Court Operating Rule 04 | Uniform Record Keeping System

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: July 01, 2019

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.01 | Uniform Record Keeping System

The Missouri statewide court automation system is the uniform record keeping system for the circuit court and is mandatory as to the form, style, and maintenance of records dealing with civil, criminal, juvenile, probate, mental health, family court, traffic and municipal cases.

Any division of the circuit court may use its existing manual or automated system, and any upgrades approved by the state judicial records committee, until such time as the statewide court automation system is available for implementation in that division.

Nothing in this COR 4.01 prohibits a division of the circuit court from entering, maintaining, or archiving records on cases filed before the available implementation date of the statewide court automation system for that division in the same manual or automated system as used in such division on the day before such implementation date, provided that the system was in compliance with all applicable court operating rules at that time and is thereafter maintained and operated in accordance with such rules.

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004; amended April 30, 2019, effective July 1, 2019.)

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.02 | Optional Methods of Record Keeping

1) Records required by this COR 4 may be maintained in paper format or in one of the following approved media:

a) Microfilm or microfiche;
b) Electronic data processing; or
c) Other means as approved by this Court.

2)All courts shall provide and maintain equipment necessary for public access to court records and information. The equipment shall be accessible for use by the public and shall present the information in legible form.

3) Courts shall adhere to the requirements of Court Operating Rules 1 and 8 when maintaining records in other than paper format.

4) If a court maintains the record in multiple formats, it shall designate which of the formats is the official court record as defined in COR 4.03.

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: December 11, 0976

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2010

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.03 | Official Court Record – Composition

1) The official court record in all cases, except those involving the summary administration of an estate, shall consist of:

a) All documents filed from initiation to final termination of the case; and

b) Court docket sheet or backer sheet. No docket sheet or backer sheet is required for cases involving the summary administration of an estate.

2) A backer sheet may be used for cases initiated by uniform citation, including traffic, municipal, conservation, and watercraft cases.

a) If used for non-traffic ordinance cases or for the more serious traffic offenses, e.g., DWI, BAC, driving while revoked, driving while suspended, leaving the scene of an accident, or fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, the backer sheet must include the same elements required for a court docket sheet. (See COR 4.08.)

b) If used for watercraft, conservation or other traffic cases, the backer sheet should contain the following information, if applicable, and if not available from the court’s copy of the citation or from an automated system:

1) Case number;

2) Defendant’s name;

3) Offense as filed and charge at disposition;

4) Date filed;

5) Bond type and amount;

6) Whether license is being held in lieu of cash;

7) Defense attorney;

8) Court date(s);

9) Date notice sent for failure to appear or pay;

10) Date nonresident violator compact notice issued to defendant;

11) Date suspension notice/ nonresident violator compact notice/ In Lieu of Bond Form sent to Department of Revenue;

12) Date compliance notice sent to Department of Revenue;

13) Date(s) warrant(s) issued/ returned/ withdrawn;

14) Judge;

15) Date disposed and manner of disposition;

16) Sentence;

17) Date record of conviction/ abstract of court record sent to Missouri State Highway Patrol;

18) Date application for trial de novo/ request for jury trial filed; and

19) Date probation violation ordered.

See Appendix for sample backer sheet.

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004; amended September 10, 2009, effective January 1, 2010.)

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: September 01, 2023

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.04 | File Numbers

A uniform file numbering system shall be used for all cases and documents required to be indexed by the courts. For purposes of this COR 4, cases shall include but not be limited to: case types as approved by the State Judicial Records Committee; administrative support orders; transcript judgments; employment security assessments; mechanics’ and materialmen’s liens; wills deposited during testator’s lifetime; search warrants; and other records requiring an identifying number for indexing and management purposes.

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.04.1 | Courts Using an Automated Case Management System Approved for Statewide Use by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) Converted Construct

Numbers assigned prior to implementation of the automated case management system and entered into the automated system shall be converted in substantially the following format:

a) 2-digit circuit number;

b) Alphabetic code reflecting the case category:

CASE CATEGORY

CODE

Criminal

Traffic

Civil

Juvenile

Probate

Mental Health

Municipal Traffic

Municipal Ordinance

Municipal Criminal

Administrative Orders

Transcript Judgments

Mechanics'/Materialmen's Liens

c) 2-digit physical filing location number as assigned by the Office of State Courts Administrator;

d) 2-digit numeric code representing the year that the case was filed, e.g., “02” for cases filed in 2002; and

e) Same consecutive number assigned to the case when filed.

2) Interim Construct

a) Numbers assigned after implementation of the automated case management system and before January 1, 2004, shall be in the following format for all except cases initiated by uniform citation:

(1) 2-digit numeric code representing the year that the case was filed, e.g. “02” for cases filed in 2002;

(2) 2-digit alphabetic code for the case type:

CASE CATEGORY

CODE

Criminal

Traffic

Civil

Juvenile

Probate

Mental Health

Family Court

Municipal

Miscellaneous

(3) 6-digit sequential number assigned by the system.

b) The uniform citation number, as assigned by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, shall serve as the file number for less serious traffic cases and for civil infraction, watercraft and conservation cases initiated by uniform citation.

3) New Construct

a) Numbers assigned after implementation of the automated case management system shall be in the following format for all except cases initiated by uniform citation:

1) 2-digit year (numeric)

2) 2- or 3-digit location identifier or location code. A location identifier or location code must not contain any special characters (e.g., @, #, $, &, etc.) and can contain only alpha, alpha-numeric, or numeric values. Circuit number can be used in a single county, consolidated court.

3) hyphen when using a 2-digit location identifier or location code

4) 2-digit case category (alpha)

5) 5-digit sequential number, starting with "00001" for the first case filed within case category and location (numbering starts over at the beginning of each year)

6) hyphen

7) 2-digit sub-case code

b) The following comprise the minimum list of 2-digit case categories used in the circuit:

CASE CATEGORY

CODE

Criminal

Traffic

Infraction

Civil

Juvenile

Probate

Municipal Ordinance

County Ordinance

Miscellaneous

Juvenile Referral

Treatment Court

Juvenile Miscellaneous

c) The court en banc may choose to use optional additional case categories for case number assignment. The following comprise the optional case categories that may be used in the case number. The court en banc may choose any of the following options to further define the case number:

Instead of CV, use:

CASE CATEGORY

CODE

Circuit Civil

Associate Civil

Provide a separate case category for Small Claims

Provide a separate case category for Domestic Relations

Provide a separate case category for Protection Orders

Provide a separate case category for Family Court cases

Provide a separate case category for Administrative Orders for Child Support

Provide a separate case category for Mechanic's Liens

Provide a separate case category for Transcript Judgments

Provide a separate case category for Mental Health

d) The case numbering system will be consistent for all divisions within the circuit. The list of case categories for the case number will be selected by the court en banc when the circuit implements the statewide case management system and may be changed effective January 1st of any subsequent year. For courts on the statewide case management system on the effective date of this COR 4, the court en banc will decide if the new case number format is initiated January 1, 2004 or January 1, 2005.

4) The uniform citation number, as assigned by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, shall serve as the file number for less serious traffic cases and for civil infraction, watercraft and conservation cases initiated by uniform citation.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004. Amended September 10, 2009, effective January 1, 2010; amended October 1, 2019, corrected December 24, 2019, effective January 1, 2020; amended August 15, 2023, effective September 1, 2023.)

COR 4.04.2 | Courts Not Using an Automated Case Management System Approved for Statewide Use by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) A uniform case numbering system, comprised of the following, shall be used:

a) 2-digit alphabetic prefix for the case category:

CASE TYPE

SUFFIX

Criminal

Civil

Juvenile

Municipal

b) 2-digit physical filing location number as assigned by the Office of State Courts Administrator;

c) 2-digit numeric code representing the year that the case was filed, e.g. “02” for cases filed in 2002;

d) Sequential case number

(1) Each case shall be numbered consecutively within each filing location and case category, except traffic cases shall be numbered separately from other criminal cases.

(2) The first case filed in each category at the beginning of the calendar year shall be assigned the number “1”.

e) Alphabetic suffix for the specific case type within a case category

(1) The case number, including the suffix, shall not change from time of filing to disposition, although the suffix may be appended with an “X” as provided below.

(2) Within the criminal category, the following suffixes shall be used:

CASE TYPE

SUFFIX

Traffic

Misdemeanor

Felony

(3) Within the civil category, the following suffixes shall be used:

CASE TYPE

SUFFIX

Domestic Relations

Small Claims

Probate

Associate Civil

Circuit Civil

(4) Courts may further delineate probate matters by using the suffix of “MH” for mental health proceedings, which are confidential.

(5) Within the juvenile category, the following suffixes shall be used:

CASE TYPE

SUFFIX

Juvenile

Adoption

Transfer of Custody

(6) Within the municipal category, the following suffixes shall be used:

CASE TYPE

SUFFIX

Traffic

Other Ordinance

(7) The suffix for cases that are bound over, transferred to the circuit division on application for trial de novo, or certified for handling under full circuit court procedures shall be appended with an “X”.

(8) The suffix for cases that are referred to a treatment court, e.g., drug court or mental health court, shall be appended with a “TC”.

2) Courts may use the uniform citation number, as assigned by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, as the file number for cases initiated by uniform citation.

3) Cases originating in a municipal court shall be assigned a new case number when transferred to an associate or circuit division.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

COR 4.04.3 | Courts Using an Automated Case Management System Approved for Local Use by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) Courts shall assign a unique identifying number to each case at the time of filing.

2) If different than the format in COR 4.04.2, the numbering system shall be approved by the State Judicial Records Committee.

3) Courts may use the uniform citation number, as assigned by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, as the file number for cases initiated by uniform citation.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2010

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.05 | File Numbers: Criminal, Juvenile, Dissolution and Paternity Cases

1) A separate file number shall be assigned to each defendant named in a criminal complaint or information and the file numbers shall be related in the automated case management system for scheduling and other processing.

2) A separate file number shall be assigned to each child named in a petition filed pursuant to section 211.091, RSMo, and the file numbers shall be related in the automated case management system for scheduling and other processing.

3) Dissolutions and paternity actions shall be filed separately. A separate case number shall be assigned for each dissolution and each paternity action filed and shall be related in the automated case management system for scheduling and other processing.

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004; amended September 10, 2009, effective January 1, 2010.)

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.06 | File Folders

1) The court docket sheet, if applicable, and all documents received shall be securely fastened to a file folder; each document shall be placed on top of the last document received. See COR 4.03.

2) No file folder is required for cases where a backer sheet is used. Documents shall be attached to the back of the sheet, one behind the other, as they are received.

3) The folder shall either be colored or a colored label shall be affixed to the folder, with the color identifying the case category. The following color scheme shall be followed:

CASE CATEGORY

COLOR

Criminal

Red

Civil

Blue

Juvenile

White

Municipal

Yellow

Additional colors may be used to further distinguish among case types.

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2025

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.07 | Filing Information Sheet

4.07.1 | Courts Using an Automated Case Management System Approved for Statewide Use by the State Judicial Records Committee Filing Information Sheet

1) Courts shall require a filing information sheet for each civil, domestic relations, and probate case filed.

2) The filing information sheet shall reflect the case type and contain the following information for each party occupying the position of or on the same side as the plaintiff or defendant, each decedent, or each ward/protectee in the case:

a) Party type;

b) Party name;

c) Date of birth if the party is a person;

d) Social security number if the party is a person and such information is reasonably available; and

e) Race/ethnicity and the source of such information if the party is a person and such information is reasonably available.

3) Responsibility for completing these sheets is with the parties, who shall make reasonable effort to provide full information.

4) Courts shall require the prosecuting or circuit attorney to file a filing information sheet for each criminal case filed. The filing information sheet shall contain defendant's name, address, date of birth, race/ethnicity and the source of such information, and charges. If reasonably available, the filing information sheet may contain defendant's social security number, height, weight, gender, hair color, eye color, and other information as needed by the court.

5) The filing information sheets are confidential records. For domestic relations cases, the filing information sheet shall be placed under seal and filed with the domestic relations case file. For all other probate, civil and criminal cases, the filing information sheet shall be filed in case number sequence and stored separately from the case file or destroyed upon entry of the information. If a court is scanning court documents, the confidential filing may be scanned and maintained at the appropriate security level and the original may be destroyed.

6) Filing information sheets shall not be required when the filing is made electronically, provided required information on party type, party name, date of birth, social security number, and race/ethnicity and the source of such information is contained in the electronic submission.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004. Amended September 16, 2009, effective January 1, 2010; amended May 20, 2013, effective January 1, 2014; amended October 3, 2023, modified March 29, 2024, effective January 1, 2025.)

4.07.2 | All Other Courts

Courts may require a filing information sheet for each civil, domestic relations, probate, and criminal case filed. If required and if they contain social security numbers, these sheets shall be confidential records, filed in case number sequence, and stored separately from the case file or destroyed when no longer needed.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004. Amended May 20, 2013, effective January 1, 2014.)

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.08 | Court Docket Sheet or Backer Sheet

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.08.1 | Courts Using an Automated Case Management System Approved by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) Courts shall maintain the following information to generate a court docket sheet as needed:

a) County where the action was filed, or if the court sits in more than one location in the same county, the county and city where filed;

b) Case type;

c) Case number;

d) Names of the respective parties;

e) Names of the respective attorneys of record;

f) Date and type of each document filed; and

g) Judicial action taken in the case, including judgments and orders.

2) Clerks shall be responsible only for docket entries into the automated system. They shall not be responsible for entries on a manual docket sheet.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.08.2 | Courts Not Using an Automated Case Management System Approved by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) A court docket sheet or backer sheet shall be prepared for all case types except those involving the summary administration of an estate. See COR 4.03.

2) The court docket sheet shall include the same elements as set forth in COR 4.08.1(1) for courts using an approved automated system.

3) Courts shall maintain a security copy of the docket sheet for all cases except small claims, felony preliminary, and chapter 517 cases, and misdemeanor cases filed before associate circuit judges. Upon certification of such cases to the presiding judge, upon bind over of felony preliminaries for arraignment, or upon application for trial de novo at the circuit level, the clerk shall comply with the rule to maintain a security copy of the docket sheet.

4) Security copies of the court docket sheet shall be filed in case number sequence and stored separately from the case file. Upon disposition of the case, the clerk shall certify that the security copy is a true and accurate copy of the court docket sheet.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: December 23, 2003

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.09 | Index to Cases

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.09.1 | Courts Using an Automated Case Management System Approved by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) Courts shall have the capability to access case records through an automated search of the database by:

a) Name of party;

b) Case number; or

c) Date filed.

2) Confidential case records shall not be accessible through an automated search of the database by persons who are not authorized to view such records.

3) Courts shall not maintain manual indexes for cases disposed of after implementation of the automated system.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.09.2 | Courts Not Using an Automated Case Management System Approved by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) Separate index cards, bearing the full name of the party, shall be kept in alphabetical order for:

a) Each decedent for whom an estate has been opened;

b) Each ward/ protectee;

c) Each juvenile who is the subject of a juvenile case filing;

d) Each individual who is the subject of an adoption petition;

e) Each party occupying the position of or on the same side as the civil plaintiff or defendant; and

f) Each defendant in criminal, traffic, and municipal cases.

Note: A separate index card naming the State or municipality as plaintiff in a criminal, traffic, or municipal case shall not be prepared.

2) Both the plaintiff index and the defendant index in civil cases shall contain:

a) Full name of each indexed party;

b) Case number;

c) Date filed; and

d) Cross reference to the first named defendant or plaintiff.

3) The defendant index for criminal, traffic, and municipal cases shall contain:

a) Full name of the defendant;

b) Case number; and

c) Date filed.

4) Indexes for probate and juvenile cases shall contain:

a) Full name of the decedent, ward/protectee, juvenile, or subject of adoption;

b) Case number; and

c) Date filed.

5) Indexes for confidential cases shall be stored separately and shall be accessible only by authorized personnel.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.10 | Index to Wills Deposited During Testator's Lifetime

Courts shall maintain or have the capability to generate an alphabetic list by name of wills deposited during a testator’s lifetime.

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.11 | Calendar System

Courts shall maintain a calendar system to facilitate compliance with time requirements established by statute or rule and with the case processing time standards established by Court Operating Rule 17.

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.12 | Judgments

1) Judgments in civil cases must be signed by the judge or supported by a document with the judge’s signature. A docket sheet entry denominated as a judgment or decree and signed by a judge may serve as a judgment.

2) A written record of the judgment is required in civil and criminal cases.

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.13 | Judgment Index: Civil

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.13.1 | Courts Using an Automated Case Management or Indexing System Approved by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) Courts shall have the capability to access judgment information through an automated search of the database by:

a) Party against whom judgment was entered;

b) Case number; or

c) Date of judgment.

2) Results of the search shall include:

a) Party against whom judgment was entered;

b) Case number;

c) Date judgment was entered;

d) Name and location of court/ entity that rendered judgment;

e) Judgment amount;

f) Date judgment was satisfied or vacated; and

g) Summary of the judgment.

3) Judgments that are sealed or made confidential by order of the court shall not be accessible through an automated search of the database by persons who are not authorized to view such information.

4) Courts shall not maintain manual indexes or index cards for judgments entered after implementation of the automated system.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.13.2 | Courts Not Using an Automated Case Management or Indexing System Approved by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) Courts shall maintain an alphabetic index of all civil judgments with indexing by the party against whom the judgment was entered. The index shall contain:

a) Party against whom judgment was entered;

b) Case number;

c) Date judgment was entered;

d) Judgment amount;

e) Date judgment was satisfied or vacated and;

f) Summary of the judgment.

2) Civil judgment records for circuit level cases shall be maintained in a form approved by the State Judicial Records Committee.

3) A card file of all judgments in associate level civil cases shall be maintained. The cards shall be filed in alphabetic order under the name of each party against whom the judgment was entered.

4) Judgments that are sealed or made confidential by order of the court shall not be entered into indexes that are accessible by persons who are not authorized to view such information.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: September 01, 2023

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.14 | Judgment Index: Criminal/Municipal

4.14.1 | Courts Using an Automated Case Management or Indexing System Approved by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) Judgment information shall be accessible through an automated search of the database by:

a) Defendant name;

b) Case number; or

c) Date of judgment.

2) Results of the search shall include:

a) Defendant name;

b) Case number;

c) Judgment/ sentence date; and

d) Summary of the judgment or sentencing order.

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.14.2 | Courts Not Using an Automated Case Management System Approved by the State Judicial Records Committee

Judgment information for each defendant, including a summary of the judgment or sentencing order shall be entered on the case index card prepared pursuant to COR 4.09.

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.14.3 | Municipal Division Legacy Automated Case Management Systems after Implementation of the Automated Case Management or Indexing System Approved by the State Judicial Records Committee

(1) Judgment information shall be maintained in an electronic format that is searchable for each case by:

(a) Defendant name;

(b) Case number;

(d) Summary of the judgment or sentencing order.

(2) The index may be downloaded from the legacy system and maintained in a searchable format such as a spreadsheet, PDF-A document, or database. The index does not have to be maintained in the original automation system from which the record was derived.

(Adopted August 15, 2023, effective September 1, 2023.)

First Adopted: February 18, 1198

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.15 | Administrative Orders for Support Filed by the Family Support Division – Child Support Enforcement

1) Administrative orders on existing Missouri judicial orders shall be assigned the same case number as the judicial order and filed in the judicial case file.

2) Other Administrative Paternity, Default and Consent Orders

a) Administrative paternity, default, and consent orders filed by the Family Support Division shall be given an identifying number when filed as required by COR 4.04.

b) Information shall be entered into the judgment index described in COR 4.13.

c) The original order shall be filed in case number sequence and maintained in a secure location from which it may be readily retrieved.

3) Administrative Modifications of Administrative Orders

a) Administrative modifications shall be assigned the same case number as the original order and filed with the original order.

b) Modifications that are approved shall be entered into the judgment index described in COR 4.13.

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.16 | Transcript Judgments/Employment Security Assignments

1) The transcript of judgment provided for in Supreme Court Rule 74.13 and the employment security assessment provided for in section 288.170, RSMo, shall be given a case number when filed.

2) Transcript judgments and employment security assessments shall be entered into the judgment index described in COR 4.13.

3) The original transcript or certificate shall be filed in case number sequence and stored in a secure location from which it may be readily retrieved.

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.17 | Foreign Judgments

Applications for registration of a foreign judgment under section 511.760, RSMo, and pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 74.14, including orders for support and income withholding, shall be treated as civil cases. Judgment information shall be entered into the judgment index described in COR 4.13.

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.18 | Mechanics' and Materialmen's Liens

Liens filed pursuant to chapter 429, RSMo, shall be given an identifying number when filed.

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.18.1 | Courts Using an Automated Case Management System Approved by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) Courts shall have the capability to access lien information through an automated search of the database by:

a) Name of claimant;

b) Party against whom claim was entered;

c) Case number; or

d) Date filed.

2) Results of the search shall include:

a) Name of claimant;

b) Party against whom the claim was entered;

c) Case number;

d) Date filed;

e) Description of property; and

f) Amount claimed.

3) No manual abstract of the lien shall be prepared.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.18.2 | Courts Not Using an Automated Case Management System Approved by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) An abstract, containing the same information as set forth in COR 4.18.1 for automated courts, shall be prepared for each lien filed.

2) Abstracts shall be maintained in alphabetic order by name of the party against whom the claim was entered.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: December 01, 1976

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.19 | Abstract of Executions Filed Under Chapter 513 RSMo

(Adopted December 1, 1976, effective March 1, 1977. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988; amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.19.1 | Courts Using an Automated Case Management System Approved by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) Courts shall have the capability to access execution information through an automated search of the database by plaintiff or defendant name.

2) Results of the search shall include:

a) Execution date;

b) Name of parties;

c) Amount of execution;

d) Officer to whom directed;

e) Return date;

f) Sheriff’s return; and

g) Location of judgment or decree.

3) No manual abstract of executions shall be prepared.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.19.2 | Courts Not Using an Automated Case Management System Approved by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) An abstract, containing the same information as set forth in COR 4.19.1 for automated courts, shall be prepared for each execution issued.

2) Abstracts shall be maintained in alphabetic order by plaintiff and defendant name.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.20 | Missouri Automated Child Support System (MACSS)

When information on past support payments and disbursements has been certified by the circuit clerk to the Family Support Payment Center, the information entered into MACSS becomes the official record.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.21 | Jury Records

Courts shall maintain the following records pertaining to grand and petit juries:

1) Master jury list;

2) Questionnaires submitted by prospective jurors:

a) Information provided on the questionnaires shall be considered confidential and shall be used only for the purposes of jury selection.

b) Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 27.09 questionnaires for individuals comprising criminal jury panels shall be accessible only to the court and parties. Such questionnaires maintained by the court shall be sealed at the conclusion of the trial.

3) Individuals comprising each jury panel;

4) Applications for postponement of or for disqualification or excuse from service;

5) Juror service dates; and

6) True bills and no true bills issued by grand juries:

a) True bills returned by a grand jury shall remain confidential until the defendant is arrested.

b) "No true bills" shall be placed in a sealed envelope, along with all documents related to the case, and filed in a confidential area.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.22 | File Maintenance/Security

1) File Storage

a) Court files shall be stored in secure areas that are free from excessive heat, moisture, and threats of destruction from fire, insects, rodents, birds and other animals.

b) Access to case files by other than court personnel shall be restricted.

c) Courts shall designate separate storage areas for:

(1) Active cases;

(2) Disposed cases;

(3) Confidential cases; and

(4) Original wills with any codicils, proofs and certificates of probate or rejection. Copies of these documents shall be maintained in the case file until the estate is closed. When closed, the originals may be placed in the case file.

2) File Removal

a) Except by local court rule or judicial order, no file shall be removed from the clerk’s office or other area where files are maintained or kept by anyone other than court personnel.

b) Files shall not be removed from the courthouse without a judge’s approval. Approval is not required to:

(1) transfer files to off-site storage; or

(2) transfer files to another court facility, e.g., an annex within the city or county.

3) File Check-Out

a) A system whereby the file in any case may be checked out by authorized personnel shall be maintained. The following information shall be recorded before the file is released:

(1) Case number;

(2) Case description;

(3) Volume(s) if the file is contained in multiple folders;

(4) Person/unit receiving the file; and

(5) Date checked out.

b) Courts using an automated case management system approved for statewide use by the State Judicial Records Committee may use the automated file-tracking feature of the system.

Other courts may use a library or out-card or automated system for their file-checkout.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.23 | Local Rules for File Maintenance/Security

Nothing contained herein shall preclude a court from requiring additional measures for the maintenance and security of court records, as long as such rules do not conflict with COR 4.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: July 01, 2018

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.24 | Confidential Records

1) Confidential records shall be maintained so as to be inaccessible to the general public. These records may include sealed or expunged records. The following, including court docket sheets and indexes for these matters, are confidential:

a) Case records that are closed to the public by chapter 610, RSMo;

b) Mental health records under section 630.140, RSMo;

c) Records pertaining to sexually violent predators, required to be sealed under section 632.513, RSMo;

d) Juvenile court records under section 211.321, RSMo, and Supreme Court Rules 122.02 and 122.03;

e) Adoption records under section 453.120, RSMo;

f) All papers and records, other than the interlocutory or final judgment, in paternity cases under section 210.846, RSMo;

g) Records of any grand jury proceedings under chapter 540, RSMo;

h) True bills issued by a grand jury before the defendant is arrested under section 545.080, RSMo;

i) No true bills, which are to be sealed;

j) Criminal psychiatric evaluations under section 552.020.13, RSMo;

k) Pre-sentence investigations and probation and parole reports under Supreme Court Rule 29.07;

l) Drug court records under section 478.005, RSMo;

m) Motion, court order, and test results for sexually transmitted diseases, which are required to be sealed within the court file under section 545.940, RSMo;

n) Juror questionnaires. Questionnaires for individuals comprising criminal jury panels shall be sealed at the conclusion of the trial under Supreme Court Rule 27.09;

o) Information that identifies a person as an applicant or recipient of IV-D services under section 454.440 and section 208.120, RSMo;

p) Search warrant applications until the warrant is returned or expires;

q) Filing information sheets, referenced in COR 4.07;

r) Victims of sexual offenses under section 595.226, RSMo; and

s) Any other record sealed, expunged, or closed by statute, Supreme Court Rule or order of a court of record for good cause shown.

2) The court shall consider all requests to inspect confidential records and may approve such requests if authorized by statute or Supreme Court Rule. A docket entry of the decision of the court shall be made.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004; amended April 14, 2016, effective July 1, 2016; amended October 11, 2016, effective January 1, 2017; amended June 29, 2018, effective July 1, 2018.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: July 01, 2018

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.25 | Sealed Records

1) Confidential paper records and confidential electronic records stored on portable media (e.g., DVD, CD, or flashdrive) shall be maintained in a sealed envelope within the case file or in a sealed envelope or other container apart from the case file. Confidential paper and electronic records maintained within the case file shall be removed prior to inspection of the case file by non-court personnel. The case number, case description and date the confidential record was sealed shall be noted on the envelope or container.

2) Confidential electronic records shall be maintained at the appropriate security level to limit access as in the case of confidential paper records.

3) A court order shall be required to open or allow access to confidential records.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004; amended June 29, 2018, effective July 1, 2018.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: July 01, 2018

Court Operating Rule (COR) 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System | File Numbers

COR 004.26 | Expunged Records

Access to records ordered expunged shall be granted in the manner and to the person(s) as provided by law.

1) Paper records and electronic records stored on portable media (e.g., DVD, CD, or flashdrive) ordered expunged shall be maintained as provided in COR 4.22 in order to restrict access to only person(s) authorized by law. Such records shall not be destroyed or obliterated unless the expungement statute under which relief is granted so provides.

2) Electronic court records ordered expunged shall be maintained at the appropriate security level in order to restrict access to only person(s) authorized by law. Electronic court records shall not be destroyed, deleted, or purged unless the expungement statute under which relief is granted so provides.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004; amended June 29, 2018, effective July 1, 2018.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.27 | Reconstruction of Case File

If a case file is lost or destroyed, it may be reconstructed under the supervision of the court.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.28 | Reporting to the Office of State Courts Administrator

Courts shall report case information to the Office of State Courts Administrator. Reporting requirements shall be approved by the State Judicial Records Committee.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.28.1 Courts Using an Automated Case Management System Approved for Statewide Use by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) Information that is required to be entered into an automated case management system approved for statewide use by the State Judicial Records Committee shall yield data that meets reporting requirements of the Committee.

2) Any information that is not entered or otherwise available through the automated system shall be reported at least monthly on forms or in a format approved by the Office of State Courts Administrator.

3) Courts shall comply on a timely basis with requests from the Office of State Courts Administrator to correct reporting errors or to supply information omitted from a previous report.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.28.2 Courts Using an Automated Case Management System Approved for Local Use by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) Required information that is accessible through the automated system shall be transmitted in a format approved by the Office of State Courts Administrator.

3) Courts shall comply on a timely basis with requests from the Office of State Courts Administrator to correct reporting errors or to supply information omitted from a previous report.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

4.28.3 Courts Not Using an Automated Case Management Systems Approved by the State Judicial Records Committee

1) Courts shall report on forms supplied by or in a format approved by the Office of State Courts Administrator. Information shall be submitted at least monthly and shall reflect all activity on required data elements that has occurred since the last report.

2) Courts shall comply on a timely basis with requests from the Office of State Courts Administrator to correct reporting errors or to supply information omitted from a previous report.

(Adopted December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: July 01, 2018

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.29 | Municipal Division Reporting to the Municipality

On or before the 15th of each month, the Municipal Division shall submit to the municipality a copy of the monthly case load summary report for the preceding month required by Court Operating Rule 4.28. This reporting requirement shall supersede and replace the reporting requirement established by section 479.080.3, RSMo.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004; amended December 20, 2006, effective January 1, 2007; amended June 13, 2018, effective July 1, 2018.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System

COR 004.30 to 4.49 | [Reserved]

[Reserved]

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating Rule (COR) 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System | Uniform Accounting System – Court Registry Funds

COR 004.50 | COR 4 General Provisions Shall Apply

The general provisions of Court Operating Rule 4 shall apply to the Uniform Accounting System – Court Registry Funds section of this COR. Exceptions or additional requirements are set out below.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating Rule (COR) 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System | Uniform Accounting System – Court Registry Funds

COR 004.51 | Uniform Accounting System Mandatory

There shall be a uniform accounting system in the Circuit Court that shall be mandatory for all court registry fund payment and disbursement records. The uniform accounting system shall be maintained in accordance with the Recommended Accounting Guidelines and Recommended Accounting Review Procedures for Appointing Authorities promulgated by the Office of State Courts Administrator.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating Rule (COR) 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System | Uniform Accounting System – Court Registry Funds

COR 004.52 | Accounting Records

1) The accounting records shall include:

a) Pre-numbered receipts;

b) Pre-numbered checks;

c) Cash control records;

d) Case fee records;

e) Open items records;

f) Uncollected costs, fines, and judgments due the court;

g) Investment records; and

h) Monthly reconciliation records.

2) Accounting records maintained in an automated system approved by the State Judicial Records Committee shall not be maintained manually.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2014

Court Operating Rule (COR) 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System | Uniform Accounting System – Court Registry Funds

COR 004.53 | Pre-Numbered Receipts

4.53.1

Pre-numbered receipts shall be issued. The receipts shall include:

1) Date received;

2) Case number;

3) Name of person from whom payment was received;

4) Amount received;

5) Type of payment (cash, check, etc.); and

6) Initials of person receiving payment;

7) Court name.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004; amended September 13, 2013, effective January 1, 2014.)

4.53.2

Courts using the statewide automation system or other approved local automated systems are to only issue manual receipts when the automated system is unavailable or as authorized by order of the presiding judge. Upon entering any such order, the presiding judge shall provide a copy of same to the office of state courts administrator. Quarterly updates on the use of such orders shall be provided by the office of state courts administrator to the state judicial records committee.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004; amended September 13, 2013, effective January 1, 2014.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating Rule (COR) 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System | Uniform Accounting System – Court Registry Funds

COR 004.54 | Cash Control Receipts

A cash control record shall be established and maintained. The cash control record shall be a combined list of the amounts received and checks issued or shall be two separate lists, one of amounts received and one of checks issued. The cash control record shall include:

1) Date received;

2) Case number;

3) Name of person from whom payment was received;

4) Amount received;

5) Type of payment (cash, check, etc.);

6) Initials of person receiving payment;

7) Receipt number;

8) Amount of check issued;

9) To whom check was issued;

10) Check number; and

11) Date check was issued.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating Rule (COR) 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System | Uniform Accounting System – Court Registry Funds

COR 004.55 | Case Fee Records

A case fee record shall be established and maintained for each case, except a case fee record is not required when fines and judgments due the court are imposed and court costs are assessed, collected, and disbursed in one transaction on the case control record. The case fee record shall include:

1) Case number;

2) Plaintiff’s name in civil cases;

3) Defendant’s name;

4) Party against whom costs, fines and judgments due the court were assessed;

5) Date, amount, and description of each cost accrued and each fine and judgment imposed that is to be paid through the court;

6) Total of the costs, fines, and judgments to be paid through the court;

7) Amounts collected, dates of collection, and receipt numbers;

8) For disbursements made by end-of-month checks:

a) Date disbursed or recorded as payable; and

b) Total disbursed at month end.

9) For other disbursements:

a) Amount disbursed;

b) To whom check was issued;

c) Date issued; and

d) Check number.

10) Balance held on deposit or due on account.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating Rule (COR) 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System | Uniform Accounting System – Court Registry Funds

COR 004.56 | Open Items Records

A system to identify all cases with amounts on deposit with the court shall be established and maintained. A record of the open items balances shall be prepared monthly, and the balances on the record shall be identified by case number at least every December 31 or at the end of the fiscal year.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating Rule (COR) 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System | Uniform Accounting System – Court Registry Funds

COR 004.57 | Uncollected Costs, Fines, and Judgments

A system to identify all cases with amounts due the court shall be established and maintained.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating Rule (COR) 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System | Uniform Accounting System – Court Registry Funds

COR 004.58 | Investment Records

An investment record shall be established and maintained for each investment account. The investment record shall include:

1) Name and address of financial institution at which investment was made;

2) Account name and number;

3) Date account was opened;

4) Case number (if investment applies to one case);

5) Type of investment, interest rate, and maturity date;

6) Dates and amounts of deposits and withdrawals of principal;

7) Dates and amounts of interest earned and withdrawn;

8) Principal balance, interest balance, and total account balance; and

9) Date account closed.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: May 04, 1988

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating Rule (COR) 4 | Uniform Record Keeping System | Uniform Accounting System – Court Registry Funds

COR 004.59 | Monthly Reconciliation Records

All bank balances and open items records shall be reconciled at least monthly. A record of the reconciliation shall be maintained in the office of the clerk of the court.

(Adopted May 4, 1988, effective May 4, 1988. Approved for publication August 21, 1995. Amended December 23, 2003, effective January 1, 2004.)

First Adopted: December 23, 2003

Most Recently Effective: January 01, 2004

Court Operating (COR) Rule 4 | Appendix

COR 04 | Appendix

COR Sample Backer Sheet for Traffic Tickets