The Small Claims Court, popularly known as the People’s Court, helps you when you cannot resolve your complaints through self-help or through consumer mediation groups. These courts are generally inexpensive and quite informal in nature; and these are excellent to settle small disputes. Normally, you will not even require the help of an attorney to settle a dispute. However, if you feel that the matter is beyond your control, you can always seek legal advice. The maximum that you can file for is $5000; but there are certain exceptions to the rule and a ‘natural person’ can claim up to $7500.

The Jackson County Court in Missouri is also known as the 16th Judicial Circuit Court and the judges hear everything from small claims to death penalty cases. If you want to file small claims in Jackson County, you can avail forms from the office of the Clerks at Jackson County Courthouse. The address is 3rd Floor - Associate Circuit Judges' Records, 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106 and you can collect the forms from Monday to Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. The procedure for filing the case in Small Claims Court, Jackson County, is very much similar to that of the other small claims courts. You will have to complete the forms fully and then present the evidences in the court. Any kind of forms related to small claims can be found in the court or you can download them online as well. You can log on to www.16thcircuit.org  for more information. If you need the contact details of the Secretary of State’s Office, you can log on to www.sos.missouri.gov  for further details.

The Jackson County is split into Eastern and Western portions and thus, you will have to file the claim accordingly. There are some nominal fees applicable while filing the claim and it is generally $20 plus the service fee of $7 if it includes a service mail. If you plan for a personal service, then it is $22 and this is only within the Jackson County. It is very important for the defendants to receive a copy of summon and your petition or they can even make an appearance in the court before the case is heard. You will also receive a receipt that will have the details of the court date, the time and the division where the case will be heard. You will have to show up on the specified date and if not, the case will be dismissed. You can find all related details in www.jacksongov.org.