Civil & Small Claims Division
The Civil Division of the Circuit Clerk’s Office processes non-criminal legal matters, including civil lawsuits, small claims cases, garnishments, and evictions. The Clerk’s Office is responsible for maintaining official court records, collecting fees, and assisting with procedural filings.
Civil Supervisor – Crystal Howell
Division I – Circuit Civil, Family Court, & Juvenile Division
Division II – Associate Civil/Small Claims
(417) 256-3741
Please be advised that this Court and the Clerk’s Office are prohibited by law from responding to requests for legal advice.
You will need to direct your requests to a licensed attorney. Learn More.
Civil Cases
Civil court handles legal disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations. These cases typically involve money, property, contracts, or personal rights rather than criminal charges.
Within civil court, cases are generally divided into two categories: Associate Civil, where the amount in question is between $5,001 and $25,000, and Circuit Civil, where the amount in question is $25,000 or more.
You can view filing fees here.
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These cases are handled by an Associate Circuit Judge and typically follow a more streamlined process than higher-level civil cases.
Common matters include contract disputes, property damage, landlord–tenant issues, and other civil disagreements within this monetary range.
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These cases are handled by a Circuit Judge and generally involve more complex legal issues and formal procedures.
Common matters include significant personal injury claims, large contract disputes, business litigation, and other cases involving substantial financial damages.
Filing fees are set by Missouri law and may vary depending on the type of case filed. Please contact the Clerk’s Office for current fee amounts (or click here) and accepted methods of payment.
(417) 256-3741
Small Claims
Small Claims Court handles disputes involving $5,000 or less. These hearings are designed to be more informal. Parties may represent themselves or hire an attorney.
After judgment is entered, additional procedures may be required to collect a debt, such as filing for garnishment.
Filing Information
When filing a civil case, please be prepared to provide:
Completed forms
Required number of copies
Filing fee
Information for service of process
All approved forms can be found through the Missouri Judiciary at Missouri Courts and directly at Small Claims Forms for Small Claims cases.
Forms & Resources
Click on the underlined links to download.
Pattern Interrogatories
Pattern Interrogatories are standard sets of written questions used during the discovery process in civil cases. These questions help gather information from the opposing party and must be answered under oath within a specified time frame.
Auto Accident Defendant to Plaintiff | Auto Accident Plaintiff to Defendant
Slip and Fall Defendant to Plaintiff | Slip and Fall Plaintiff to Defendant
Small Claims Court Handbook
Cases involving money in the amount of $5,000 or less. Download Here.
Confidential Information Handout
Download Here.
DISCLAIMER: These examples are for illustration only and are not a comprehensive list. There is no exhaustive list of all information that may be confidential under state or federal law. For help, you may want to consult with an attorney.
Court Forms
All approved forms can be found through the Missouri Judiciary at Missouri Courts and directly at Civil Forms for Civil cases.
Records Request Forms
Records request forms are available to download and complete here. After completion, forms may be submitted by mail or via email to hwl.recordsrequest@courts.mo.gov. Processing times and applicable fees may apply.
Records Request | Transcript Request| CD Audio Recording Request
Court Fees
Court fees are the standard costs required to file, process, or manage a case through the court system. A court fee schedule is a list outlining those fees based on the type of case or service requested.
Local Court Rules
Local Court Rules define the procedures and requirements for filing and managing cases within this circuit. Parties are encouraged to review these rules before filing to ensure compliance with court standards.