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1. Can I file for divorce on my own, without an attorney?

Yes, you can go to www.selfrepresent.mo.gov. This website will provide state-approved family court petitions. If you are filing for a divorce without an attorney, you are required to use these forms. www.selfrepresent.mo.gov

2. Do you take credit cards?

We do not currently accept credit cards for filing fees nor do we accept personal checks. You may use cash, money orders or cashier checks.

3. How do I obtain a Legal Separation/Annulment?

Unfortunately we do not currently provide these types of petitions. We suggest that you look for the petition you need on line or research it at your local library. Please make sure that they are State of Missouri-approved forms.

4. What do I do if have a title to a car that is unsigned and I cannot find the person I bought the car from or if I have lost the title?

Unfortunately we do not currently provide these types of petitions. We suggest that you look for the petition you need online or research it at your local library. Please make sure that it is a State of Missouri-approved form.

5. What is the process to evict a tenant from a home?

Unfortunately we do not currently provide these types of petitions. We suggest that you look for the petition you need online or research it at your local library. Please make sure that it is a State of Missouri approved form.

6. What do I do if I have a copy of a title that is unsigned?

Unfortunately we do not currently provide these types of petitions. We suggest that you look for the petition you need online or research it at your local library. Please make sure that it is a State of Missouri-approved form.

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1. Will a warrant be issued for my arrest if I don't pay my court costs by the due date?

A warrant for your arrest will not be issued. However, if you do not pay within approximately 30 days (you will be given a due date), a $25.00 late fee will be assessed to the balance due. If the balance remains unpaid 60 days after the $25.00 fee is assessed, the balance will be sent to a collection agency where a 20% collection fee is added to the total balance due. After an additional 30 days, the balance is reported to the Missouri Department of Revenue for tax intercept. If it is a condition of your probation to pay your court costs on time, it is possible that a probation violation warrant, for failing to comply with the terms of your probation, could be issued by the judge.

2. If I post bond for someone else, will I get my money back?

All bonds posted are placed in the defendant’s name. All monies will be returned to the defendant once the case has been closed, and all court costs, fines, and fees have been deducted from the bond. Anyone posting bond for someone else is required to sign a Cash Bond Acknowledgment form accepting the aforementioned conditions.

3. What forms of payment are accepted for court costs or bonds?

Court costs and bonds can be paid using cash, cashier’s check, money order, debit card, or credit card, at the Courthouse. The court accepts Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. It should be noted that there is a $3.00 minimum fee associated with the use of credit or debit card transactions up to $122.50. Anything over $122.50 is assessed a 2.45% fee. When posting bond at the jail (before 8:30 am or after 5:00 pm Monday-Friday, or on the weekend), there is a $3.00 fee associated with the use of the jail’s “ATM” style machine for cash transactions. Credit or debit card transactions assess a fee of 10%. The jail only accepts cash, MasterCard, or Visa as forms of payment.

4. What will happen if I cannot appear on my court date?

If you fail to appear on your court date, a warrant for your arrest will likely be issued. If you have an attorney, he/she may request that the judge grant a continuance. The Court does not grant continuances over the phone. If there is a medical reason that you are unable to appear, you may be required to provide proof from the attending physician.

5. Where do I go to post bond for someone who is being held?

Bond can be posted, 8:30 am–5:00 pm Monday–Friday, at the St. Charles County Courthouse located at 300 N. Second St., St. Charles, MO 63301 in Room 415, or across the street at the St. Charles County Detention Center at 301 N. Second St., St. Charles, MO 63301, in the lobby using the “ATM” style machine, or by taking the elevator to the third floor.

6. Where do I go to get a criminal record check?

The Circuit Clerk’s Office does not perform record checks for anyone (individuals, agencies, employers, etc.), due to the time considerations and the liability involved with providing incorrect or incomplete information. Instead, please contact one of the following records offices:

Missouri Highway Patrol-Troop C: 636-300-2800
St. Charles County Sheriff’s Office: 636-949-3016
St. Charles City: 636-949-3300
St. Peters City: 636-949-1833
O’Fallon City: 636-240-8766

You can also visit the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) website or the Missouri Case.net website.

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1. I just received a summons and I don't live in St. Charles County any longer. What do I need to do?

Fill out the summons and, on the bottom portion, check the box that name or address has changed and fill in your new address in the space provided. Mail the summons back (or send via fax) and you will receive a postcard back stating that you have been excused.

2. How do I get excused from jury duty?

To be excused, you must submit a request in writing. If it is for a medical reason you must provide a doctor's excuse. After the Judge reads your request you will be informed by a post card if you have been excused. Generally, new moms can only be excused if they are breastfeeding/nursing a very young child.

3. What if my employer says they will not release me for jury duty?

Employers cannot forbid you from performing jury service and they cannot take any punitive or adverse actions against employees. Employers also may not force the employee to take vacation or leave time to perform jury service.

4. Where do I park when I come in for jury duty?

Jurors may park in the city parking garage (upon reopening) and there are also public parking spaces in the lots along Riverside Drive, but do not park in any spaces that are time-restricted.

5. How long will I be at the Courthouse?

Jurors complete their service in either one day or the duration of the trial. Some trials may go past 5 p.m., but the Courthouse closes to the general public at 5 p.m.

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1. Do I need an attorney to file a Probate Estate?

You need an attorney to file an Estate over $40,000.00, Guardianship and Conservatorship of a Respondent and Minor Full Guardianship and Conservatorship.

2. Are your Probate forms on line?

Yes, go to the State of Missouri's 11th Judicial Circuit Court website - Left hand side, click Probate, then Forms. State of Missouri 11th Judicial Circuit Court

3. Are Social Security Numbers required for Probate?

Social Security Numbers are required on all parties in Probate. If you cannot get a number, you must make an attempt and then do a Sworn statement as to your attempt and why you could not obtain a number.

4. Do you need Death Certificates or Birth Certificates for a Probate Estate?

Deceased Estates require a copy of the Death Certificate and on minor cases we need Birth Certificates on the minor and Death Certificates on deceased parents. If the person was born in Missouri and died in Missouri, you can obtain these certificates at the Vital Records Office, located at the Department of Community Health and the Environment, 1650 Boone Slick, St. Charles, 636-949-7558.

5. How can I pay the required fee?

Attorneys must pay by credit card, e-check or debit account with the court when filing. Pro Se persons must pay by cash or money order.