The clerk at a small claims court helps people fill out their paperwork and explains how the court works. Signs must be posted telling people where to file and where hearings happen. When someone files a case, they tell the clerk if they want a daytime, evening, or Saturday hearing. This help from the clerk is free and does not count as practicing law.
482.335. Duties of of s — notices to be posted — to advise clerk of time preferred — clerk not practicing law. — 1. Clerks under the supervision of the small claims court judges shall explain to the procedures and functions of the small claims court and shall assist them in filling out all forms and necessary for the presentation of their or to the court. Notice of the fact that clerks provide such shall be in the clerks' offices.
2. The location of the office where a small can be filed and the location of the courtroom where small claims sessions are being held shall be conspicuously posted in the court building.
3. At the time of of a small claim, the plaintiff shall advise the clerk whether a daytime, evening or Saturday hearing is preferred by the plaintiff.
4. The performance of duties prescribed in this section shall not constitute the as defined in section 484.010. All duties of the clerk prescribed in this section shall be performed without cost to the litigants.
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Source & history notes
(L. 1976 H.B. 1317 & 1098 § 4 subsec. 7, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1634) Effective 1-02-79
Related Missouri laws
Restrictions on filing of claims
RSMo 482.330
Form of petition and summons
RSMo 482.340
Counterclaims exceeding jurisdictional limit, procedure
RSMo 482.325
Court costs
RSMo 482.345
Counterclaims, filing, different transaction, same transaction, arising at hearing, duty of judge
RSMo 482.320
Personal service not required
RSMo 482.350
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.