Understanding the local court system is a powerful advantage in any family law case.
If you live in Cass County, your case will likely be filed with the 17th Judicial Circuit Court, the county's primary venue for divorce, custody, and other family law matters. Knowing the judges, clerks, and procedures in this court can ease anxiety and increase your confidence as you move through the legal process.
With guidance from an experienced Missouri divorce lawyer, you'll not only file your case properly—you'll also know what to expect, who you'll encounter, and how to navigate the courtroom with clarity and confidence.
What is a Circuit Court?
The Missouri courts are divided into three main levels.
- Supreme Court of Missouri - The highest appellate court in Missouri.
- Missouri Court of Appeals - Appeals courts hear decisions in which the decision of the circuit court is challenged or appealed by one party or more.
- Missouri Circuit Courts - Circuit courts are the local courts in which cases are originally heard. There is a circuit court in every county in Missouri.
Judges
Cass County has six judges in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court.
Stacy Lett
Circuit Judge - Division 1
R. Michael Wagner
Circuit Judge - Division 2 - Presiding Judge
Jim Eftink
Associate Circuit Judge - Division 3
Derek Spencer
Associate Circuit Judge - Division 4
Alyssa Mayer Berko
Associate Circuit Judge - Division 5
Jason Howell
Associate Circuit Judge - Division 6
Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts handles all documents filed with the court and maintains the court docket. The Cass County Clerk is responsible for
- all circuit court records,
- civil and criminal case records,
- child support records, and
- jury selections.
Kathy Lambertz
Circuit Clerk of Courts
Court Location
The 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Cass County Missouri is located at
2501 W. Mechanic St.
Harrisonville, MO 64701
Types of Cases Heard in the Court
Domestic
The court's domestic division handles cases such as
- divorces,
- dissolutions,
- paternity,
- alimony hearings,
- child support disputes,
- child custody cases,
- modifications,
- family law issues, and
- protection orders.
Civil
The circuit court hears civil cases which are disputes between two or more parties that is not criminal in nature. This includes
- contract disputes,
- landlord/tenant cases,
- civil assault and battery cases,
- personal injury and negligence actions,
- foreclosure actions,
- medical malpractice, and
- property disputes.
Probate
Probate courts deal with issues relating to wills, trusts, and other related fields. These include
- administration of estates,
- will contests,
- intestate succession cases,
- trust disputes, and
- guardianship/conservatorship actions.
Criminal
Criminal cases are those brought by the county prosecutor for violations of Missouri law. In these cases, the State of Missouri charges a defendant with an offense. These cases can include
- drug possession or trafficking,
- sexual assault,
- domestic violence,
- burglary and theft, and
- bail and pretrial release issues.
Juvenile
The Juvenile Division handles cases that deal with minors or those who are under the age of 18. These include:
- criminal actions committed by minors,
- adoptions,
- social services matters, and
- termination of parental rights hearings.
Consult a Missouri Divorce Attorney
With the help of an experienced Missouri divorce attorney, you will walk into the Cass County courthouse knowing you have an attorney who is very familiar with the court, its staff, and all local court rules.
Contact the Higher Level Legal Law Firm today at (816) 331-9968 for a consultation.