Citizens Law Library
Start Here
Legal problems can feel overwhelming. Start by identifying what you need, gathering reliable information, and finding qualified help when your situation calls for it.
Educational information only: Citizens Law Library is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal representation, individualized document help, or case-specific recommendations.
Read disclaimerA practical first step
You do not have to understand everything at once.
Begin with the facts and deadlines you already have. Identify the court or agency involved, preserve your papers, write down important dates, and use trustworthy resources to understand the process.
This page can help you choose a general starting point. It cannot tell you what you should file, what legal strategy to use, or how a court will decide your individual case.
Choose a starting point
What best describes your situation?
Select the path that is closest to what you need right now.
I received court papers
Learn how to identify basic information on a summons, petition, notice, or other court document and organize your paperwork.
Start with your papers 02I have a hearing or court date
Use general guidance for court logistics, record organization, questions to ask, and preparing a personal court notebook.
Prepare for a hearing 03I need a lawyer or legal aid
Find Missouri legal-aid programs, lawyer-search tools, public resource organizations, and low-cost legal-help options.
Find legal help 04I want to understand a legal topic
Browse plain-language resource pages for common civil legal topics and links to official Missouri information.
Browse legal topicsBefore you act
Five practical steps to take today.
These are general organization steps. They are not a substitute for advice about your individual legal matter.
Save every document
Keep notices, letters, envelopes, emails, receipts, text messages, contracts, photographs, and court papers together in a safe place.
Write down key dates
Record court dates, filing dates, service dates, meetings, calls, and deadlines. Confirm all legal deadlines directly with the court or a qualified attorney.
Identify the source
Note the court, agency, business, person, case number, county, or organization named on your documents.
Use reliable resources
Look first to official courts, government agencies, legal-aid organizations, and qualified Missouri attorneys.
Ask informed questions
Prepare a clear timeline and a list of questions for a licensed attorney, legal-aid provider, court clerk, or public agency.
Important timing and safety notice
Do not wait for this website if time is limited.
Seek qualified help promptly if you have a court date, filing deadline, eviction notice, foreclosure concern, order-of-protection issue, domestic-violence concern, criminal charge, immigration matter, child-custody emergency, risk of losing housing or benefits, or an immediate safety concern.
Citizens Law Library cannot calculate your deadline, review your case, provide emergency support, or tell you what action to take. In an immediate safety emergency, call 911 or your local emergency service.
A helpful preparation habit
Create a simple matter notebook.
Whether you speak with a lawyer, legal-aid program, court clerk, agency, or community resource, an organized notebook can help you explain your situation clearly and keep track of important information.
A notebook does not replace legal advice. It simply helps you keep records and prepare useful questions.
Explore organization tools in the Member LibraryYour notebook can include
- A dated timeline of events
- Copies of notices and court papers
- A list of contacts and phone calls
- Receipts, letters, emails, and messages
- Questions for a lawyer or legal-aid provider
- A calendar of dates to verify
- Notes from court or agency conversations
When you need individualized advice
Find Missouri legal-help resources.
Legal-aid organizations and licensed attorneys can assess individual circumstances, explain options, evaluate documents, and provide legal advice when appropriate.