Missouri

Missouri Legal Resources

Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of Missouri. Know your rights and find help.

Legal Aid Organizations

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri

Provides free civil legal help to low-income residents in the St. Louis region covering housing, family, and consumer matters.

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Legal Aid of Western Missouri

Offers free legal services to low-income residents in western Missouri, including Kansas City, in housing, family, and benefits matters.

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Mid-Missouri Legal Services

Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents in central Missouri.

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Legal Aid of Western Missouri

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in the Kansas City area on housing, family, and benefits.

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Legal Services of Eastern Missouri

Serves low-income residents in the St. Louis area with free legal help in housing, consumer, and family matters.

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Court System Overview

The Supreme Court of Missouri is the court of last resort with seven judges. The Court of Appeals is divided into three districts (Eastern, Western, Southern). Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction across 46 judicial circuits. Associate Circuit Courts handle smaller civil and criminal cases. Municipal Courts handle city ordinance violations.

Key State Laws & Protections

Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law

Governs rental relationships under Chapter 441, covering security deposit limits (two months' rent), maintenance obligations, and eviction procedures.

Missouri Human Rights Act

Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, and disability.

Missouri Merchandising Practices Act

Consumer protection law under Chapter 407 prohibiting deceptive business practices with enforcement through the Attorney General.

Missouri Workers' Compensation Law

Provides medical and income benefits to workers injured on the job, with a specific framework for occupational disease claims.

Missouri Human Rights Act

Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, and disability.

Missouri Merchandising Practices Act

Consumer protection law prohibiting deceptive practices in the sale of goods and services with enforcement by the Attorney General.

Bar Association

The Missouri Bar
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Legal Aid Hotline

Need Immediate Legal Help?Contact Legal Services of Eastern Missouri at 1-800-444-0514 for free legal help.

Emergency Legal Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential support

1-800-799-7233

Missouri Child Abuse Hotline

Report child abuse or neglect

1-800-392-3738

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for crisis support

988

Recent Legal Updates (2025–2026)

Missouri Recreational Cannabis (2025)

Full implementation of recreational marijuana regulations following the 2022 constitutional amendment, including expungement provisions.

Missouri Tax Reform (2025)

Continued reduction of state income tax rates, with the top rate moving toward 4.8% by 2027.

Related Guides

Know Your RightsFind a LawyerLegal Aid ResourcesCourt Preparation

Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

Personal Injury

Statute of Limitations: 5 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Contract Disputes

Statute of Limitations: 5 years (oral) / 10 years (written)

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Property Damage

Statute of Limitations: 5 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Medical Malpractice

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Fraud

Statute of Limitations: 5 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Court Filing Fees

Small Claims Court

Typical filing fee: $20-$50 (claims up to $5,000)

Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.

Civil Court

Typical filing fee: $100-$250

Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.

Family Court

Typical filing fee: $100-$200

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.

Free Legal Aid Organizations

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri

Free civil legal services for low-income residents in eastern Missouri including the St. Louis metro area.

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Legal Aid of Western Missouri

Serves the Kansas City area and 40 western Missouri counties with free legal help in housing, family, and benefits.

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Mid-Missouri Legal Services

Free legal services for low-income residents in 21 central Missouri counties.

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State Bar Resources

The Missouri Bar

Referral: Lawyer Referral Service: (573) 636-3635

Pro Bono: Missouri Bar Pro Bono and Legal Aid programs coordinate volunteer attorneys.

Visit State Bar Website →
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Frequently Asked Legal Questions in Missouri

Missouri has multiple legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help to income-eligible residents. You can also contact your local bar association for pro bono referrals, or visit our Legal Aid Finder to search by zip code.
In Missouri, tenants generally have the right to a habitable dwelling, proper notice before eviction, the return of security deposits within a specified timeframe, and protection from housing discrimination. Specific rules vary — visit our Tenant Rights Checker for Missouri-specific details.
Missouri allows expungement or record sealing for many misdemeanor and some felony convictions, typically after a waiting period and no subsequent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge type, sentence served, and time elapsed. Use our Expungement Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify.
Missouri sets its own minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. Many cities within the state may have even higher local minimums. Use our Wage & Overtime Calculator to check the current Missouri minimum wage and calculate your pay.
The statute of limitations in Missouri sets the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury or dispute. It varies by case type — personal injury, contracts, and criminal charges all have different limits. Use our Legal Deadline Calculator to find your specific deadline in Missouri.