Franklin County Probate Court Records

Franklin County probate court records are maintained by the 20th Judicial Circuit Court in Union, Missouri. This page explains how to search estate filings, guardianship petitions, conservatorship proceedings, and other probate documents through Missouri's Case.net portal or in person at the Franklin County courthouse.

Franklin County Circuit Court Probate Division

Franklin County is served by the 20th Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Gasconade County. The Circuit Clerk's office in Union handles all Franklin County probate filings, including estate administration petitions, will filings, guardianship and conservatorship cases, and small estate affidavits. The court has multiple divisions handling different types of cases. Probate matters are handled by the appropriate division within the Franklin County courthouse structure. Staff can look up cases by name or case number and provide copies of public documents.

Franklin County has one of the longest records histories of any Missouri county. It was formed in 1818 from St. Louis County, and probate records reach back to that year. These early records are held by the Missouri State Archives. Current case files are maintained at the Union courthouse and are searchable through Case.net. The office operates a longer workday than many smaller county courts, open until 5:00 PM weekdays. This gives more flexibility for people who cannot visit during standard working hours.

Franklin County is one of Missouri's larger counties by population, and the probate division handles a higher volume of cases than many rural circuits. For time-sensitive matters, calling ahead to (636) 583-6355 helps confirm wait times and document availability before visiting Union.

How to Search Franklin County Probate Court Records

Franklin County probate court records can be accessed two ways. Case.net is the free online portal for case lookups and docket history. A visit to the Union courthouse gives access to physical document copies. For most basic research needs, Case.net is faster and more convenient. The courthouse is the right choice when you need printed documents or need to access records filed before July 2023 that are not yet remotely accessible.

Case.net is available at courts.mo.gov/casenet. Search by name in "LAST, FIRST MIDDLE INITIAL" format with last name first. Filtering by Franklin County helps narrow results, especially for common names. The system has over 45 million case records. Full document-level access for probate cases starts with filings on or after July 12, 2004. Case.net shows case parties, docket entries, judgments, and scheduled hearings. It does not display the full text of filed documents - only a record of what was filed.

Since July 1, 2023, public court documents filed on or after that date can be viewed and downloaded from personal phones and computers through Case.net. Franklin County probate records filed before that date are accessible only at courthouse terminals in Union. The office is open until 5:00 PM, which allows for afternoon visits. The OSCA Help Desk at (888) 541-4894 handles Case.net technical support, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM CST. For Franklin County-specific questions, call (636) 583-6355 directly.

Note: Given Franklin County's proximity to the St. Louis metro area, some estates may involve property in multiple counties. Each county must be searched separately on Case.net for a complete picture.

Types of Probate Cases in Franklin County

The Franklin County Circuit Court's probate division handles all standard Missouri probate case types. Franklin County's larger population means the court processes more cases than many Missouri counties. Each case type creates its own public record file at the Union clerk's office.

Estate administration is the most common probate case. When a person dies with assets in their own name, the estate often needs to pass through probate to transfer those assets to heirs or beneficiaries. If the person had a will, it must be filed with the court. The court then appoints a personal representative to manage and close the estate. Chapter 473 RSMo controls every step of this process. The personal representative publishes a creditor notice, starting the six-month claim period. Annual account statements are required on each anniversary of the appointment. Final settlement must be filed within six months and ten days of first notice publication.

Guardianship and conservatorship cases are another major category. Guardianship gives a court-appointed person authority over another's personal care decisions. Conservatorship covers financial management. Both apply to minors without parents and to incapacitated adults. Chapter 475 RSMo requires a court-appointed attorney for adult respondents. Annual reports keep cases under active court oversight. These cases can run for years, especially conservatorships for adults with long-term incapacity.

Small estate filings are available for estates worth $40,000 or less under Section 473.097 RSMo. Filing can happen 30 days after death. This is faster and less expensive than full administration. Estates between $15,000 and $40,000 still need creditor notice publication. Franklin County also sees will contests and disputes over estate administration, which go through the same probate division. Fraud claims must be filed within two years of discovery under Section 472.013 RSMo.

Franklin County Probate Court Records Online

The probate court bond reference page at probatecourtbond.com lists Franklin County probate court information, including the court's circuit assignment and contact information for the Union courthouse.

The listing confirms Franklin County's assignment to the 20th Judicial Circuit and the courthouse location in Union, where all Franklin County probate filings are maintained by the Circuit Clerk.

Fees for Franklin County Probate Court Records

Franklin County applies Missouri's standard probate fee schedule. A full estate administration petition costs approximately $155.50. For estates qualifying for the small estate process under $40,000, the filing fee is roughly $65.50 to $75.00. The 20th Judicial Circuit, which serves Franklin and Gasconade Counties, applies these rates consistently.

Document copies are $0.25 per page for standard copies. Certified copies are needed for use in other legal proceedings and carry a higher fee. Call (636) 583-6355 to confirm the current certified copy rate before visiting. The office is open until 5:00 PM, so late afternoon calls are possible.

Personal representative fees follow the schedule at Section 473.153 RSMo. The allowed rate is 5% of the first $5,000 of estate value, 4% of the next $20,000, 3% of the next $75,000, 2.75% of the next $300,000, 2.5% of the next $600,000, and 2% over $1 million. The court can approve additional compensation for extraordinary services. These rates apply to all estates administered in Franklin County.

Missouri Probate Laws Affecting Franklin County Cases

Every probate case filed in Franklin County is governed by Missouri's probate statutes. The four main chapters are available at revisor.mo.gov. These chapters cover general provisions, estate administration, intestate succession, and guardianship.

Chapter 472 RSMo establishes the general framework for probate law in Missouri. It defines key terms, sets court jurisdiction over probate matters, and governs how records are maintained. Section 472.280 allows records to be stored electronically. Section 472.013 gives injured parties two years from discovery of fraud to bring a claim in a probate proceeding, with a ten-year outer limit against innocent beneficiaries.

Chapter 473 RSMo is the detailed estate administration statute. It covers every step from opening an estate to final asset distribution. The personal representative must file annual accounts and a final settlement. The creditor claim period is six months from first publication. Final settlement must be filed within six months and ten days of that first publication. Personal representative compensation under Section 473.153 is part of this chapter.

Chapter 474 RSMo governs intestate succession - the distribution of assets when someone dies without a will. Family relationship determines inheritance order. Chapter 475 RSMo covers guardianship and conservatorship in Franklin County, requiring court-appointed attorneys for adult respondents and annual reporting to maintain ongoing court oversight of active cases.

Public Access to Franklin County Probate Records

Missouri Court Operating Rule 2.02 states that all court records are presumed open to any member of the public. Franklin County probate records are public. No special reason or status is required to access them. You do not need to be a party to the case.

Some records are not available. Sealed cases, expunged records, juvenile matters, and mental health proceedings are excluded from public access. For open records, filers must redact personal information before submitting documents to the court. This includes Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account numbers, dates of birth, and names of minors. The court does not review documents for redaction compliance. That responsibility rests entirely with the filing party.

Since July 1, 2023, remote access to Franklin County probate documents has expanded. Public records filed on or after that date can be viewed and downloaded from personal devices through Case.net. Older records remain available only at courthouse terminals in Union. The office is open until 5:00 PM, giving more time in the day for in-person visits. For older records that cannot be accessed remotely, a visit to the Franklin County courthouse is the only option.

Historical Franklin County Probate Records and State Archives

Franklin County was formed in 1818 from St. Louis County. Probate records date back over 200 years, making Franklin County one of Missouri's oldest record-keeping jurisdictions. Historical Franklin County records are preserved at the Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City at 600 W. Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Reach them at (573) 751-3280 or visit sos.mo.gov/archives.

The Archives holds over 65,000 reels of microfilm from Missouri counties. Franklin County's collection includes estate administrations, will records, and guardianship cases going back to the early 1800s. For genealogical research, these records provide a window into Franklin County family history across many generations. The research room in Jefferson City is free to use and open to the public. It holds censuses, land records, military records, and court files from across Missouri. Missouri Digital Heritage at sos.mo.gov/mdh provides some digitized collections online. The Local Records Preservation Program has been building microfilm backups of Missouri local records since 1990.

Note: Franklin County's early 19th-century records may require special handling at the Archives due to their age. Staff can advise on the best approach for accessing specific older materials.

Legal Help for Probate in Franklin County

Franklin County's location near the St. Louis metro area means attorneys with probate experience are relatively available compared to more rural Missouri counties. Several resources help connect you with qualified help for estate administration, guardianship, or will disputes in Franklin County.

The Missouri Bar at mobar.org offers a free lawyer search. Filter by probate or estate law practice area and by Franklin County or the Union area. Attorneys familiar with the 20th Judicial Circuit and the Union courthouse will appear in results. The search requires no registration and is open to the public.

The Missouri Association of Counties at mocounties.com provides general resources on county court operations. The Missouri Courts website has plain-language self-help guides on probate procedures. The OSCA Help Desk at (888) 541-4894 handles Case.net technical issues Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM CST. For questions specific to Franklin County probate filings, call (636) 583-6355. The office is open until 5:00 PM, so later afternoon calls are possible.

Cities in Franklin County

Union is the county seat and the location of the 20th Judicial Circuit Court where all Franklin County probate filings are made. Franklin County is one of Missouri's more populous counties, but no cities within its borders meet the population threshold for individual city pages on this site.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Franklin County in east-central Missouri. Each has its own circuit court and probate division handling local estate filings and guardianship cases.