Missouri Small Claims Court Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in Missouri — dollar limits, filing fees, court locations, and step-by-step guidance.
Missouri Quick Facts
Maximum Claim
$5,000
Filing Fee
$17–$35
Court fees added to your case — not due today
Court
Small Claims Court (Associate Circuit Court)
Overview
Small Claims in Missouri
Missouri small claims court is a division of the Associate Circuit Court and handles civil disputes where the amount claimed does not exceed $5,000. The court provides a simplified and affordable process for resolving monetary disputes. Missouri has some of the lowest filing fees in the nation, making it highly accessible for individuals and businesses.
Filing fees in Missouri range from $17 to $35 depending on the county, making it one of the most affordable states for small claims filing. These fees are recoverable as court costs if you win your case. The informal proceedings are designed for self-represented litigants, and attorneys are not permitted to appear on behalf of parties in small claims court.
Missouri small claims court is commonly used for collecting unpaid debts, recovering security deposits, seeking compensation for property damage, and resolving breach of contract matters. The court can award monetary judgments, including filing fees and court costs, which are recoverable from the losing party. The simplified rules of evidence make it practical for people without legal training.
To file, you must submit a petition form to the Associate Circuit Court serving the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred. After filing, the court issues a summons for service on the defendant, typically by certified mail or a private process server. The hearing is usually scheduled within 30 to 60 days, and the judge typically rules immediately.
Where to File
File in the Associate Circuit Court of the county where the defendant lives, works, or where the incident occurred. For business defendants, file where the business is located or where the contract was to be performed.
Service of Process
Service may be completed by certified mail, sheriff, or a private process server. Certified mail is commonly used for small claims cases in Missouri. The defendant must be served at least 10 days before the hearing.
Statute of Limitations
Written contracts: 10 years. Oral contracts: 5 years. Property damage: 5 years. Personal injury: 5 years. Fraud: 5 years from discovery.
Appeal Rules
Either party may appeal to the Circuit Court within 10 days. The case is retried de novo.
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