Missouri Rules of the Small Claims Division of the Circuit Court – 2026

Missouri Rules 140 through 152 govern the small claims division of the circuit court, covering the commencement of an action, issuance and service of summons, counterclaims, trial, judgments, costs, appeals, self-representation, and the forms for the division.

Last updated August 24, 2026

Browse all 46 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.

General

Rule 140.01 Rules - When Applicable Rule 140.02 Rules - Authority For Rule 140.03 Rules - Construction Rule 140.04 Rules - Consistent Local Rules Authorized Rule 140.05 Rules - When None Applicable - Procedure

Commencement of Small Claims Actions

Rule 141.01 Action - When

Issuance and Service of Summons

Rule 142.01 Summons - Form Rule 142.02 Service of Summons

Counterclaims

Rule 143.01 Counterclaim - Same Transaction - When Asserted and Heard Rule 143.02 Counterclaim - Same Transaction - Discovered During Trial - Procedure Rule 143.03 Counterclaim - Not Out of Same Transaction - When Filed Rule 143.04 Counterclaim - Not Out of Same Transaction - When Tried Rule 143.05 Counterclaim Exceeding Jurisdiction - When Heard Rule 143.06 Counterclaim - Out of Same Transaction - Exceeding Jurisdiction - Procedure Rule 143.07 Counterclaim - Not Out of Same Transaction - Exceeding Jurisdiction - Procedure

Trials in Small Claims Court

Rule 144.01 Trials - Informal Rule 144.02 Allegations of Petition or Counterclaim Considered Denied Rule 144.03 Court May Question Parties and Witnesses Rule 144.04 Trial - To be Without Jury - No Change of Venue Rule 144.05 Trial - Parties to Appear, When - Continuance

Judgments

Rule 145.01 Default Judgments Rule 145.02 Action Dismissed - When Rule 145.03 Judgment - Costs May be Assessed

Costs

Rule 146.01 Filing Fee and Costs of Service Rule 146.02 Security for Costs not Required

Clerk's Duties

Rule 147.01 Aid to Litigants Rule 147.02 Aid to Judgment Creditors

Self-Representation Permitted

Rule 148.01 Self-Representation Permitted

When

Rule 149.01 Small Claims Court - Barring Use Thereof - When

Notices Pertaining to Small Claims Court

Rule 150.01 Location - Clerk's Office and Courtroom Rule 150.02 Availability of Clerk's Assistance

Appeals

Rule 151.01 Right of Trial De Novo Rule 151.02 Notice to Parties - Trial De Novo - Time

Forms for Small Claims Division

Rule 152.00 [REPEALED] How to Use the Small Claims Court Rule 152.01 Forms for Small Claims Division Rule 152.01-152a [REPEALED] Petition Rule 152.01-152b [REPEALED] Petition for a Minor Rule 152.01-152c Application for Appointment of Next Friend for Minor Plaintiff Rule 152.01-152d Summons (With Instructions on Reverse Side) Rule 152.01-152e Application for Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem for Minor Defendant Rule 152.01-152f [REPEALED] Counterclaim Arising Out of Same Transaction (With Instructions on Reverse Side) Rule 152.01-152g [REPEALED] Counterclaim Not Arising Out of Same Transaction (With Instructions on Reverse Side) Rule 152.01-152h Request for Execution Rule 152.01-152i [REPEALED] Satisfaction of Judgment Rule 152.01-152j [REPEALED] Dismissal Rule 152.01-152k Judgment