Small claims court in Jackson County, Missouri
In Jackson County, small claims cases up to $5,000 are heard by more than one court: Two courthouses. File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or does business, or where the problem happened.
Not sure which court? Call the clerk: 816-881-3970 (Jackson County Circuit Court (16th Circuit), Small Claims) or see Official court directory.
Where to file in Jackson County
One of several courts in Jackson County: Two courthouses. Find the right one: Official court directory.
Jackson County Circuit Court (16th Circuit), Small Claims
Address: 415 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO 64106 · Map
Phone: 816-881-3970
Two courthouses: Kansas City (415 E. 12th St.) for the western part of the county and the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse in Independence (308 W. Kansas Ave.) for eastern cities. File where your venue lies.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
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.
How to file in Jackson County
Ask for payment in writing
Missouri doesn't require a demand letter before you sue, but asking for payment first is a good idea. Make a free demand letter.
Fill out the claim form
Petition – Small Claims Court (Petition Small Claims).
File it with the right court and pay the fee
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).
Have the papers served
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.
Go to the hearing
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 guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Jackson County?
Jackson County has more than one small claims court (Two courthouses). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Jackson County Circuit Court (16th Circuit), Small Claims, 415 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO 64106. Phone: 816-881-3970. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/bluebook/2025-2026/8_Counties.pdf
How much can I sue for in Jackson County small claims court?
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.
How much does it cost to file in Jackson County?
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).