Public Resource Guides

On this page, you can download the free PDF files of the following brochures. If you would like printed copies click here to fill out the online order form. Please note that The Missouri Bar publications contain information and resources specific to Missouri and Missouri laws. Not all brochures are available in print.

Unless otherwise noted, these materials are not copyrighted and may be photocopied as needed.

Advance directives help ensure your future health care wishes are honored and ease the burden on loved ones during stressful times.
The Missouri Bar offers a free, noncopyrighted Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Health Care Directive, including a HIPAA Privacy Authorization Form. The forms are available as fillable PDFs, nonfillable PDFs, or printed copies.
Fillable forms:

Nonfillable forms:

Individuals and organizations can download, photocopy, or order the 16-page DPOA/HIPAA booklet with instructions and frequently asked questions, subject to monthly order limits for businesses.

Missouri law allows certain relatives caring for a child to make decisions about medical care and education through a Relative Caregiver Affidavit.

Under §§431.058 and 431.061, RSMo, a caregiver may act on a child’s behalf when a parent is unavailable or has granted permission.

What is the Relative Caregiver Affidavit?

The Relative Caregiver Affidavit is a legal document that allows caregivers to:

  • Approve medical treatment
  • Enroll a child in school
  • Access educational services

Download the Relative Caregiver Affidavit form

The Probate Law Resource Guide provides clear, practical information to help Missourians understand estate planning, probate, and end-of-life legal decisions under Missouri law. This guide answers common legal questions and explains key documents that protect your wishes, assets, and loved ones.

Topics covered include:

  • Revocable living trusts: what they are, how they work, and when they may be useful
  • Joint tenancy: how property ownership affects inheritance and probate
  • Living wills and advance directives: planning ahead for future healthcare decisions
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: choosing someone to make medical decisions for you
  • Revised Anatomical Gift Act: understanding organ and tissue donation rights
  • Guardians and conservators under Missouri law: legal protections for minors and incapacitated adults

Small claims court in Missouri is a division of the circuit court designed to help individuals resolve money disputes of $5,000 or less, not including court costs, without hiring a lawyer. Cases are heard by an appointed judge and the process is simplified so people can represent themselves.

Topics covered include:

  • What is small claims court?
  • Things to consider before bringing a claim: who you can sue and what for, when you need to file your lawsuit, and settling
  • Preparing to bring a claim: the required information, choosing the right court, filing for minors, stating your claim, and court costs
  • What to do if you’ve been sued in small claims court: understanding the process and counterclaims
  • How to prepare for trial: before, during, and after court
  • How to appeal a decision
  • How to get your money if you win: what happens to the losing party, garnishment, other collection methods, and satisfaction of judgment
  • Terms commonly used in small claims court

The Family Law Resource Guide helps individuals and families understand their legal rights and responsibilities during important life changes. The guide explains Missouri family law in plain language and answers common questions about parenting, relationships, and child welfare.

Topics covered include:

  • Juveniles and the law: legal rights, responsibilities, and court processes involving minors
  • Marriage: legal requirements and considerations under Missouri law
  • Divorce: property division, custody, and support issues
  • Child support in Missouri: how support is calculated and enforced
  • Adoption: overview of adoption options and legal procedures
  • Co-parenting: responsibilities and legal rights of parents after separation or divorce
  • Assistance for guardians of children with disabilities: legal resources and support options available to families

The Missouri Bar’s Law & the Courts Resource Guide helps Missourians navigate the court system after an auto accident, in traffic court, or if they are arrested. Topics in the guide include:

  • Helpful terms
  • How to get help for people injured in an auto accident
  • What to do when you get to court
  • Pleading guilty versus not guilty
  • Types of offenses
  • What police can do if you are arrested
The Consumer Law Resource Guide helps people in Missouri understand their rights and responsibilities when they rent or buy a home, or buy things using credit.
Topics include:
  • Leases and security deposits
  • Who repairs the unit
  • Educating yourself on home buying
  • The people involved in home buying
  • What it means to buy now and pay later
  • Comparing credit offers
  • What happens if you can’t pay

The Missouri Legal Services Disaster Manual was created to help Missourians affected by weather-related disasters, as well as assist Missouri lawyers whose clients may be facing legal issues unique to disasters.

Topics covered include:

  • Replacing important documents
  • Working with insurance for disaster assistance
  • Contacting agencies that offer help
  • Understanding your rights as a renter after a disaster

The Senior Citizens Handbook is a booklet on laws and programs affecting senior citizens, including Medicaid laws in Missouri.

Click here to download the guide.

Please note the Senior Citizen Handbook is copyrighted. Copyright © 2016 Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis.

This guide is a collaborative effort by Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section (YLS). This booklet includes practical information for domestic violence survivors about participating in Missouri’s legal system.

Topics include:

  • Orders of protection
  • Law enforcement response to domestic violence
  • Missouri Legal Service offices
  • Safety planning
  • Domestic and sexual assault offenses

To find a comprehensive list of domestic and sexual violence shelters and service providers, go to MOCADSV.org.