Franklin County Court Docket Records
Franklin County court docket records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Union, Missouri. The 20th Judicial Circuit serves Franklin County along with Gasconade and Osage Counties. You can search Franklin County court docket entries for free on Missouri Case.net. The system covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic filings. Franklin County also supports electronic filing, so new cases and motions may appear on the docket quickly. For copies or older records, contact the clerk's office in Union.
Franklin County Court Docket Quick Facts
Franklin County Circuit Clerk
Connie Ward is the Franklin County Circuit Clerk. The main office is at 401 E. Main St. in Union. For criminal matters, call (636) 583-7365. For civil court docket questions, call (636) 583-7366. The general line is (636) 583-7391.
Franklin County is one of three counties in the 20th Judicial Circuit. Gasconade and Osage Counties round out the circuit. The judges rotate between all three courthouses, though Franklin County handles the most cases due to its larger population. As an e-filing court, Franklin County receives many of its new filings electronically. This speeds up how fast new entries appear on the court docket. Attorneys are expected to file through the electronic system, though self-represented parties can still file paper documents in most situations.
The Franklin County government website at franklinmo.org links to county departments including the circuit clerk's office. You can find information about the Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk page there as well, which has filing instructions and office details.
The Franklin County site has links to the circuit clerk, recorder, and other offices that handle public records.
| Office | Franklin County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Connie Ward |
| Address | 401 E. Main St., Union, MO 63084 |
| Criminal Line | (636) 583-7365 |
| Civil Line | (636) 583-7366 |
| General Line | (636) 583-7391 |
| Circuit | 20th Judicial Circuit |
Search Franklin County Court Docket Online
Head to Missouri Case.net to search Franklin County court docket records. Choose Franklin County or the 20th Judicial Circuit from the menu. You can search by name, case number, or date. No login is needed for basic searches. Results show the full docket timeline with every entry listed in order.
Since Franklin County is an e-filing court, new filings often appear on Case.net faster than in counties that rely on paper. Documents filed on or after July 1, 2023, can be viewed through Remote Public Access. Older documents show only the docket entry text online. Use Track This Case to get email or text alerts about changes to a Franklin County court docket.
Copy fees in Franklin County are $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost an extra $1.50. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. You can request copies in person at the Union courthouse or send a written request by mail.
Franklin County Court Docket Public Access
Court docket records in Franklin County are public under Missouri's Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo). You can request them without being involved in the case. No reason is required.
Sealed records, juvenile cases, and mental health proceedings are closed to the public. Social Security numbers and bank account data are removed from any copies released. If the Franklin County clerk denies a records request, the denial must be written and include a reason. You can challenge it through the Missouri Attorney General or by filing in circuit court.
The 20th Circuit page on the Missouri Courts website has local rules that apply to Franklin County filings and records access.
Legal Resources for Franklin County
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri serves Franklin County residents who need free legal help. Income limits apply. The Missouri Bar runs a lawyer referral service for finding attorneys in the 20th Circuit. Self Represent Missouri offers free forms and how-to guides for people handling cases on their own.
The Franklin County clerk's office can help with filing procedures and court docket lookups but cannot give legal advice. If you need guidance on your case, contact a lawyer or legal aid group.
Note: Franklin County supports e-filing, so many court docket entries appear online faster than in counties that still use paper filing only.
Franklin County Court Docket Filing Steps
Filing a case in Franklin County starts at the Circuit Clerk's office in Union. You can also file through the state's e-filing system. The clerk assigns a case number and the entry shows up on the court docket right away. Case.net updates within a few days for most new filings in the 20th Circuit.
Fees vary by case type. Civil filings cost more than small claims. The clerk takes cash, check, money order, and all major credit cards. Copy fees run about $1.00 per page with a $1.50 charge for certified copies. If you need a document fast, ask the clerk about same-day service. Under Chapter 610 RSMo, most court docket records in Franklin County are open to the public. Some records stay sealed by court order, but that is the exception rather than the rule.
Missouri law under Chapter 476 RSMo sets the rules for how circuit courts run. This includes the 20th Judicial Circuit that covers Franklin County. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. Each case type has its own docket track. Criminal cases move faster than most civil ones. Probate cases can take months or more. Check Case.net for updates on any case in the 20th Circuit. The system shows hearing dates, rulings, and filed documents for Franklin County court docket entries.
Nearby Counties
Franklin County borders several counties in east-central Missouri. Confirm your case is in the right jurisdiction before searching for court docket records.