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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.

In Missouri, plaintiffs have up to five years to file a lawsuit for personal injury, defamation, and medical malpractice. However, a maximum of 10 years is allowed for discovery of an injury. Injury to property, trespassing, and enforcement of written contracts carry a five-year statute of limitations.

Any person or business with a civil claim that DOES NOT EXCEED $5,000.00 may bring a suit in small claims court. The $5,000.00 limit does not include court costs and interest on the $5,000.00 which the judge may award you.

Waiver of Personal Service: When the respondent is willing to accept the petition, the respondent is provided with a copy of the petition and signs a form called "Entry of Appearance and Waiver of Service.? This form must be signed before a notary public and filed with the court.

Internet access to civil and criminal court records is fee-based and can be found at ecf.mowd.uscourts.gov. Payment for copies is required at the time of the request. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of the copies. Copies are available in person during regular business hours.

The Court requires a civil cover sheet (available from the Clerk's Office) and a complaint that includes an original signature and your address. You must also either pay the filing fee or request the Court to allow you to file the case without paying the filing fee.