Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Detailed Answer
Under Missouri law, locating and identifying assets spread across multiple counties or states involves systematic research of public records, official filings, and specialized databases. Below are key steps and resources to help you trace real property, personal property, business interests, financial accounts, and more.
1. Search Real Estate Records
Each Missouri county maintains a Recorder of Deeds or Register of Deeds office with online and in-person access to land records. To find property owned by an individual or entity:
- Visit the county recorder’s website (e.g., St. Louis County Recorder).
- Search by name, parcel number, or legal description.
- Review deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats.
2. Examine Business and UCC Filings
Missouri’s Secretary of State provides a statewide searchable database for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. To uncover business interests and secured transactions:
- Go to the Business Entity Search: https://bsd.sos.mo.gov/BusinessEntity/BESearch.
- Search UCC-1 financing statements at https://www.sos.mo.gov/business/ucc.
- Note the names of collateral, lien amounts, and filing counties.
3. Review Vehicle and Vessel Records
The Missouri Department of Revenue handles titles and registrations for cars, boats, and other vehicles. To check ownership:
- Use the Title & Registration section: https://dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/.
- Provide the owner’s name or VIN/HIN.
- Request certified copies if required for legal proceedings.
4. Access Court Filings and Judgments
Missouri Case.net offers public access to civil, criminal, probate, and judgment records. Judgments can reveal asset seizures or claims:
- Search by party name at https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet.
- Look for judgment liens under RSMo § 511.340 (https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=511.340).
5. Consult County Tax Assessor and Collector Records
Tax assessor websites list property valuations and owner details. The collector’s office records tax liens:
- Visit the county assessor’s portal (e.g., Jackson County Assessor).
- Search for personal property and real estate tax records.
6. Use Federal and State Lien Databases
For IRS liens, U.S. district court records via PACER reveal federal tax liens. State tax liens may appear at the Department of Revenue or in county filings.
7. Employ Discovery Tools in Litigation
If you are involved in a lawsuit, you can compel asset disclosure under Missouri’s discovery rules:
- See RSMo Chapter 491 – Discovery (https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=491).
- Use interrogatories, requests for production, and subpoenas to financial institutions.
Helpful Hints
- Maintain a detailed log of searches including dates, databases, and results.
- Verify spelling variations and use wildcard searches when possible.
- Note jurisdictional boundaries—records often differ among counties and states.
- Consider hiring a licensed private investigator for complex asset tracing.
- Monitor new filings regularly to catch post-search transfers or liens.