requests within three business days. You can ask in person at the courthouse or submit a written request. Viewing records at the courthouse is free. You pay only for copies.
Sealed cases, juvenile records, and expunged files are not public. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and names of minor children get removed from public filings under Court Operating Rule 2. The Missouri State Archives has older Putnam County court records on microfilm for those researching historical cases.
Filing a Civil Case in Putnam County
To start a civil case, file a petition with the Putnam County Circuit Clerk. Attorneys must use the Missouri eFiling system. Self-represented parties can file on paper at the courthouse. The clerk assigns a case number and puts the case on the docket. You must then serve the other party.
The Missouri Bar can help you find a lawyer by practice area. Legal Services of Missouri offers free help to those who qualify. In a rural area, finding a local attorney may take more effort, but the Missouri Bar directory covers the whole state. Court clerks cannot give legal advice but can help with forms and fee questions.
Nearby Counties
Putnam County is in the far north of Missouri, near the Iowa border. The 3rd Judicial Circuit covers Putnam and Sullivan counties. If a civil case might have been filed in a neighboring jurisdiction, check the counties listed here.