In small claims court, someone does not have to be served papers in person. Instead, the court can mail the papers to the defendant's last known address using certified mail, where only that person can sign for it. When the signed receipt comes back to the court at least 10 days before the court date, that counts as proof the person got the papers. The court clerk writes down that the person was served in a permanent record.
482.350. not required — — procedure for — , what constitutes — of service. — Personal service is not required for the service of any issuing out of a , unless specifically requested by the . The service may be made by mailing a copy of the summons and the to the at his last known address by , restricted to the . The envelope and the shall be stamped with the of the case. The receipt for shall state the name and address of the addressee and the date of mailing and shall be attached to the original summons. The return receipt, when signed by the addressee and when ed to the , shall be attached to the original summons, and, if it shows delivery at least ten days before the day for appearance, shall constitute proof of service. The clerk shall note the fact of service in a permanent record.
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Source & history notes
(L. 1976 H.B. 1317 & 1098 § 4 subsec. 10, A.L. 1985 S.B. 5, et al.)
Related Missouri laws
Court costs
RSMo 482.345
Appearance for trial
RSMo 482.355
Barring person from small claims court, grounds, length of bar
RSMo 482.360
Form of petition and summons
RSMo 482.340
Small claim judgment not lien on real estate
RSMo 482.365
Duties of clerk of small claims courts
RSMo 482.335
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.