Demand Letter in Missouri
A demand letter asks someone to pay or fix a problem before you go to small claims court. Many judges expect one, and it is useful evidence. Your state's small claims limit and fee are shown below.
What Missouri law says
| Small claims limit | $5,000, not counting interest and costs, in tort or contract cases. A plaintiff with a larger claim may still file in small claims but gives up any amount over $5,000, now and in any later case on the same issues. § 482.305 effective August 28, 2011. Source: RSMo 482.305; RSMo 482.315 |
|---|---|
| Filing fee | The plaintiff pays court costs and a deposit to secure costs, set under RSMo 488.010-488.020, plus the cost of service in advance. Small claims forms and clerk assistance are free. Ask the clerk for the current deposit amount. |
Fill it in
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[today's date]
To: [person or business name], [their address]
From: [your name], [your address]
This letter is a formal demand for $[amount demanded] for [what happened, with dates].
[Short list of facts and attached documents: contract, receipts, photos, messages.]
Please pay this amount by [payment deadline] by [payment method].
If I do not receive payment by then, I intend to file a claim in [court name] without further notice.
[your name] [phone or email]
Demand Letter for other states · Missouri tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.