Civil Process
Civil Process
The Lewis County Sheriff's Office is responsible for the service of civil process throughout Lewis County as required by Missouri law. Each year, our office serves approximately 1,000 to 1,500 court documents, making civil process an important part of the Sheriff's Office's responsibilities to the courts and the community.
Service of Court Documents
Civil process generally involves the personal service of legal documents issued through the courts. These documents are typically filed with the Circuit Clerk's Office and then forwarded to the Sheriff's Office for service.
Documents served by the Sheriff's Office may include:
- Summonses and subpoenas
- Divorce and family court documents
- Garnishments
- Executions
- Land and property disputes
- Landlord and tenant actions
- Orders and notices issued by the court
- Other civil and criminal court documents
Deputies and staff make every reasonable effort to complete service in accordance with Missouri law and the instructions provided by the court.
Landlord & Tenant Matters
The Sheriff's Office also serves civil process involving landlord and tenant disputes, including court-ordered notices and eviction-related documents.
Landlords and tenants should understand that the Sheriff's Office does not provide legal advice or determine the validity of a landlord-tenant claim. Our responsibility is to carry out lawful court orders and serve documents as directed by the court.
The Missouri Attorney General's Office publishes a Landlord-Tenant Law booklet explaining many of the basic rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. Copies may be available through the Sheriff's Office or obtained through the Missouri Attorney General's Office.
Orders of Protection
The Sheriff's Office is responsible for serving adult and child Orders of Protection issued through the court.
Petitions for an Order of Protection are generally filed through the Circuit Clerk's Office. Once an order has been issued and provided to the Sheriff's Office, deputies will attempt service upon the respondent as required by law.
There is no service fee for Orders of Protection.
Civil Process Fees
For most civil process services, the Lewis County Sheriff's Office collects a $35.00 service fee, along with any applicable mileage fees.
2026 Mileage Rates:
| Benjamin | $17.40 |
| Canton | $17.40 |
| Deer Ridge | $26.10 |
| Derrahs | $26.10 |
| Dover | $17.40 |
| Durham | $20.30 |
| Ewing | $14.50 |
| Fenway | $26.10 |
| La Belle | $17.40 |
| La Grange | $26.10 |
| Lewistown | $ 8.70 |
| Maywood | $26.10 |
| Steffenville | $26.10 |
| Taylor | $26.10 |
| Tolona | $17.40 |
| Williamstown | $14.50 |
These fees generally do not apply to Orders of Protection or criminal process.
Because fees and legal requirements may vary depending on the type of document being served, individuals, attorneys, and other agencies are encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office with questions regarding service requirements or current fees.
Questions About Civil Process
For questions concerning civil process service, fees, or the status of documents submitted to our office, please contact the Lewis County Sheriff's Office during normal business hours at (573) 767-5287.
Questions concerning filing requirements, court dates, case status, or obtaining court documents should generally be directed to the Lewis County Circuit Clerk's Office.
If you have questions regarding civil process please contact the Sheriff's Office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m at (573) 767-5287.
