Public Information Brochures

The following series of topics explains Missouri's laws and legal system. The series contains practical information, written by lawyers who have knowledge and experience in different apsects of the law.

The information on this website for the public is provided as educational material about the laws and legal system. It does not constitute legal advice. Because each person’s circumstances are unique, contact an attorney for specific legal advice before making decisions that involve the law.

The following topics are addressed on this website:

• The Client Resource Guide
  How to find a lawyer and work with one.

• Probate Law Resource Guide
  All about wills, living trusts and the probate system.

• Business Law Resource Guide
  Covers bankruptcy and other business issues.

• Family Law Resource Guide
  Explains laws affecting children, parents, marriage, divorce, etc.

• Law and the Courts Resource Guide
  Small Claims Court, Traffic Court, etc.

• Consumer Law Resource Guide
  Your rights as a consumer

• A Listing of Other Topics
  including the Senior Citizens Handbook

Client Resource Guide

• Meet Your Lawyer 
• The Attorney-Client Relationship 
• Lawyers' Fees 
• Missouri Lawyer Referral Service 
• The Fee Dispute Resolution Program 
• Missouri's Lawyer Discipline System 
• Finding the Legal Help You Need 

Probate Law Resource Guide

• Anatomical Gifts 
• Joint Tenancy 
• Guardians & Conservators Under Missouri Law 
• Wills 
• Revocable Living Trusts 
• Living Wills and Other Advance Directives 
• Durable Powers of Attorney 
• The Probate Division 
• Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare Downloadable Form 
• Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare Downloadable Form now also available with instructions in Spanish
  (Poder legal permanente para el cuidado de la salud y directivas para el cuidado de la salud)

Business Law Resource Guide

• Bankruptcy 
• Business Organizations 
• The ADA: Rules for the Workplace 
• Workers' Compensation 
• Invention Promotion Firms

Family Law Resource Guide

• How to Handle Anger 
• Marriage 
• Divorce
• Juveniles and the Law 
• Child Support in Missouri 
• Adoption
• You Are Still Parents 
• Assistance to Parents of Children with Disabilities

Law and the Courts Resource Guide

• Small Claims Court 
• What to Do in Case of an Auto Accident 
• Your Rights in Traffic Court 
• Your Rights if Arrested

Consumers And The Law Resource Guide

• Your Rights as a Tenant 
• Buying a Home 
• Buying on Time

Other Topics

• New Pamphlet - Steps You Can Take to Avoid Foreclosure
• Juveniles and the Law 
• Eminent Domain 
• Careers in Law 
• Mass Disaster Victims' Guide
• Practicing with Paralegals (for lawyers)
• Dispute Resolution Alternatives: What You Need to Know
• Handling Your Case in Family Court (produced by Office of State Courts Administrator) 

BOOKLETS

Domestic Violence

• Domestic Violence and the Law: A Practical Guide for Survivors 
  56-page booklet explores survival and legal options for domestic violence victims

• La Violencia Domestica Y La Ley --- Guia Pratica para Sobrevientos --- en espanol 
  Spanish translation of our booklet explores survival and legal options for domestic violence victims

Senior Citizens

• Senior Citizens Handbook 
  Booklet on laws and programs affecting senior citizens in Missouri

Legal Forms

• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Health Care Directive: 
  Instructions and Sample Form (.pdf format)

Adoption

• Adoption Guide 
  12-page booklet explains different types of adoption in the State of Missouri

Courts/Judicial Elections

• Missouri Small Claims Handbook 
  This booklet describes in greater detail the procedures of the small claims court.

• Voting for Missouri's Judges 
  Explains Missouri's judicial selection/retention system
• Trial Jurors Information (PDF - 14 pages)
  This brochure explains the manner in which lawsuits are tried and the part a juror plays in seeing that justice is done.

Of Interest to Educators

• Turning 18? Some Things About the Law You Need to Know (PDF - 33 pages)