Library & References
In an effort to provide better access to the judicial system, the 16th Circuit website contains forms, information about local legal referral services and links to online legal resources. Basic information about court procedures, locations, and fees is available. Forms can be downloaded by clicking on the “Forms” icon, then the appropriate department.
Before you file a case in court, consider other ways to resolve the dispute. Many issues can be resolved through alternative methods of resolution such as mediation. Trained mediators can help you sort out issues and resolve your case without the expense of hiring a lawyer and the time spent in court.
The Missouri Bar Association offers a free lawyer referral service. More information is available at their web site.
It is important for you to know that when you come to court without a lawyer you take a risk. The court cannot act on your behalf. Even simple matters may have critical issues with legal consequences that you are not aware of or do not fully understand.
The information provided on the Court's website should not be considered a substitute for legal advice. The 16th Circuit is not responsible for any error or omission on this website. The 16th Circuit assumes no responsibility or liability for actions taken by users of this website.
WE ARE HAPPY TO HELP YOU IF WE CAN. HOWEVER, WE ARE ALLOWED TO HELP YOU ONLY IN CERTAIN WAYS, SINCE WE MUST BE FAIR TO EVERYONE. |
Please remember that the court staff must remain impartial, and will give the same information to both sides of a dispute.
| We can | explain and answer questions about how the court works. | We cannot | tell you whether or not you should bring your case to court. | |
| We can | provide you with the number of the local lawyer referral service, and any legal services program. | We cannot | tell you what words to use in your court papers. (However, we can check you papers for completeness. For example, we check for signatures, notarization, correct county name, correct case number, and presence of attachments.) | |
| We can | provide you with the number of any family court programs:parent/child education, mediation & community services. | We cannot | tell you what to say in court. | |
| We can | give you general information about court rules, procedures, and practices. | We cannot | give you an opinion about what will happen in your case. | |
| We can | provide court schedules and information on how to set a case scheduled for a hearing. | We cannot | talk to the judge for you. | |
| We can | provide your court file for your review. | We cannot | let you talk to the judge outside of court or arrange for you to talk to the judge outside of court. | |
| We can | provide you with court forms and instructions that are available. | We cannot | change an order signed by a judge. | |
| We can | usually answer questions about court deadlines. | We cannot | provide you with contact information for another party. |
Court staff may not know the answers to all questions about court rules, procedures and practices, and have been instructed not to answer questions if we do not know the correct answers.