Title XXXII, COURTS

482.320. Counterclaims, filing, different transaction, same transaction, arising at hearing, duty of judge. — 1. At any time up to ten days after service of process and before the date of the hearing, the defendant may file a counterclaim which does not arise out of the same tran…

482.325. Counterclaims exceeding jurisdictional limit, procedure — consent of all parties required — transfer of counterclaim, when — dismissal, when. — If the amount of the counterclaim exceeds by itself the jurisdictional limit of the small claims court as established in sectio…

482.330. Restrictions on filing of claims — statement required of plaintiff — counterclaim not prohibited — suit may be brought, where. — 1. No claim may be filed or prosecuted in small claims court by a party who: (1) Is an assignee of the claim; or (2) Has filed more than twelv…

482.335. Duties of clerk of small claims courts — notices to be posted — plaintiff to advise clerk of time hearing preferred — clerk not practicing law. — 1. Clerks under the supervision of the small claims court judges shall explain to litigants the procedures and functions of t…

482.340. Form of petition and summons — instructions for defendant — waiver of trial by jury — availability of forms. — 1. An action on a small claim may be commenced by filing with the clerk of the small claims court a form substantially similar to the petition form provided in …

482.345. Court costs — procedure for assessment of costs, award of fees and disbursement of fees. — 1. A person filing an action in small claims court shall pay court costs and a deposit as security for costs in amounts determined pursuant to sections 488.010 to 488.020*. 2. A pe…

482.350. Personal service not required — exceptions — procedure for service — proof of service, what constitutes — record of service. — Personal service is not required for the service of any summons issuing out of a small claims court, unless specifically requested by the plaint…

482.355. Appearance for trial — continuance, when granted — failure of defendant to appear, consequences — procedure — dismissal of action, when. — 1. The defendant in a small claims action shall appear at the time and place specified in the summons and the case shall be tried on…

482.360. Barring person from small claims court, grounds, length of bar. — If the court finds that the small claims proceedings are being used by a plaintiff or defendant for the purpose of oppression or harassment, it may issue an order denying the plaintiff or defendant use of …

482.365. Small claim judgment not lien on real estate — trial de novo, how perfected — duty of clerk — recognizance required, when — procedure. — 1. No judgment of a small claims court shall be a lien on real estate. 2. Any party aggrieved by any final judgment rendered by a smal…