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LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Official Missouri Lawyer Directory
(573) 635-4128
This search feature allows you to check whether a lawyer is in good standing with the Supreme Court of Missouri. Every lawyer in Missouri who is in good standing with the Supreme Court of Missouri is included in the Official Missouri Directory of Lawyers. You will find the lawyer’s name, city, and bar number. Inactive lawyers are also listed. Inactive lawyers are in good standing with the Supreme Court of Missouri but are not eligible to practice law in Missouri.
FIND A LAWYER
Lawyer Search – The Missouri Bar
(573) 635-4128
Use our LawyerSearch tool to find a lawyer currently accepting new clients. You can search by areas of practice and location (city or county). This free feature will help you find a list of lawyers who have indicated that they are accepting new clients in various areas of the law.
Lawyer Referral – Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
(417) 831-2783
The SMBA Lawyer Referral is a public service to assist individuals in finding lawyers. It is the decision of the lawyer to take your case, however, if they agree to consult with you, by participation in this service, they will charge no more than $75 for the first 30 minutes of consultation. This program serves Springfield and Greene County.
LAW SCHOOL LEGAL CLINICS
St. Louis University School of Law
100 N Tucker Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63101
(314) 977-2800
St. Louis University School of Law offers legal clinics in the areas of civil advocacy, criminal defense, entrepreneurship and community development, and mediation.
University of Missouri School of Law
203 Hulston Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 882-6487
University of Missouri School of Law offers legal clinics in the areas of veterans services, family violence, criminal prosecution, mediation, and Midwest Innocence Project.
University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law
(816) 235-6298
University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law offers legal clinics in the areas of appellate practice, child and family services, guardian ad litem services, entrepreneurial legal services, tax services, and the Midwest Innocence Project.
Washington University School of Law
1120 One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
(314) 935-6400
Washington University School of Law offers legal clinics in the areas of appellate advocacy, children and family advocacy, civil rights and community justice, congressional and administrative law, criminal justice, entrepreneurship and intellectual property, government lawyering, and environmental law.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org
Missouri.FreeLegalAnswers.org is a secure, confidential website where Missouri citizens can ask a lawyer up to three legal questions per year about legal issues in civil matters. Volunteer lawyers licensed to practice law in Missouri respond to submitted questions through the website providing information and basic legal advice without any expectation of long-term representation. It’s like a virtual walk-in legal clinic. The purpose of the website is to increase access to advice and information about non-criminal legal matters to those who cannot afford it. No fee is charged to Missouri citizens who are financially eligible to use this service.
Discounted and Pro Bono Services
There are a variety of discounted and pro bono programs to aid Missourians. Some are funded by state and federal funds such as the four Legal Services programs, while others are affiliated with local organizations and charities. The Missouri Bar Access to Justice Committee works to locate these various agencies and share information on these resources, helping connect those in need of a lawyer who cannot afford one.
Legal Topics and Forms
View, download or order printed copies of more than 20 brochures and forms produced by lawyers of The Missouri Bar which contain information and resources that deal only with Missouri and Missouri laws.
Complaints and Resolution Programs
When you hire a lawyer, you should expect professional and ethical behavior. Regardless of the efforts to maintain a high degree of competence and ethics among the members of the legal profession, some lawyers fail to meet those standards. If your lawyer violates the Rules of Professional Conduct or The Attorney-Client Relationship, you may file a complaint with the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel.Fee disputes can be handled at no cost to clients through The Missouri Bar’s Fee Dispute Resolution Program. In addition, The Missouri Bar created and maintains the Client Security Fund to compensate clients harmed by lawyers who violate the professional and ethical standards. The Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges is responsible for receiving and investigating all requests for the retirement of judges because of disability and all complaints concerning alleged misconduct of judges and judicial commission members.
CRIMINAL LAW CASES
Local
Police and Sheriff Contacts provided by the Attorney General’s Office
Contact information for your local police or county sheriff listed by city or county.
Howell County Prosecuting Attorney
326 Courthouse
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-2317
Missouri State Public Defender
1314 Webster Ave
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 257-7224
State
Prosecuting Attorney Search provided by the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services
Search by county to view the contact information for that county’s prosecuting attorney’s office or view a list of all prosecutors in the state.
Missouri State Public Defender System
Office Listing
The Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD) provides legal representation to all indigent citizens accused of or convicted of crimes in Missouri at the levels of the state trial court, Appellate Court, Supreme Court of Missouri and Supreme Court of the United States.
Federal
U.S. Department of Justice
Eastern District of Missouri
111 S. 10th Street, 20th Floor
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 539-2200
| Charles Evans Whittaker Courthouse Room 5510 400 East 9th Street Kansas City, MO 64106 Phone: (816) 426-3122 Toll free: (800) 733-6558 |
Hammons Tower Suite 500 901 St. Louis Springfield, MO 65806-2511 Phone: (417) 831-4406 Toll free: (800) 347-4493 |
80 Lafayette Street Suite 2100 Jefferson City, MO 65101 Phone: (573) 634-8214 Toll free: (800) 836-3518 |
National Center for Victims of Crime
(800) FYI-CALL
National Organization for Victims of Crime
(800) TRY-NOVA
FAMILY SERVICES AND RESOURCES
Local
Family Resource Alliance of America
710 E Main Street
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6147
Munch
811 E Main Street
Willow Springs, MO 65793
(417) 469-3221
Victory Family Worship Center Food Pantry
904 West Main Street
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-77011
State
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Find a CASA Program
Missouri CASA Program Directory
CASA is a volunteer organization whose volunteers advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children during legal proceedings.
www.casaforchildren.org
Food Stamp Program | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 renamed the federal program the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) effective October 1, 2008. SNAP is designed to promote the general welfare and safeguard the health and well-being of the nation’s population by raising the levels of nutrition among low-income households. The program is called the Food Stamp Program in Missouri.
Food Stamp Case Information
(800) 392-1261
Missouri Community Action Agencies
Community Action Agencies are part of a national network founded in 1964 that is dedicated to eradicating the causes and conditions of poverty. Agencies provide critical services to including childcare so parents can obtain an education to improve job opportunities, solutions to transportation obstacles so people can get to work, help reduce energy costs by weatherizing homes, and helping families save to buy homes of their own.
Missouri Department of Social Services
Contact Your Local DSS Office
The Department of Social Services is responsible for coordinating programs to provide public assistance to children and their parents, access to health care, child support enforcement assistance and to provide specialized assistance to troubled youth. While many programs give needed financial assistance and services, other units work toward reducing financial dependency of the citizens on government.
Children’s Division of the Department of Social Services
Contact Your Local DSS Office
Adoption, Foster Care, Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, Family Centered Services, Intensive In-Home Services
Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline (MO only)
(800) 392-3738
Foster Adoptline
(800) 554-2222
Child Support Enforcement in the Department of Social Services
Child Support Offices
The child support enforcement offices provide services from helping to establish paternity and child support to the enforcement and modification of child support orders.
Child Support Customer Service Call Center (enforcement calls only)
(866) 313-9960
Child Support Employer Information
(800) 585-9234
Child Support General Information
(800) 859-7999
Child Support Payment Information (IVR)
(800) 225-0530
Family Support Division of the Department of Social Services
Contact Your Local DSS Office
The Family Support Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services helps families with child support issues, food stamps, health care, blind services, income issues (TANF), shelter services and other needs-based services.
Information Center toll free M-F 7am – 6pm: (855) 373-4636 / (855) FSD-INFO
Automated Line available 24 hours, 7 days a week: (800) 392-1261
HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND RESOURCES
Local
Howell County Health Department
180 Kentucky Street
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-7078
Southern Missouri Community Health Center
1137 Independence Drive
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 255-8464
State
MO HealthNet (Medicaid) Division in the Department of Social Services
The purpose of the MO HealthNet program is to provide medical services to persons who meet certain eligibility requirements as determined by FSD. The goals of the MO HealthNet program are to promote good health, to prevent illness and premature death, to correct or limit disability, to treat illness, and to provide rehabilitation to persons with disabilities. Eligible persons receive a “MO HealthNet Identification Card” or a letter from the Family Support Division.
MO HealthNet Case Information
(800) 392-1261
MO HealthNet Exception Process
(800) 392-8030
MO HealthNet Participant Services
(800) 392-2161
MO HealthNet Service Center
(888) 275-5908
MO HealthNet for Kids in the Department of Social Services
The Department of Social Services provides many services for Missouri children through the MO HealthNet for Kids (MHK) Program, the state’s healthcare program for children. Through the MO HealthNet for Kids program, children receive full, comprehensive coverage including primary, acute and preventative care, hospital care, dental and vision care as well as prescription coverage.
MO HealthNet for Pregnant Women and Newborns in the Department of Social Services
This program provides healthcare coverage, including sixty-day postpartum coverage, for pregnant women whose family income does not exceed 196% of the federal poverty level for their household size. Once eligible, the coverage continues through the postpartum period despite subsequent increases in income.
MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind and Disabled
The MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind and Disabled program provides medical care for persons who are aged, or permanently and totally disabled, or who are blind. Each person participating in the MO HealthNet program is issued a “MO HealthNet Identification Card” or a letter from the Family Support Division, identifying the person as eligible for certain medical care services.
Missouri Rx Plan
MoRx is Missouri’s State Pharmacy Assistance Program which provides prescription drug assistance to Missourians in need by coordinating benefits with Medicare’s (Part D) Prescription Drug Program.
Missouri Rx Plan (MoRx)
(800) 375-1406
Elderly Abuse/Neglect Hotline
(800) 392-0210
Missouri Department of Insurance
The State of Missouri s part of the United States insurance regulatory framework which is a highly coordinated state-based national system designed to protect policyholders and to serve the greater public interest through the effective regulation of the U.S. insurance marketplace.
Federal
Medicare & Medicaid Services
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a branch of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is the federal agency that runs the Medicare Program and monitors Medicaid programs offered by each state.
Medicare Drug coverage (Part D)
Medicare offers prescription drug coverage to everyone with Medicare. To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a plan run by an insurance company or other private company approved by Medicare. Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered.
Health Insurance Marketplace
Find Local Help to Enroll
Created by The Affordable Care Act, the Health Insurance Marketplace helps those who don’t have coverage through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or another source, find and enroll in a plan that fits your budget and meets your needs. You can apply online, by phone, or with a paper application.
Center for Disease Control
The CDC was created to protect America from health, safety, and security threats, both foreign and in the United States. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable of preventable, human error or deliberate attack, the CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.
Food and Drug Administration
The FDA is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs, vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, blood transfusions, medical devices, electromagnetic radiation-emitting devices, cosmetics, animal foods and feed, and veterinary products.
SOCIAL SECURITY AND DISABILITY
Social Security Administration
Office Locator
Benefits for People with Disabilities
(800) 722-1213
Social Security delivers a broad range of services online and through a nationwide network of more than 1,400 offices that include regional offices, field offices, card centers, teleservice centers, processing centers, hearing offices, the Appeals Council and state and territorial partners.
Social Security Administration
1612 Imperial Drive
West Plains, MO 65775
(800) 722-1213
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES
Local
Agape House of Mountain View
Mountain View, MO 65548
(417) 934-5721
Christos House for Women and Children
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 469-1190
DV Response Team
(417) 934-1044
Emerald City Shelters
(877) 462-7233
Howell Sheriff’s Victim Advocate
(417) 256-2544
State
Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Provides search tools to identify resources that help domestic violence victims including information and resource identification on everything from shelters to parenting classes and court advocacy.
Federal
National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-SAFE
CONSUMER PROTECTION AND CREDIT RESOURCES
Local
Chambers of Commerce
A chamber of commerce is a local organization that represents the interests of businesses in the community. Chamber of Commerce organizations provide information on businesses and local attractions in the community.
West Plains Chamber of Commerce
401 Jefferson Ave.
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-4433
Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce
112 E Main St.
Willow Springs, MO 65793
(417) 469-5519
State
Missouri Attorney General’s Office Consumer Complaints Division
The Attorney General works to protect Missouri consumers and ensure a fair marketplace by enforcing Missouri’s Merchandising Practices Act, as well as other laws. By filing complaints, consumers let the Attorney General’s Office know about unscrupulous businesses and individuals. In addition to filing criminal charges and civil lawsuits, the Attorney General’s Office also mediates complaints between businesses and consumers..
Missouri Department of Revenue
The mission of the Department of Revenue is to facilitate the proper functioning of state and local government by accurately and efficiently collecting and distributing state and local revenues, to support public safety by effectively administering the laws related to motor vehicle sale and registration, and driver licensing.
Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board in the Department of Economic Development
SBRFB ensures that Missouri state agency rules and regulations do not create an unfair burden for small businesses. SBRFB, working with small business owners throughout Missouri, ensures that the voice of small business is considered when state rules and regulations are created.
Federal
Annual Credit Request Service
(877) 322-8228
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
The only free credit report available annually per federal law from all three major credit reporting bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion).
Department of Treasury
The Department of Treasury is an online resource center for questions on taxes and consumer policy. A list of grants, loans, and financial assistance are available.
Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration provides information on starting and funding small businesses.
Health Insurance Marketplace for Small Businesses
Businesses with 50 employees or fewer can offer Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) plans to their employees, starting any month of the year.
HOUSING RESOURCES
Local
Howell County Public Housing Agency
710 E Main St
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6147
Martha Vance Samaritan Outreach Center
715 Missouri Ave
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 257-7792
Housing Authority of West Plains
302 Walnut St # 1000
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-5506
West Plains Housing Authority
160 Crestwood Cir
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-1638
State
Missouri Affordable Housing Locator provided by the Missouri Housing Development Commission
A service to help you find quality affordable rental housing in the state of Missouri which lists properties that are visited periodically by the Missouri Housing Development Commission for quality purposes because they participate in state and federally funded programs.
Missouri Department of Mental Health Housing
The DMH Housing Unit coordinates both state and federal funds to provide direct rental assistance to individuals and families with mental illness, substance use disorders, developmental disabilities, and HIV/AIDS who are homeless or experiencing a housing crisis. The DMH Housing Unit believes that housing is a key to helping Missourians with disabilities and their families attain self-determination and independent living.
Missouri’s Guide to Housing Assistance Programs provided by the Department of Mental Health
Many people with disabilities and the elderly live in and wish to continue living independently in their homes and communities. Others are living in institutions but would like to return to the community. Historically, locating appropriate and affordable housing is often a major barrier for persons who want to continue living in the community and those who want to transition from an institution to the community. Today you have more options for remaining in the community and alternatives to placement in a nursing home or other institutional care setting.
Federal
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Learn about local resources and local news concerning the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s actions in Missouri.
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity – HUD
The mission of the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity(FHEO) is to eliminate housing discrimination, promote economic opportunity, and achieve diverse, inclusive communities by leading the nation in the enforcement, administration, development, and public understanding of federal fair housing policies and laws.
EMPLOYMENT AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
State
Division of Workforce Development in the Department of Economic Development
Find a Career Center
The Division provides services for businesses and job seekers through the Missouri Career Centers and jobs.mo.gov.
Department of Labor
The Department of Labor works to promote industry and labor and protect the rights and safety of Missouri’s workforce. It is comprised of the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission and the following five divisions:
Division of Employment Security
Collects tax contributions from employers and pays unemployment benefits to individuals who are determined eligible under the law.
Division of Workers’ Compensation
Ensures that workers injured on the job receive the benefits they deserve and investigates allegations of workers’ compensation fraud and noncompliance.
Division of Labor Standards
Regulates wages and wage rates and promotes safe working environments.
State Board of Mediation
Determines the appropriate bargaining unit for public employees and regulates utility labor relations.
Missouri Commission on Human Rights
Enforces and adjudicates Missouri’s anti-discriminatory, fair housing, employment and public accommodation statutes.
IMMIGRATION
Local
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
(800) 375-5283
State
National Immigration Legal Services Directory provided by Immigration Advocates Network
Listing of nonprofit resource centers which provide immigration legal services in Missouri.
Federal
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Contact USCIS
(800) 375-5283
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States.
GOVERNMENT: Judicial
Local
Municipal Courts
The municipal division of the circuit court has original jurisdiction to hear and determine municipal ordinance violations. For court-specific information, click the name of the municipality from the full list below. Information about the municipal divisions also can be found at Missouri Municipal and Associate Circuit Judges Association.
West Plains Municipal Court
1910 Holiday Ln.
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6154
West Plains Municipal Court
302 E Broadway St.
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6154
Circuit Courts
Missouri circuit courts are courts of original civil and criminal jurisdiction. That is, cases usually begin in the circuit court, which is where trials may occur. Within the circuit court, there are various divisions, such as associate circuit, small claims, municipal, family, probate, criminal, and juvenile. Missouri’s counties and the city of St. Louis are organized into 45 judicial circuits.
Howell County Circuit Court
222 Courthouse
West Plains, MO 65575
(417) 256-4050
State
Court of Appeals
The Missouri Court of Appeals is the intermediate appellate court and is divided into three districts. It handles appeals from the circuit courts. That is, if a party loses at the circuit court and believes a mistake was made, that party may file an appeal. The Court of Appeals handles all appeals except those in the Supreme Court’s exclusive jurisdiction.
Supreme Court of Missouri
207 W High St Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
(573) 751-4144
The Supreme Court of Missouri has been the state’s highest court since 1820, when the first Missouri constitution was adopted. The Supreme Court’s role is to ensure a stable and predictable system of justice by serving as the final arbiter of disputes involving the state’s constitution and laws. As such, it hears and decides many of the most important – and often the most controversial – legal issues affecting Missouri citizens, businesses, organizations and even factions of government.
Your Missouri Courts
The Missouri Judiciary consists of three levels of courts: The trial courts (also known as the circuit courts), an intermediate appellate court (the Missouri Court of Appeals) that is divided into three regional districts, and the Supreme Court of Missouri. Find information on all the different courts and judges in Missouri.
Missouri Case.net
Case.net is your access to the Missouri state courts automated case management system. From here you are able to inquire about case records including docket entries, parties, judgments and charges in public court. Only courts that have implemented the case management software as part of the Missouri Court Automation Program and only cases that have been deemed public under the Missouri Revised Statutes can be accessed through Case.net.
Federal
U.S. Courts
Court Website Links
The work of the federal courts impacts the lives of the American public in many ways. This website provides information about federal courts, judges, services, forms, court records, reports and rules.
United States 8th Circuit Court of Appeals
Missouri Courts
Thomas F. Eagleton Courthouse
111 S 10th St Room 24.329
St. Louis, Missouri 63102
(314) 244-2400
GOVERNMENT: Legislative
Local
City and County Elected Officials and Local Governments provided by www.MO.gov
Cities and Municipalities
Counties
Search by city or county from alphabetical lists of each.
State
Missouri State Senators
State Legislators Lookup Directory
Missouri State Representatives
State Legislators Lookup Directory
Federal
GOVERNMENT: Executive
Local
County Public Administrator
35 Court Square
West Plains, MO 65575
(417) 255-0350
The Public Administrator is a public official who acts as guardian, conservator, or personal representative for incapacitated or deceased individuals when no one else is able or willing to act in this capacity.
Howell County Assessor
101 Courthouse
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-8284
State
Go Vote Missouri: Register to Vote | Polling Places provided by the Secretary of State’s Office
Welcome to Missouri’s voting center where you can find answers to your voting questions. Learn how to vote absentee, how you can vote if you’re in the military or where your polling place is for voting on Election Day.
Missouri Governor
(573) 751-3222
The Missouri Governor appoints all members of all boards and commissions, and all department heads, in state government. The Governor also fills vacancies in public offices unless otherwise provided by law.
Missouri Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor is elected separately from the governor and assumes the powers and duties of the governor when the governor is absent from the state or unable to serve. The Lieutenant Governor is president of the Missouri Senate and sits on several boards and commissions that make important policy decisions.
Missouri Attorney General
The Missouri Attorney General is the attorney for the State of Missouri, representing the legal interests of Missouri and it state agencies. The attorney general must prosecute or defend all appeals to which the State of Missouri is a party, including every felony criminal case appealed to the Supreme Court of Missouri and the Missouri Court of Appeals. The attorney general may appear, interplead, answer or defend any proceeding that involves the state’s interests, or appear on behalf of the state in declaratory judgment proceedings when the constitutionality of a statute is challenged.
Missouri Secretary of State
The Missouri Secretary of State is charged with administering elections, appointing boards and commissions, regulating businesses in the state, leading selected social programs, enforcing the financial disclosures of political committees, and taking the state census.
Missouri State Treasurer
The Missouri State Treasurer is an elected official responsible for serving as Missouri’s chief financial officer, and responsible for authorizing disbursement of state funds, balancing the state accounts, contracting with private banks to process state receipts and disbursements, managing money and security transfers, and reporting the state’s financial activities.
Missouri State Auditor
The State Auditor’s Office works to ensure the proper use of public funds and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Missouri government by performing audits of state agencies, boards and commissions, the circuit court system, the counties in Missouri that do not have a county auditor, and other political subdivisions upon petition by the voters. These audits examine financial accountability, waste, opportunities for fraud, and whether government organizations and programs are achieving their purposes and operating economically and efficiently.
Federal
The Executive Branch: President of the United States
The power of the Executive Branch is vested in the President of the United States, who also acts as head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The President is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress and, to that end, appoints the heads of the federal agencies, including the Cabinet. The Vice President is also part of the Executive Branch, ready to assume the Presidency should the need arise.
