Citizens Law Library · Start Here
I Received Court Papers
Start by preserving your papers, identifying important information, and finding reliable help. This page provides general educational information—not advice about what you should do in your case.
Important: Citizens Law Library is not a law firm. We cannot tell you what to file, calculate your deadline, review your documents, or advise you about your individual situation.
Read disclaimerTake a breath. Start with the basics.
Receiving papers does not mean you must understand everything immediately.
Court papers, notices, letters from lawyers, and agency documents can use unfamiliar language. Before taking action, put the papers somewhere safe, read each page carefully, and write down the court, case number, deadlines, hearing dates, and names shown on the documents.
Do not ignore a document because it is confusing. If you have a court date or a deadline, seek qualified legal help promptly. A licensed attorney or authorized legal-aid provider can assess your individual circumstances.
Timing matters
Do not rely on this page to determine a legal deadline.
A deadline can depend on the court, case type, county, date of service, method of service, court rules, holidays, and other facts. Citizens Law Library cannot calculate deadlines or tell you whether a date applies to your situation.
Confirm dates and requirements directly with the court, a licensed Missouri attorney, or an authorized legal-aid organization. If a deadline or hearing is soon, contact qualified help immediately.
Read the papers carefully
Look for these basic details.
This list can help you identify information already printed on your documents. It does not tell you which information controls in your case.
Court name and county
Look for the court name, judicial circuit, county, address, phone number, and courtroom or division number, if shown.
Case number
Write down the case number exactly as printed. It is often needed when contacting the court, searching public records, or speaking with a legal-help provider.
Names and roles
Note the names of all listed people, businesses, agencies, attorneys, and parties. Terms such as plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, and respondent describe roles in a matter.
Document title
Identify the title at the top of each page, such as summons, petition, motion, notice, order, subpoena, or letter.
Dates and times
Circle or write down every date and time shown. This may include hearing dates, filing dates, response dates, service dates, or appointment times.
Attachments and pages
Check for additional pages, exhibits, instructions, envelopes, notices, or separate forms. Keep all documents together.
Protect your records
Make a safe copy of everything.
Keep the original papers in a safe location. Make a complete copy or scan of every page, including envelopes, attachments, handwritten notes, and any document that arrived with the papers.
If you create digital copies, use a clear file name such as the date, document type, and case number. Keep the original document unchanged.
General recordkeeping checklist
- Keep the original papers in a safe place.
- Photograph or scan every page clearly.
- Keep the envelope and note the delivery date.
- Record names, phone calls, and messages.
- Write down dates you need to verify.
- Do not alter, destroy, or hide documents.
Common words you may see
Basic court-document vocabulary.
These are general descriptions only. The meaning and legal effect of a term can depend on the court, document, and facts of a particular matter.
Summons
A document notifying someone that a court matter has been filed and may include information about appearing, responding, or contacting the court.
Petition or complaint
A document that generally begins a civil court matter and states claims or requests made by the filing party.
Notice
A document providing information about an event, hearing, filing, action, requirement, or change in a case.
Order
A written direction or decision issued by a court. Read the entire document carefully and seek qualified advice if you do not understand it.
Motion
A written request asking a court to take an action. Motions may have specific rules, time limits, and response requirements.
Subpoena
A document that may require a person to appear, provide testimony, or produce documents. Consult qualified legal help promptly if you receive one.
Plaintiff or petitioner
Usually the person, business, agency, or party that started the case or asked the court for action.
Defendant or respondent
Usually the person, business, agency, or party responding to a case or request filed by someone else.
Official public court information
Missouri Case.net may help you locate public case information.
Missouri Case.net is the Missouri judiciary’s public case-information system. Depending on the case and available public access, it may allow searches using a litigant name, case number, court, location, case type, year, or case status.
Public information may be limited, incomplete, delayed, unavailable for certain matters, or subject to redaction rules. Do not rely on Case.net alone to determine a deadline, filing requirement, or next legal step.
Search Missouri Case.netWhen searching public case information
- Use the name exactly as it appears on your papers when possible.
- Use a case number if one is printed on the document.
- Confirm the court and county shown on the papers.
- Remember that a public search may not show every document or detail.
- Contact the court or qualified counsel to clarify legal questions.
Get qualified help when needed
Choose a legal-help resource.
The right option depends on your type of matter, county, income, timing, and the assistance available.
Find a Missouri attorney
Locate attorney-search resources, lawyer verification tools, and questions to prepare for a consultation.
Explore attorney resourcesApply for civil legal aid
Learn how to locate a Missouri legal-aid program and ask about eligibility, service area, and available assistance.
Find legal-aid informationMissouri Free Legal Answers
Qualifying users may submit certain non-criminal civil questions for online answers from volunteer attorneys.
Visit Free Legal AnswersProtect your information
Do not send your court papers to Citizens Law Library.
Do not use our contact form, email, social media, or member system to send court papers, case facts, confidential records, Social Security numbers, financial information, medical records, or questions requesting legal advice. Citizens Law Library cannot review or respond to individual case materials.
Read our communication limitationsContinue your preparation
Organize before you seek help.
A general court-readiness checklist can help you organize documents, dates, contacts, and questions before speaking with a qualified professional.