How do I file a lawsuit in Missouri?

A Missouri lawsuit starts by filing a petition. A petition states the facts of a dispute, which are typically briefly described in chronological order in numbered paragraphs. The petition must state enough facts to show that the plaintiff has a viable cause of action against the defendant.

What is a civil lawsuit in Missouri?

Generally, civil cases are non-criminal cases in which a “Plaintiff” seeks to recover money damages or other relief from a “Defendant”. Most cases require a filing fee to be paid upon the filing by the Plaintiff of the Petition.

How much does it cost to file small claims in Missouri?

The Small Claims clerk provides forms. Each party has the right to a Trial de Novo, which is similar to an appeal. The cost is $82.00 (cash or check at the time of filing) and the form is called an “Application for Trial de Novo.” It must be filed within 10 days of the day judgment is rendered.

What do I need to file a lawsuit against someone?

To sue someone, you must prepare a document called a complaint that you will file with the court. The complaint includes the grounds or cause of action for your lawsuit. If you have a lawyer, she will draft and file your complaint. If you are filing on your own, you can use a legal book or CD of legal forms to write out your complaint.

Can a person with a legal disability file a lawsuit?

Someone with a “legal disability” can generally only file lawsuits through a legal representative, like a parent, a guardian, a trustee, or an executor. Some people considered to have a “legal disability” are: People who are judged mentally incompetent because of illness, age, or infirmity.

Are there any class action lawsuits against InventHelp?

InventHelp is facing class action lawsuits that allege the company scams aspiring inventors out of thousands of dollars for “invention promotion services” it cannot and does not intend to provide.

Can a non-attorney file a small claims case?

FYI! If you are suing for less than $10,000, the Self-Help Center has forms you can use to file a small claims case in the justice court. Small claims court is quicker and easier and is designed for non-attorneys. To learn more, click to visit Small Claims.

Where can I get help filling out court forms?

If you need legal advice before filling out your forms, you may need to talk to a private attorney (visit Lawyers and Legal Help ), a volunteer attorney at one of the Ask-A-Lawyer programs, or an attorney at one of the free legal classes if your question relates to one of the class topics.

Do you need a court form to file a lawsuit?

Forms have been created (by courts, self-help centers, legal aid organizations, and the like) to help people in their court cases. Forms typically will not explain the governing law to you, and they may not provide or cover all of the information necessary for the court to reach a decision.

Where can I get Civil Law Self Help Center forms?

The Civil Law Self-Help Center forms have been approved for use in the civil and justice courts in Clark County. Forms cover topics such as evictions, small claims, lawsuits for money, harassment and protection, among others. The forms are available for free online. Visit Civil Law Self-Help Center Forms to learn more. Court websites.

Someone with a “legal disability” can generally only file lawsuits through a legal representative, like a parent, a guardian, a trustee, or an executor. Some people considered to have a “legal disability” are: People who are judged mentally incompetent because of illness, age, or infirmity.