Missouri Laws

This page summarizes ten Missouri laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

Missouri Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Missouri, you generally have 5 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Missouri Comparative Negligence Laws

Missouri follows pure comparative negligence. You can recover damages even if you were mostly at fault, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, a person 30% at fault with $100,000 in damages could recover $70,000.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Missouri Minimum Wage in 2026

The Missouri minimum wage is $15.00 per hour, above the federal $7.25. When state and federal rates differ, employees are entitled to the higher rate. Overtime at one and a half times the regular rate generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Missouri Final Paycheck Laws

In Missouri, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: on the day of discharge. If you quit, final pay is due: no specific statutory deadline. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Missouri Small Claims Court Limits

In Missouri, you can sue for up to $5,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the circuit court (small claims). Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

Missouri Security Deposit Laws

Missouri security deposit limit: 2 months' rent. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 30 days. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

Missouri Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Missouri, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: no set notice period; the landlord can demand rent and file once rent is late. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

Missouri Small Estate Affidavit

Missouri small estate limit: $40,000. Waiting period after death: 30 days. Real estate: yes, recorded with the recorder of deeds. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case. The heir signs a sworn affidavit and presents it, with a death certificate, to whoever holds the property.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Missouri Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, not for new relationships. Missouri abolished common law marriage in 1921. Most states generally recognize a marriage that was valid where it was formed, so a common law marriage created in a state that allows it may still be recognized.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Missouri Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Missouri: 90 days of residence before filing. Waiting period: 30 days after filing. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

Find help near you in Missouri

Popular cities: Joplin · Kansas City · Blue Springs · St. Louis · Springfield · Rolla

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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