Missouri Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

A judgment is the court's final decision that settles a dispute and sets the rights and responsibilities of the parties. In Missouri, judgment may come from criminal restitution orders, family law matters, and debt recovery actions. Once recorded, a judgment becomes legally binding and leads to liens or damage to credit reports.

What Is a Judgment in Missouri?

The Missouri Revised Statutes (Chapter 511, Section 511:020) defines judgment as the final determination of the rights of the parties in the action. It may require one party to transfer money, stop doing certain actions, or pay a certain amount to a creditor. Once entered, a judgment can be enforced through tools like garnishments, levies, or liens.

For instance, a creditor may be granted a money judgment that orders a debtor to pay a debt. In family law matters, a judgment may decide child support or spousal maintenance. In Missouri, judgments of any kind have legal and financial impact on the debtor until they are paid.

Types of Judgments in Missouri

Depending on the nature of the case, Missouri courts may enter several types of judgments, such as:

1. Summary Judgment (Missouri Supreme Court Rules 74.04)

A Missouri court may grant a summary judgment when there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the plaintiff is entitled to a judgment by law.

2. Default Judgment (Missouri Supreme Court Rules 74.05)

A default judgment occurs when a defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit or appear in court. In such cases, the court will grant the plaintiff the relief requested.

3. Interlocutory Judgment (Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 512)

This is a court decision that resolves some, but not all, issues in a case. Unless a statute or rule allows it, this type of judgment is not appealable.

4. Final Judgment (Missouri Supreme Court Rules 74.01)

This is the court decision that resolves all the issues in a case. Once the final judgment is entered, the parties may appeal the case if they intend to.

How to Search for Judgments in Missouri

Judgments are public records in Missouri and may be searched in several ways:

1. Circuit Court Clerk Offices – Anyone can find judgment records in the relevant Circuit Clerk’s Office. In addition, certified copies can be requested at the Clerk’s Office for a nominal fee.
2. Missouri Case.net: Through the Case.net portal, users can find a judgment index that contains key information about each judgment entered by the court.
3. County Recorder’s Offices: Judgment liens are filed locally and can be searched through county land and property records.
4. Third-Party Services – These are alternative resources for finding judgment records that can help individuals save time. Users must verify that the information found on these websites is up-to-date.

In the Circuit Clerk’s Office or through the Case.net portal’s judgment index, record seekers may typically find the following information in judgment records:

• Case number
• Names of the parties involved
• Court location
• Judgment date
• The amount owed or relief ordered

Judgment Records in Major Missouri Counties

While Missouri provides centralized access to judgment records through Case.net, local county clerks remain essential for certified records:

• St. Louis County (Clayton): Judgment records are accessible through Case.net and in person at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
• Jackson County (Kansas City): During regular business hours, individuals may visit the Clerk’s Office to request certified copies of judgment records.
• Greene County (Springfield): Record seekers search for judgment records at the public access terminals provided within the county courthouse.

The Case.net portal is the most efficient tool for finding judgment records online. To view the official copies, interested parties may visit the Clerk’s Office or use the public access terminals.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Missouri?

In Missouri, a civil judgment is valid and enforceable for 10 years from the date it is entered. To prevent the judgment from expiring after the 10-year period, the creditors may file a motion of revival in accordance with Rule 74.09 of the Missouri Supreme Court Rules. During a judgment’s validity, creditors may pursue liens, wage garnishment, and levies. For debtors, unresolved judgments can cause long-term restrictions on credit and property.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Missouri?

Once a judgment is entered, creditors can pursue payment, and debtors must address the resulting financial and legal consequences.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: A court may order an employer to deduct a portion of the debtor’s wages to satisfy a judgment. However, this action is subject to Missouri’s limits on disposable income.
• Judgment Liens: A debtor’s real estate may have a lien filed against it, restricting transfers until the debt is paid.
• Bank Levies: Creditors can take money directly from a debtor’s bank account with a court approval.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: Judgments can appear on a debtor’s credit record, potentially reducing their scores or access to loans.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: When a debtor repays the debt, the creditor records a satisfaction of judgment to release the obligation.
• Appeals or Motions to Vacate: If a judgment was made unfairly, like a default without a proper notice, the debtor can appeal and ask the court to cancel it.