Small claims court in Marion County, Missouri
In Marion County, small claims cases up to $5,000 are heard by more than one court: Two circuit clerk offices. You must file with the one that serves the right area. Below is one of them, the Marion County Circuit Court, Associate Division (Small Claims), with a link to the official list.
Where to file in Marion County
One of several courts in Marion County: Two circuit clerk offices. Find the right one: Official court directory.
Marion County Circuit Court, Associate Division (Small Claims)
Address: 100 S. Main St., Ste. 207, Palmyra, MO 63461 · Map
Phone: 573-769-2550
Two circuit clerk offices: District 1 in Palmyra (this row) handles Round Grove, Union, Warren, Fabius, Liberty and South River Townships; District 2 in Hannibal (906 Broadway, Room 105, Hannibal, MO 63401; civil 573-221-0198) handles Miller and Mason Townships (Hannibal area).
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
File in the county where the defendant lives, where the deal or problem happened, where you live if the defendant can be found there, or where a business defendant has an office or registered agent.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Missouri counties.
How to file in Marion County
Ask for payment in writing
Missouri doesn't require a demand letter before you sue, but asking for payment first is a good idea. Make a free demand letter.
Fill in the claim (Petition Small Claims)
Petition – Small Claims Court Get the form.
File it with the right court and pay the fee
Fees are set by each county. Many charge about $20 to $30 to file, plus service: about $7 to $13 for certified mail or $30 to $50 for the sheriff. A few counties list higher totals, up to about $100. Fee waiver: Affidavit showing you can't afford the fee (in forma pauperis).
Have the papers served
The clerk sends the summons by certified mail, which the defendant must sign for, or the sheriff serves it in person. You can use a private process server only with the judge's approval. You can't serve the papers yourself.
Go to the hearing
The court date is set when you file and printed on your receipt. Check Case.net about a week before to make sure the defendant was served. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Missouri filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Marion County?
Marion County has more than one small claims court (Two circuit clerk offices). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Marion County Circuit Court, Associate Division (Small Claims), 100 S. Main St., Ste. 207, Palmyra, MO 63461. Phone: 573-769-2550. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/bluebook/2025-2026/8_Counties.pdf
How much can I sue for in Marion County small claims court?
Up to $5,000. You can sue for up to $5,000, not counting interest and court costs. If you sue for more, you give up the rest. Small claims is for money only; it can't order property returned or handle evictions. You can file no more than 12 small claims per calendar year.
How much does it cost to file in Marion County?
Fees are set by each county. Many charge about $20 to $30 to file, plus service: about $7 to $13 for certified mail or $30 to $50 for the sheriff. A few counties list higher totals, up to about $100. Fee waiver: Affidavit showing you can't afford the fee (in forma pauperis).