Mo. Rev. Stat. § 375.286: Postponement of action permitted, when.

The court, in any action, suit or proceeding, in which service of process is made in the manner provided in sections 375.256 to 375.301, may, in its discretion, order such postponement as the court shall deem necessary to afford the defendant reasonable opportunity to comply with the provisions of section 375.281 and to defend the action, suit or proceeding.