FAQ

How can I learn more about Remote Public Access and Redaction Requirements?
You may visit the Remote Public Access page on the Missouri Courts website.
 
How can apply for a job in the Probate Department?
You can apply online at www.16thcircuit.org/careers.  
 
How do I appear for my hearing in Division 19 (Probate Division) via video conference?
You may join the hearing via videoconference by using the following link to access the hearing:  https://mocourts.webex.com/meet/div19chambers.  
 
Where can I find information on how to participate in a phone/video hearing using Webex?
Tips for Webex.
 
How can I file documents with the Probate Department if I can't deliver them in person?
You have several options:
  1. You may mail your paper probate documents to the Probate Department.  The addresses are available on the Probate Department contacts page.
  2. You may fax your probate documents to 816-881-3228.
  3. You may email your probate documents to probate@courts.mo.gov.  The documents must be in PDF format and be under 7 MB.

 

How can I file pay filing fees, court costs, or fines if I can't deliver them in person?
We are currently accepting the following forms of payment:
  • Money Order.
  • Cashier's Check.
  • Personal Check. (Personal checks will not be accepted in lieu of a cash bond.)
Please do not mail any cash or coins.  
 
How can I file an Application for 96 Hour Detention, Evaluation, and Treatment if I can't do it in person?
If there is an emergency situation, please call 911.  
If it isn't an emergency, you may complete the necessary Application for 96 Hour Detention, Evaluation, and Treatment paperwork and submit it via fax or email.  Please note that affidavits from two separate individuals are required.  These documents must be notarized.
  1. You may fax your probate documents to 816-881-3228.
  2. You may email your probate documents to probate@courts.mo.gov.  The documents must be in PDF format and be under 7 MB.

 

How can I receive email notifications or text messages when docket entries are made on a case?
Visit case.net and pull up the case.  Under the "Case Header" tab, click on the "Track This Case" icon and follow the prompts.  More information about Track This Case is available here.

 

Where can I find information on eFiling in Probate cases?

Information concerning eFiling in Probate cases is available in the eFiling section of the Jackson County Circuit Court's Website. 

 
Where are Probate Department Staff Located? 
The most up to date Information concerning Probate Department contact information can be found on the Court's website.  Effective June 16, 2017, some department staff will be relocated between the Kansas City and Independence Probate offices.  Please see attached notice.
 
How do I know whether to file as a new case or as an existing case when eFiling in Probate cases?
Information related to this can be found on the Instruction Sheet for Filing Probate Pleadings.
Beginning on January 1, 2017: 

File as a New Case if Case/Estate is Disposed.

If a probate case has been disposed, do not file new matters under the existing case number.  File as a new case.  In the note to clerk, you may mention the existing case number.

File as a New Case if you are filing a Petition for Successor Fiduciary.  In the note to clerk, you may mention the existing case number.

File as a New Case if you are filing a Competing Petition for Appointment.  In the note to clerk, you may mention the existing case number.

File under the existing open estate when filing adversarial matters relating to an existing open estate.

The Court will review your pleadings and may designate them as separate case numbers.  When a new case number is designated by an adversary order, all future filings relating to that specific matter shall be filed under the assigned case.

 

Which pleadings must be submitted physically to the Probate Department after eFiling the pleading?
Please see Local Court Rule 72.3.
Notice re:  Revised Rule 72.3
 
Which Corporate Surety Companies are currently approved by the Court?
The Probate Department verifies that the surety company has an active status with the Department of Insurance before approving the bond.
Department of Insurance Company Search Look-up
 
Where can I find information regarding changes to guardianship and conservatorship statutes due to Senate Bill 806?
Information regarding this bill can be found on the Missouri Senate's website.  For your convenience, here is a link to the bill summary. 
Description of statutory changes.
 
How can I go about obtaining a background screening for a proposed guardian and/or conservator?
One resource for obtaining background check information is the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR).  https://health.mo.gov/safety/fcsr/
 
Am I required to retain an attorney in order to file a probate matter?
Missouri Law requires an attorney in certain matters.  Please see the Notice to Pro Se Litigants.
 
Why can't Court Staff answer my questions and/or assist me with filing a probate matter?
Court Clerks are prohibited from giving legal advice pursuant to 484.020 RSMo.
Court Clerks may provide limited assistance in filling out forms necessary for obtaining an order of refusal of letters pursuant to 473.091 RSMo.
 
What other resources are available? 
Resources List
 
Notice to Attorneys Regarding Fines
Effective June 1, 2015, the Fine for Citations and Orders to Show Cause Why Fiduciary Should Not Be Removed increases.  Please see the Notice to Attorneys Re Fines.
 
Notice to Attorneys Regarding Minor Guardianship/Conservatorship Estates
Effective immediately, if a petition for guardianship/conservatorship of a minor indicates that either of the natural parents of the minor are deceased, the petitioner must file a copy of the deceased parent's death certificate.
 
Where can I find information about lawyer discipline?
The Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel was established by the Supreme Court to investigate ethical complaints against lawyers.