The Prisoner Pro Se Office is responsible for managing cases filed by people who are not represented by attorneys and who are incarcerated or on parole.  Most cases involve civil rights complaints and habeas corpus petitions.  Court-approved forms for filing these types of cases are available below.  The Office is staffed by a supervising attorney, three staff attorneys, and an administrative assistant, and the main telephone number is (816) 512-5090.

View the Prisoner Pro Se Handbook       View the Procedures for For the Prisoner Electronic Filing Program

Court Approved Forms View instructions for using fillable PDF forms Civil Rights Complaint Involving State and Local Defendants (42 U.S.C. § 1983) Civil Rights Complaint Involving Federal Defendants (28 U.S.C. § 1331) Application for Leave to Proceed Without the Prepayment of Fees and Costs (In Forma Pauperis) Application for Habeas Corpus Relief (Release) from State or Local Custody (28 U.S.C. § 2254) Application for Habeas Corpus Relief (Release) from Federal or Other Custody (28 U.S.C. § 2241)   Motion to Vacate, Set Aside, or Correct Federal Sentence (28 U.S.C. § 2255)   Notice of Appeal Application for Leave to Proceed Without the Prepayment of Fees and Costs (In Forma Pauperis) on Appeal