Residents and members of the public looking for court records in Buchanan County, Missouri can start with BuchananCourt.us, which can help locate publicly available information about court cases. Beyond that, the Missouri Courts website offers online case search tools, and records are also accessible through the Circuit Clerk's office in St. Joseph, where public-access terminals are available during business hours.
Buchanan Court System & Jurisdictions
Buchanan County falls within Missouri's 5th Judicial Circuit. The circuit court is the trial-level court of general jurisdiction, and it is divided into divisions that handle different case types:
- Criminal Division — felonies, misdemeanors, and ordinance violations prosecuted at the state level.
- Civil Division — lawsuits involving claims above the small claims threshold, contract disputes, personal injury, and other civil matters.
- Small Claims — civil disputes where the amount in controversy is $5,000 or less. These cases follow simplified procedures and typically do not require an attorney.
- Family Court / Domestic Relations — dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, paternity, and orders of protection. Marriage and divorce information is also available through the state's official portal.
- Probate Division — estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings.
- Traffic Division — moving violations, DWI/DUI cases, and other traffic-related offenses.
- Associate Circuit Division — handles preliminary hearings in felony cases, misdemeanors, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and municipal ordinance violations.
If you are unsure which division holds a particular docket, contact the Circuit Clerk's office or search by party name through the statewide case search on the Missouri Courts website.
Buchanan Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Buchanan County list scheduled hearings, trials, and motion dates. To find today's or this week's docket:
- Visit the Missouri Courts website and navigate to the case search or court calendar tools under the 5th Judicial Circuit.
- Search by case number, party name, or judge to pull up upcoming hearing dates.
- For in-person access, the Buchanan County Courthouse posts daily dockets near the courtrooms and at the Circuit Clerk's office.
Docket sheets typically show the case number, parties involved, judge assigned, hearing type, courtroom, and scheduled time. Keep in mind that calendars can change on short notice due to continuances or settlements. If you need to confirm a hearing, call the Circuit Clerk directly.
Buchanan County Circuit Clerk
For arrest-related records in Buchanan County, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrest reports search tool allows filtering by county, including Buchanan.
How to Get a Copy of a Buchanan Court Document
You can obtain copies of court documents — such as judgments, case filings, or disposition records — through the Buchanan County Circuit Clerk. Here is what to know:
- Certified copies carry the court seal and clerk's signature. These are usually required for legal proceedings, background checks, or filing in another court.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the seal. They work for personal reference or informal use.
How to Request
- In person: Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the Buchanan County Courthouse. Bring the case number or enough identifying information (party names, approximate filing date) so staff can locate the record.
- By mail: Send a written request with the case details, the type of copy needed (certified or uncertified), and a check or money order for the applicable fees to:
- Online: Some records may be viewable through the Missouri Courts case search system, though downloading certified copies typically still requires an in-person or mail request.
Certain records are restricted from public access, including juvenile cases, adoption files, and sealed records. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is available for release.
For police incident reports from the City of St. Joseph, the St. Joseph Police Records Unit handles those requests separately.
Buchanan Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Buchanan County are set by Missouri statute and local court rules. The table below reflects commonly assessed charges. Confirm current amounts with the Circuit Clerk, as fees may be updated by administrative order.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (per document) | $2.50 |
| Each additional page (certified) | $0.25 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| Certification / seal only | $2.50 |
| Record search (per name/case) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Exemplified copy | $5.00 |
Fee authority: Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 483 (Clerk Fees), governs most circuit clerk charges. Some fees may also be set by local court administrative orders.
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted. Ask the clerk whether credit or debit cards are accepted at the window.
- By mail: Include a check or money order payable to the Buchanan County Circuit Clerk.
For statewide criminal background checks beyond court records, the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) processes fingerprint-based checks for a fee of $43.50. The Missouri Department of Corrections offender search is a free online tool for looking up individuals currently or formerly under DOC supervision.