Free step-by-step guides for every major case type in Missouri courts. Plain English. Official forms. State-specific rules. No attorney required for most cases.
Missouri has a unified court system. Most cases filed by self-represented individuals go through one of two courts depending on the type and dollar amount of the case.
The Associate Circuit Court handles the majority of Pro Se cases — evictions, small claims, name changes, and most family law matters. The Circuit Court handles divorce, child custody, and larger civil matters.
Every Missouri county has both courts. You always file in the county where the action took place or where the other party lives — not necessarily where you live.
Evictions, small claims (under $5,000), name changes, protective orders, debt collection under $25,000. Faster, less formal, Pro Se friendly.
Divorce, child support modification, child custody, civil cases over $25,000. More formal procedure — Pro Se is allowed but documentation requirements are stricter.
Official forms and guides at courts.mo.gov. If you can't find a form in our guides, it's there. Clerks can tell you which forms you need but cannot give legal advice.
Every guide is specific to Missouri law, covers the exact forms you need, and links directly to official court sources.
For landlords removing non-paying or lease-violating tenants. Missouri's eviction process is landlord-friendly when you follow the notice and service rules exactly.
Read the Free GuideWhen both spouses agree on all terms — property, debt, and if applicable, children. Missouri requires a 30-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized.
Read the Free GuideDisputes up to $5,000 in Missouri. No attorneys allowed at the hearing (with limited exceptions). Most cases resolve in one appearance. The most accessible court in the state.
Read the Free GuideBeing sued by a creditor or debt buyer? You have 30 days to respond after service. Miss the deadline and you lose automatically — even if the debt isn't valid.
Read the Free GuideAdult name change in Missouri. One petition, one hearing, one court order you can use at the DMV, Social Security, and everywhere else. Typically the simplest case in this guide.
Read the Free GuideLost a job? Got a raise? Missouri allows modification when there's been a substantial change in circumstances. Guide covers when you qualify and the full filing process.
Read the Free GuideEmergency and full orders of protection in Missouri. No filing fee. Available at any Associate Circuit Court during business hours, and through law enforcement after hours. This guide is and always will be free.
Read the Free GuideMissouri law allows you to use a licensed private process server on every case type listed above. Private servers are faster, better documented, and more responsive than the Sheriff's office. Civil Process Service (CPS) offers same-day service with body camera documentation and same-day affidavits — serving St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and surrounding Missouri counties.
Fees vary by county and case type. These are approximate ranges — always confirm current fees with the clerk's office before you go.
| Case Type | Approx. Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) | $45 – $65 |
| Uncontested Divorce | $150 – $175 |
| Small Claims (under $100) | $18 – $25 |
| Small Claims ($100–$5,000) | $30 – $50 |
| Debt Collection Defense (Answer) | $20 – $35 |
| Case Type | Approx. Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Name Change (Adult) | $75 – $100 |
| Child Support Modification | $50 – $75 |
| Order of Protection | FREE |
| Sheriff Service of Process | $35 – $50 per defendant |
| CPS Private Process Service | Call 314.961.2222 |
* Fees current as of 2026. Court filing fees are set by county and subject to change. Verify with the clerk's office before filing. Order of Protection filing fees are waived by Missouri statute.
File in the county where the property is located, where the other party lives, or where the incident occurred — depending on case type. Our individual guides specify the correct venue.
10 N Tucker Blvd, St. Louis MO 63101
Associate Circuit & Circuit Court
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
7900 Carondelet Ave, Clayton MO 63105
Associate Circuit & Circuit Court
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
300 N 2nd St, St. Charles MO 63301
Associate Circuit & Circuit Court
Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm
300 Main St, Hillsboro MO 63050
Associate Circuit & Circuit Court
Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm
400 E Locust St, Union MO 63084
Associate Circuit & Circuit Court
Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm
Missouri has 114 counties plus St. Louis City. Find your county courthouse, forms, and contact info at the official Missouri Courts directory.
Find Your County Court →Our visitors have an active Missouri legal case right now. Process servers, notaries, investigators, document preparers — this is your audience. Listings start at $29/month.