In Shelby County, small claims cases up to $5,000 are heard by the Shelby County Circuit Court, Associate Division (Small Claims). Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: Shelby County Courthouse, Shelbyville, MO 63469 · Map
Phone: 573-633-2151
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
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.
Missouri doesn't require a demand letter before you sue, but asking for payment first is a good idea. Make a free demand letter.
Petition – Small Claims Court Get the form.
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).
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.
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 guideSmall claims in Shelby County are filed with the Shelby County Circuit Court, Associate Division (Small Claims), Shelby County Courthouse, Shelbyville, MO 63469. Phone: 573-633-2151.
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.
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.