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St. Louis County resolves money disputes up to $5,000 in the small-claims court: simplified procedures, and no attorneys at the hearing.
Below is what you need for a small claims case in St. Louis County: the limit, filing fees, which courthouse to use, how to serve the other side, your deadlines, and how to file. When you're ready, Squabble prepares everything and files it for you.
St. Louis County hears small claims at several hub courthouses. The right one depends on where the defendant lives or where your dispute happened. The court matches your ZIP code to a courthouse.
Tap a courthouse to see its details in the list below.
Not sure which courthouse? Use the court's official court locator to match your ZIP code to the correct location, or let Squabble identify it for you automatically. Hub courthouses can change; confirm before you file.
the small-claims court supports electronic filing for small claims, so you can start a case without a courthouse trip.
Many initial small claims hearings are eligible for remote appearance through the court's remote-hearing option.
Share evidence through the court's digital evidence system, and the court may offer an online dispute resolution program for small claims.
Small claims is a division of the small-claims court for everyday money disputes: simplified rules, no attorneys at the hearing, and limits on how much and how often you can sue.
Maximum claim
You can file unlimited claims of $2,500 or less, but no more than two claims over $2,500 in a calendar year.
You can't divide one dispute into several smaller cases to get around the limit.
A judge can order one side to pay money. Small claims can't order someone to do something or undo a contract.
Neither side is represented by a lawyer at the hearing. You can consult one before or after.
Minors take part through a guardian ad litem appointed by the court.
Collection agencies and assignees of debt generally can't bring a claim in small claims court.
Over the limit? You can waive the excess and stay in small claims, or file in regular civil court. Waiving is permanent, so weigh it carefully.
If someone owes you money, up to $5,000, small claims is built for it. These are the disputes residents bring most often.
It's built to be navigable without a lawyer. Here's the shape of a case from start to finish.
Complete the Plaintiff's Claim (the claim form), choose the right court, and pay the filing fee.
The other side is formally served. LA also offers online dispute resolution, where both sides can try to settle before the hearing.
A brief, informal hearing, in person or via the court's remote-hearing option. The judge decides, often within about 10 days.
After you file, the other party must be formally notified. This is called service of process. In Missouri you cannot serve the papers yourself.
The county sheriff (about $40–$60), a registered process server (about $75–$125), the court clerk by certified mail (about $10–$15), or any adult who isn't a party to the case.
The defendant must be served at least 15 days before the hearing, or 20 days if they're served outside the county.
Whoever serves the papers signs a Proof of Service (the proof-of-service form), which is filed with the court before the hearing.
Service is where many self-filed cases stall. Squabble can coordinate professional Service of Process so it's done correctly and on time.
You have a limited window to file, measured from when the dispute arose. File after it closes and your claim can be barred.
| Type of claim | Deadline to file |
|---|---|
| Written contract | 4 years |
| Oral contract | 2 years |
| Property damage | 3 years |
| Personal injury | 2 years |
Once you have a judgment, the unpaid amount accrues interest at 10% per year in Missouri until it's paid.
Want to estimate what interest adds to your claim? Use the Squabble interest calculator to see the running total before you file.
Check that the amount is within the limit and that you're inside the statute of limitations for your claim type.
Name the correct party, describe what happened, and show how the amount is calculated.
File at the St. Louis County hub courthouse for your dispute's ZIP code, or e-file, and pay the $17 fee (or request a waiver).
Arrange service at least 15 days before the hearing and file the Proof of Service (the proof-of-service form).
Organize documents and exhibits so you can present them clearly at the hearing.
Appear in person or, where available, remotely, present your case, and receive the court's decision.
Tell Eleanor what happened. Squabble prepares the documents, runs a Triple-Check™ for administrative and jurisdictional accuracy, and files your case for you.
Start with Eleanor →the claim form Plaintiff's Claim · the proof-of-service form Proof of Service · a fee-waiver form Fee Waiver. All are official Judicial Council forms used statewide.
Small claims hearings are short and informal. There are no lawyers, and the judge will ask questions directly.
A judgment is the court's decision. Collecting it is a separate step. Missouri gives you tools if the other side doesn't pay.
A portion of the debtor's earnings can be redirected to pay what the court ordered.
Funds can be collected directly from the debtor's bank account.
An Abstract of Judgment recorded with the county places a lien on the debtor's real property.
You can also ask the court to order the debtor to appear and disclose income and assets under oath. The unpaid judgment keeps accruing interest at 10% per year until it's satisfied.
Last reviewed June 2026. Court fees, limits, and procedures change. Verify current details with the court before filing.
Tell Eleanor what happened. Squabble prepares your demand letter and court-ready documents, Triple-Checks them for administrative and jurisdictional accuracy, and files your St. Louis County case for you.
