MO State Guide

Missouri Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court (Circuit Court)

$5,000

Maximum Claim

$25 - $50

Filing Fees

30-60 days

Timeline

In-person

Hearing Format

Court Information

Court Name

Small Claims Court (Circuit Court)

Attorneys

Allowed

Appeal Rights

Appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days

Court Website

https://www.courts.mo.gov

Statute of Limitations

10 years

Written Contracts

5 years

Oral Contracts

5 years

Property Damage

Unique Rules in Missouri

Associate circuit judges hear cases

Counterclaims allowed

How to File in Missouri

Determine if your case qualifies for small claims court

Send a demand letter to the other party

File your claim at the correct courthouse

Serve the defendant with the lawsuit

Prepare your evidence and presentation

Attend the hearing and present your case

Amendment Filing Fees in Missouri

Amendment Fee Range

Amendment fees in Missouri typically range from $15-$50, depending on the court and type of amendment.

Important Note

Contact your local court clerk for exact amendment fees, as they vary by jurisdiction.

When Amendments Are Allowed

Before the defendant is served

To correct clerical errors or add necessary details

With court permission after service

Cannot increase claim amount beyond court limits

Common Amendment Types

Correct Defendant Name

Fix misspellings or add proper legal names

Add Damages

Include additional damages discovered later

Clarify Facts

Provide clearer description of the dispute

State-Specific Resources

Additional guides and information for Missouri small claims cases

Complete Small Claims Guide

Comprehensive guide to filing, preparing, and winning your small claims court case nationwide.

Demand Letter Templates

Free templates and examples for writing effective demand letters before filing your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the small claims limit in Missouri?

The maximum you can sue for in Missouri small claims court is $5,000.

How much does it cost to file in Missouri?

Filing fees in Missouri range from $25 - $50, depending on the claim amount.

Are attorneys allowed in Missouri small claims court?

Yes, attorneys are allowed to represent parties in Missouri small claims court.

How long does a case take in Missouri?

From filing to hearing typically takes 30-60 days in Missouri.

Can I appeal a small claims decision in Missouri?

Appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days

Counties We Serve in Missouri

Find small claims court information for your county

All 115 Counties in Missouri

Adair County Andrew County Atchison County Audrain County Barry County Barton County Bates County Benton County Bollinger County Boone County Buchanan County Butler County Caldwell County Callaway County Camden County Cape Girardeau County Carroll County Carter County Cass County Cedar County Chariton County Christian County Clark County Clay County Clinton County Cole County Cooper County Crawford County Dade County Dallas County Daviess County DeKalb County Dent County Douglas County Dunklin County Franklin County Gasconade County Gentry County Greene County Grundy County Harrison County Henry County Hickory County Holt County Howard County Howell County Iron County Jackson County Jasper County Jefferson County Johnson County Knox County Laclede County Lafayette County Lawrence County Lewis County Lincoln County Linn County Livingston County Macon County Madison County Maries County Marion County McDonald County Mercer County Miller County Mississippi County Moniteau County Monroe County Montgomery County Morgan County New Madrid County Newton County Nodaway County Oregon County Osage County Ozark County Pemiscot County Perry County Pettis County Phelps County Pike County Platte County Polk County Pulaski County Putnam County Ralls County Randolph County Ray County Reynolds County Ripley County Saline County Schuyler County Scotland County Scott County Shannon County Shelby County St. Charles County St. Clair County St. Francois County St. Louis city St. Louis County Ste. Genevieve County Stoddard County Stone County Sullivan County Taney County Texas County Vernon County Warren County Washington County Wayne County Webster County Worth County Wright County

State-Specific Resources

Additional guides and information for Missouri small claims cases

Complete Small Claims Guide

Comprehensive guide to filing, preparing, and winning your small claims court case nationwide.

Demand Letter Templates

Free templates and examples for writing effective demand letters before filing your case.

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