Filing a small claims case in Missouri means using Missouri's own forms and following its court's procedure. This guide covers the core documents a typical case uses, the claim limit, and where to get the official Missouri forms — without paying for something your court provides free.
The short version: file your claim in Small Claims Court, a division of the Circuit Court (part of the associate circuit court), serve the defendant, and prepare your evidence for the hearing. You can claim up to $5,000. Get the official forms free from courts.mo.gov.
What Forms Do You Need in Missouri?
Form names and numbers differ by state, but a Missouri small claims case generally uses the same core documents:
📄 Petition (Small Claims Court), statewide Form SC 40
The document that opens your case — it names the parties, the amount you're claiming, and the basis of the claim. Get the current version from courts.mo.gov.
📬 Serving the defendant
Defendant is served with a summons and a copy of the petition, typically by certified mail (defendant signs for it); service by sheriff is also available.
💵 Fee waiver
Motion and Affidavit in Support of Request to Proceed as a Poor Person (in forma pauperis), statewide Form GN 10 Ask the clerk for the current fee-waiver form.
⚖️ Default judgment
If the defendant is properly served but doesn't respond or appear, you can ask the court to enter a judgment in your favor by default.
Where to Get Official Missouri Forms
Missouri small claims forms are free from the official sources below. Always use the current official version, and confirm any local (county/court) variations before you file.
- Missouri court forms — courts.mo.gov
- Official source — courts.mo.gov
- Official source — courts.mo.gov
- Your local courthouse or clerk — the clerk can provide the current forms and tell you which ones your court requires.
Missouri Small Claims Limit & Fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Small Claims Court, a division of the Circuit Court (part of the associate circuit court) |
| Claim limit | $5,000 |
| Filing fee | Varies by county and mode of service; includes a $10 small-claims court cost per RSMo 482.345 plus other court costs (e.g., certified-mail fee per defendant). Total commonly around $20+. |
| Fee waiver | Motion and Affidavit in Support of Request to Proceed as a Poor Person (in forma pauperis), statewide Form GN 10 |
Claim must not exceed $5,000; the limit excludes court costs and any interest awarded. Money claims only (not return of goods/property). Limits and fees change over time and can vary by county — confirm the current figures with your Missouri court before you file.
Missouri Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What forms do I need to file a small claims case in Missouri?
A Missouri small claims case is filed in Small Claims Court, a division of the Circuit Court (part of the associate circuit court). You generally need a claim/complaint form to open the case, a way to serve the defendant with proof of service, and — if you can't afford the fee — a fee-waiver form. Form names and numbers are set by the court, so download the current official versions from courts.mo.gov before you file.
❓ How much can you sue for in Missouri small claims court?
In Missouri you can claim up to $5,000. If your claim is larger, you can usually reduce it to the limit to stay in small claims or file in a higher court instead.
❓ Where do I get official Missouri small claims forms?
From your state court — Missouri's judiciary publishes the official forms, and the Small Claims Court, a division of the Circuit Court (part of the associate circuit court) clerk can provide the current versions and tell you which ones your court requires. Court-issued forms are free; you only pay the filing fee.
❓ Do you need a lawyer for small claims court in Missouri?
No. Small claims court is designed for people to represent themselves without an attorney, and Missouri is no exception. The forms and procedure are simplified so you can file, serve, and present your own case.
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Start My Claim — $19This page is general information, not legal advice. Missouri small claims forms, fees, and limits change over time and can vary by county — always use the current official forms and verify requirements with your court before you file.