Someone owes me money in Missouri: what to do

Write down the facts while you remember them: each date, amount, how you sent the money, and what the person promised about paying it back.

Why: A judge decides on evidence. A short timeline makes your demand letter and your case clear.

Save your proof: screenshots of texts or emails that mention repaying, bank, Zelle, Venmo or Cash App records, and any IOU. Keep the originals.

Why: Records showing that the person agreed to pay you back are what separate a loan from a gift.

If you answered “Yes, something in writing” to “Do you have anything in writing about the loan (texts, emails, an IOU, payment-app notes)?”

Print the texts, emails, IOU or payment-app notes that mention the loan, with the dates showing.

Why: Written proof helps show it was a loan. In many states the deadline to sue on a written agreement is longer than on a spoken one; your state page lists both.

If you answered “No, it was only spoken” to “Do you have anything in writing about the loan (texts, emails, an IOU, payment-app notes)?”

Write down the names of anyone who heard the person promise to repay you.

Why: Without a written agreement, witnesses and payment records are your main evidence. Your state's deadline for spoken (oral) agreements may apply, and it is often shorter.

Keep your messages calm and in writing. Don't make threats or post about it publicly.

Why: Your messages can become evidence. Threats or public posts can hurt your case or create new legal problems for you.

Send a written demand letter (template below). Give a firm date, usually 10 to 14 days, and say how to pay. Send it by a method you can prove, such as certified mail, plus email or text.

Why: Many people pay once they see a clear written demand. Some states require you to ask for payment before you file in small claims; your state page says whether yours does.

If the person says they can't pay all at once, you can agree to a payment plan. Put the amounts and due dates in writing and have both of you sign or confirm by text.

Why: A written plan is new proof of the debt, and it gives you a clear record if they stop paying.

Look up your state's small claims limit, filing fee and the right court on smallclaimsmap.com.

Why: The limit decides whether small claims is an option. Rules about where to file, fees and serving the papers differ by state.

If you answered “Not sure” to “Is the amount owed at or under your state's small claims limit?”

Add up what you lent, subtract anything repaid, and compare the balance with your state's small claims limit.

Why: The balance you claim decides whether small claims is an option.

If you answered “No, it's more” to “Is the amount owed at or under your state's small claims limit?”

If the balance is more than your state's limit, you can usually choose to ask for only the limit and give up the rest, or file in regular civil court, where the rules are more formal and a lawyer is more often needed.

Why: Courts generally don't let you split one debt into several small claims cases to stay under the limit.

Find the person's full legal name and current home address.

Why: You need them to file a case and to have the court papers delivered (served).

If the date in your letter passes without payment, you can file a small claims case in the right county before your state's deadline to sue.

Why: After the deadline (statute of limitations) runs out, the person can ask the court to throw the case out.

If you answered “No, another state” to “Does the person live in the same state as you?”

If the person lives in another state, you will usually need to file in their state, or where the loan was made. Check that state's rules on smallclaimsmap.com.

Why: A court generally needs a connection to the person or the deal to hear the case.

Have the papers served the way your state allows, then bring your timeline, printed messages, payment records and any witnesses to the hearing.

Why: If the papers aren't served properly, the hearing can be delayed or the case dismissed.

If you win and the person still doesn't pay, use your state's collection tools, such as wage garnishment or a bank levy.

Why: The court decides who is owed money but does not collect it for you.

If you receive a bankruptcy notice about the person, stop all collection and read the notice.

Why: A bankruptcy filing generally stops collection right away (the automatic stay). You may need to file a claim in the bankruptcy case instead.