Search Columbia Probate Court Records

Columbia probate court records are filed and maintained by the Boone County Circuit Court Probate Division, the 13th Judicial Circuit court at 705 E. Walnut St. in Columbia. This page explains how to access estate filings, guardianship cases, conservatorship proceedings, and other probate records for Columbia residents through Missouri's online system or in person.

Boone County Handles Probate for Columbia Residents

Columbia is the county seat of Boone County, and all probate matters for city residents are handled by the Boone County Circuit Court Probate Division. Columbia's own municipal court handles only traffic and city ordinance violations. For estate administrations, guardianship petitions, conservatorship cases, and will filings, residents go to the county circuit court at 705 E. Walnut St.

Boone County has a dedicated Probate Division that is separate from the general Circuit Court operations. The Probate Division at (573) 886-4517 handles case inquiries specific to estate and guardianship matters, while the main Circuit Clerk's line at (573) 886-4500 handles broader court questions. Both offices are at the same Walnut St. address.

Because Columbia is the county seat, it is the only filing location for Boone County probate matters. All estates, guardianships, and related cases for the entire county run through this single courthouse. That makes it straightforward: if a person lived in Columbia or anywhere in Boone County, their probate case is at 705 E. Walnut St.

Boone County Circuit Court Probate Division - Columbia

The Boone County courthouse sits on E. Walnut Street in downtown Columbia. The Probate Division handles all estate, guardianship, and conservatorship filings for the 13th Judicial Circuit. Staff can search cases by name or case number and process requests for document copies during regular business hours.

Note: Columbia Municipal Court at 600 E. Broadway, (573) 874-7308, handles only city ordinance and traffic matters. Do not go there for estate or guardianship filings. For all probate matters, use the Boone County courthouse on Walnut St.

How to Search Columbia Probate Records

Missouri's Case.net system covers all Boone County probate cases. The portal is at courts.mo.gov/casenet. It is free and requires no account. For a quick check on whether a case exists or to get basic filing information, Case.net is the fastest option.

Search by typing the person's name in the format "LAST, FIRST MIDDLE INITIAL" exactly. The search is case-sensitive on name order, so reversing first and last name returns nothing. If the name is common, filter by Boone County to narrow the results. Case.net displays case parties, docket entries, hearing dates, and judgment records. It does not show the full text of documents filed with the court.

Since July 1, 2023, public court documents filed on or after that date can be viewed and downloaded from a phone, tablet, or computer through Case.net. Documents filed before that date are only available at courthouse terminals in Columbia. If you need copies of older probate files, you must visit the Walnut St. courthouse during business hours. Bring a photo ID and whatever case identifying information you have.

For older Boone County probate records, the Missouri State Archives at sos.mo.gov/archives in Jefferson City holds microfilm collections. The research room is at 600 W. Main St., Jefferson City. Call (573) 751-3280 for details on visiting or requesting copies. The OSCA Help Desk at (888) 541-4894 handles Case.net technical questions, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM CST.

Types of Probate Cases Filed in Columbia

The Boone County Probate Division in Columbia handles the full set of Missouri probate case types. Each type generates public records maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office.

Estate administration cases are the most common. When a Columbia resident dies with assets held in their name alone, those assets typically require probate to transfer to heirs or beneficiaries. If the person left a will, it is filed with the court first. The court then appoints a personal representative to manage and close the estate. Chapter 473 RSMo governs the process from initial petition through final settlement. Creditors have six months from the date of first publication of the notice to file claims.

Guardianship and conservatorship cases are also filed here. A guardianship lets one person make personal decisions for another who cannot do so themselves. A conservatorship covers financial decisions. Both apply to minors and to incapacitated adults. Under Chapter 475 RSMo, any adult respondent in a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding must have an attorney appointed by the court. Annual reports are required to keep active cases in good standing.

Will contests and trust-related proceedings can also come before the Boone County court. Estates valued at $40,000 or less may use the small estate affidavit procedure under Section 473.097 RSMo. That affidavit can be filed 30 days after the person's death. Estates between $15,000 and $40,000 still require publication even under the simplified procedure.

Columbia City Government and Court Resources

The City of Columbia's official website at como.gov provides links to city services, departments, and court information for the Columbia area.

The city site includes links to the Columbia Municipal Court and other city departments. For probate matters, the relevant court is the Boone County Circuit Court Probate Division on Walnut St., not the city's municipal court.

The Columbia Municipal Court page at como.gov/court covers city court operations and helps clarify the boundary between city and county court jurisdiction in the Columbia area.

For probate records and estate filings, go directly to the Boone County Circuit Court at 705 E. Walnut St. The Missouri Courts website at courts.mo.gov has current contact information and general guidance for the 13th Circuit.

Probate Filing Fees in Columbia

Boone County uses Missouri's standard probate fee schedule. A full estate administration petition costs approximately $155.50 to file. The small estate affidavit process costs about $65.50 to $75.00 and is available for estates valued at $40,000 or less.

The small estate process under Section 473.097 RSMo can begin 30 days after death. Estates between $15,000 and $40,000 require publication even under the simplified approach. Estates under $15,000 do not require publication.

Document copies are $0.25 per page at the Boone County courthouse. Certified copies cost more. Call (573) 886-4517 to confirm the certified copy rate before visiting. Fees may change, so confirm in advance.

Personal representative compensation follows the statutory rate at Section 473.153 RSMo: 5% on the first $5,000, 4% on the next $20,000, 3% on the next $75,000, 2.75% on the next $300,000, 2.5% on the next $600,000, and 2% on amounts above $1 million.

Missouri Probate Laws That Apply in Columbia

All probate cases filed in Columbia and Boone County fall under Missouri's statewide probate code. The four main chapters are available in full text at revisor.mo.gov.

Chapter 472 RSMo sets out general provisions: definitions, jurisdiction, venue, and how records are maintained. Section 472.280 allows electronic record storage. Section 472.013 gives injured parties two years from discovery to file a fraud action in a probate proceeding.

Chapter 473 RSMo covers estate administration step by step. Personal representatives file annual account statements on the anniversary of their appointment and must complete final settlement within six months and ten days of the first published creditor notice.

Chapter 474 RSMo handles intestate succession, meaning who inherits when a person dies without a will. The order runs from spouse and children first, then parents and siblings, and down through more distant relatives.

Chapter 475 RSMo governs guardianship and conservatorship, including the requirement for court-appointed attorneys for adult respondents and annual reporting duties. Missouri Court Operating Rule 2.02 establishes the baseline presumption that all court records are public unless a specific exception applies.

Public Access to Columbia Probate Records

Missouri Court Operating Rule 2.02 states that court records are presumed open to any member of the public. Columbia and Boone County probate records are public. You do not need to be a party to a case, and no explanation of your purpose is required.

Some records are not available. Sealed cases, juvenile records, expunged records, and mental health matters are excluded. For open records, the person filing a document is responsible for removing confidential details before submission. Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, driver's license numbers, dates of birth, and names of minors must all be redacted. The court does not verify compliance before accepting documents.

The July 1, 2023 remote access expansion applies to Boone County. Documents filed on or after that date can be viewed and downloaded from any personal device through Case.net. Earlier records are available only at courthouse terminals at the Walnut St. location. Plan a visit during business hours and bring a photo ID for access to older case files.

Legal Help for Probate in Columbia

If you need help with a probate matter in Columbia or Boone County, the Missouri Bar's attorney directory at mobar.org lets you search for lawyers who handle probate in the 13th Judicial Circuit. Search by practice area and county. The directory is free to use without registration.

The Missouri Association of Counties at mocounties.com provides general information about county court operations. Their resources explain how Boone County's probate court is organized and what to expect from the process.

For self-help, the Missouri Courts website at courts.mo.gov has guidance on probate procedures across the state. The OSCA Help Desk at (888) 541-4894 handles technical questions about Case.net, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM CST.

For historical Boone County probate records, the Missouri State Archives at 600 W. Main St., Jefferson City, MO 65101 has microfilm collections. Reach them at (573) 751-3280 or visit sos.mo.gov/archives for research access and copy ordering.

Nearby Qualifying Cities

These cities are near Columbia and each has its own probate court records page.