Since October 2024, the Missouri judiciary has been rolling out a new feature designed to give attorneys and the public faster access to new civil cases. Called “Auto Create Case,” the new feature was in planning and development for more than a year before its launch.
How does Auto Create Case work?
This new feature automates the process of electronically accepting new petitions filed in certain civil case types, eliminating both the clerk queue and the wait. It also makes new cases available automatically to continue filing documents or beginning other time-sensitive work. It also makes the new case available automatically for the public to view.Nothing new is required of attorneys. Just go through the process to initiate a new civil case as you always have done. Once you click the “submit” button, the system automatically creates a new case, accepts your petition and gives you a case number.
Because this new feature eliminates the queue, you no longer will be able to recall a document, either from the system itself or by calling and asking for help from the local circuit clerk staff. Once you submit the new filing, it will be accepted as filed. If you make a mistake, you will need to take appropriate corrective actions, including dismissing or amending the case.
Will Auto Create Case affect all filings, or only the initial filings?
The new feature is designed to create a new case. This means it will apply only to the initial filing in certain civil case types. At this point, it will not apply to any subsequent filings. Subsequent filings will go into the eFiling System queue for processing by local court clerk staff.
What cases will be created automatically?
Please refer to this implementation schedule for details about timing and case types.
When will Auto Create Case begin in my local court?
This new feature began October 18, 2024, in the St. Louis County circuit court. Initially, it included only new circuit civil breach of contract cases. It expanded over the next several weeks to include additional circuit civil cases and a few associate civil cases.
Eight additional courts joined the pilot – Boone, Chariton, Greene, Phelps, Pike, St. Charles, St. Clair and St. Francois counties – beginning November 22, 2024.
Auto Create Case will become available for the designated civil case types. in the remaining circuit courts over the next several months in 2025.
| Beginning Date | List of Circuits | |
| On or after Friday, April 18 | Circuits 1 through 10 | |
| On or after Friday, May 16 | Circuits 12 through 20 | |
| On or after Wednesday, June 18 | Circuits 22 through 29 | |
| On or after Friday, July 18 | Circuits 30 through 46 |
What if I have questions or suggestions for further improvement?
There are a variety of resources available online if you need help electronically filing circuit court cases. You also are welcome to contact the OSCA Help Desk for any questions, concerns or suggestions for improvement.
(Last updated 7 April 2025 with statewide implementation schedule.)