Going to Court Tips

How do I get to the courthouse?

If you are in Kansas City…

If you are in Independence…

Where do I park?

There is no designated free parking for the public at either courthouse. Here are some lots that are close by.

Kansas City

Independence

  • There are metered spaces designated for persons with disabilities on the north side of the Kansas City Courthouse on 12th Street, near the Oak intersection.
    • Wheelchair accessible public parking is also available in the City Garage located at the corner of 12th and Oak.
  • For the Independence Courthouse, metered parking is available on the street in front of and on the sides of the courthouse.

What do I need to do to prepare for my court hearing?

Walk in Ready

  • Reread and organize your documents.
  • Create a summary of your case to make sure you have important points ready to go.
  • Make sure you know where the courthouse is and where to park ahead of time.

Preparing Evidence

  • You need to present evidence to prove everything you wrote in your petition (or other court pleading).  If you cannot testify about everything in your petition, then you will need to have witnesses who can appear in court to testify or documents to prove your case.  
  • After you file your lawsuit, if you need information from the other party to prove your case, you can serve “discovery” on them to get the documents or information you need. 
  • Some types of discovery include Interrogatories (questions), Request for Production of Documents, and Request for Admissions.  Be sure to read the discovery rules in the Missouri Rules of Court and the Local County Rules, as there are procedures which must be followed if you want to serve discovery on the opposing party.  Jackson County’s Local Rules are found at https://www.16thcircuit.org/court-rules.
  • If your case is NOT in small claims court, then you need to follow the rules of evidence in presenting your evidence to the judge at trial.  If you do not follow the proper procedures, then your evidence may not be considered by the judge. Go to this page to find a basic overview of the rules of evidence in Missouri: https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=38925.
  • Make at least 2 copies of each document (such as a contract, payment receipt, photo, etc.) that you want to offer as evidence in your case and bring both the original and the copies to court with you.  Also bring a copy of each pleading in your case, in case you may need to refer to them.

Check the Court Website

  • Several days before your court hearing, go to the website for Missouri Courts (www.courts.mo.gov/casenet) and look up your case.  Check to see if the opposing party has been served with the summons and petition, see what pleadings have been filed with the court in your case, and confirm the hearing date and time.  You can also call the court for this information, but it may be difficult to reach a court clerk by phone.

Be Professional

  • Arrive at least 10 minutes before your hearing is scheduled.  Know that courts schedule several cases on the same docket, so plan to be at the courthouse for a few hours.
  • Be polite and respectful at all times when in court, whether you are talking to the judge or the opposing party.

How do I dress for court?

A few things to keep in mind:

  • You don’t have to wear expensive clothes to court, but you should be respectful in your behavior and in what you wear.
  • DO: Dress conservatively, like you are going to a job interview or to church
  • DON’T: wear shorts, halter tops, t-shirts with words that may be offensive, tight-fitting clothes, or anything else that might show disrespect to the court.
  • Keep colors and textures simple and neutral.

How many copies should I bring?

You need to bring the original and copies of all documents that you plan to offer into evidence in court. You should bring the original document for the judge, plus 1 copy for you, and 1 copy for each party in the case.  If you aren’t sure how many copies you need to bring, the more the merrier!

How much money should I bring with me to file my case? How do I pay?

Filing fees vary based on what type of case you are filing, how many opposing parties there are, and which county you file your lawsuit in.  Information on Jackson County filing fees and other court fees, along with approved methods of payment, are available to download below.  If you plan to file a lawsuit in another county, call the court clerk for that county before filing your lawsuit to ask about their filing fees, and what methods of payment are accepted.   

Jackson County Court – Civil Filing Fees

The Court does not accept personal checks; but does accept cash (only if paying in person); money orders; company and bank checks; credit and debit cards (but with interest charges).

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I have a question that is not answered here

  • Call us at 816-235-2271
  • Email us at umkclawprose@umkc.edu