Carter County Circuit Clerk
Filing information for Carter County Circuit Clerk in Van Buren, MO. Part of the Carter County small claims court system.
Small claims in Missouri — the numbers that apply at this court
$5,000
maximum claim
$50
filing fee (published)
5–10 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
No
e-filing — file in person or by mail
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Missouri small claims guide · The form that starts a case (SC 40): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Carter County Circuit Clerk
1122 Main Street
Van Buren, MO 63965
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 578
Van Buren, MO 63965
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday
Area Served
All of Carter County
How to File at Carter County Circuit Clerk
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to take action?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Missouri
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $5,000.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
10 yrs written contract · 5 yrs oral contract · 5 yrs property damage · 5 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Carter County Circuit Clerk?
Filing fees in Missouri are set by the state and are $50. If you can't afford the fee, Missouri offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Carter County?
Small claims cases in Carter County are limited to $5,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Carter County Circuit Clerk?
No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in Carter County. You'll file in person or by mail. Check with the clerk before you make the trip, in case that's changed.
Where is Carter County Circuit Clerk, and when is it open?
Carter County Circuit Clerk is at 1122 Main Street, Van Buren, MO 63965. Posted hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday. Phone: (573) 323-4513. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Van Buren?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.