Access Ralls County Civil Court Records
Ralls County civil court records are maintained at the Circuit Clerk's office in New London, Missouri. This small county in northeast Missouri has court records dating all the way back to 1821, making it one of the oldest record collections in the state. The clerk also serves as the ex-officio recorder of deeds. Whether you need to look up a recent civil case or dig into historical records, this page covers your options for finding and requesting Ralls County civil court records.
Ralls County Civil Court Quick Facts
Ralls County Circuit Clerk Office
Gina Jameson serves as the Ralls County Circuit Clerk. The office is at the Ralls County Courthouse, 311 South Main St., New London, MO 63459. The mailing address is PO Box 466, New London, MO 63459. You can call 573-985-5631 for questions about civil cases or filing procedures. The clerk's office handles all civil court filings, docket work, and record keeping for Ralls County.
One thing that sets Ralls County apart is that the Circuit Clerk also serves as the ex-officio recorder of deeds. This means the same office handles both civil court records and property records like deeds, mortgages, and liens. If you need both types of records, you can get them from the same place. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday.
Ralls County has court records that go back to 1821. That makes the collection here one of the oldest in Missouri. Researchers who need very old civil case files may find what they are looking for either at the courthouse or through the Missouri State Archives, which holds historical records on microfilm.
| Circuit Clerk | Gina Jameson |
|---|---|
| Address | 311 South Main St., PO Box 466 New London, MO 63459 |
| Phone | 573-985-5631 |
| Website | Ralls County Circuit Clerk |
Search Ralls County Civil Records Online
The best way to search Ralls County civil court records online is through Missouri Case.net. This free state portal covers all 114 Missouri counties. You can search by party name, case number, filing date, or hearing date. Results show docket entries, party names, judgments, and upcoming court dates.
The Ralls County Circuit Clerk's website shown below provides contact details and information about accessing Ralls County civil court records.
Ralls County also offers access to some records through iDoc Market, an online document search and purchase system. You can search for and buy copies of recorded documents through this service. There is also a Document Alerts feature that sends notifications about new filings, which can help with fraud prevention on property records.
Case.net runs Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 1 AM. It shows case summaries and docket entries but not full filed documents. For copies of actual petitions, motions, or orders, contact the clerk's office. The Track This Case feature on Case.net sends email alerts when a case you follow gets new docket entries.
Ralls County Civil Filing Fees
Filing fees in Ralls County follow the statewide fee schedule. A new circuit civil case costs $93.50 to $105.50. Associate circuit civil cases are $43.50 to $53.50. Small claims run $30.50 to $35.50. The Missouri Courts fee schedule has the full breakdown.
Copy fees are standard across Missouri. Photocopies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies run $1.50 to $2.50 for the certification plus $0.25 per page. The clerk can charge $0.20 per minute for search time. Payment is by cash, check, or money order at the clerk's window.
Civil Case Types in Ralls County
Ralls County courts handle the same kinds of civil cases as any Missouri circuit court. Contract disputes, personal injury claims, and debt collection cases come through here. Property disputes are common in rural areas. The court also handles domestic relations matters and probate actions. Small claims for amounts under $5,000 go through the Associate Circuit Division.
Because the clerk also serves as recorder, there can be overlap between civil court records and property records. A civil case over a property boundary dispute, for example, might connect to deeds and survey records held in the same office. This makes the Ralls County clerk's office a one-stop shop for certain types of legal research.
Public Access to Ralls County Court Records
The Missouri Sunshine Law gives the public a right to access civil court records. The clerk must act on requests within three business days. You can ask in person or in writing. Viewing records at the courthouse is free. Copies cost extra.
Sealed cases, juvenile files, and expunged records are not available to the public. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and names of minors get redacted from public filings under Court Operating Rule 2. For historical Ralls County records that predate the Case.net system, try the Missouri State Archives or contact the clerk's office about their older files.
Filing a Civil Case in Ralls County
To start a civil case, file a petition with the Ralls County Circuit Clerk in New London. Attorneys must use the Missouri eFiling system. Self-represented parties can file on paper. The clerk assigns a case number and sets the case on the docket. You must serve the other party with a copy of your petition and a summons.
The Missouri Bar has a lawyer directory searchable by practice area and location. Legal Services of Missouri provides free help to people who qualify based on income. Court clerks cannot give legal advice but can help you with forms and fee questions.
Nearby Counties
Ralls County is in northeast Missouri near the Mississippi River. If a civil case might have been filed in a neighboring county, check the links below. Cases are filed in the county where the events took place or where the other party lives.