Missouri Bankruptcy Law
Bankruptcy Courts in Missouri
If you live in Missouri and are considering filing for bankruptcy, your case will be handled in one of two federal bankruptcy courts:
- Eastern District of Missouri – based in St. Louis and Cape Girardeau
- Western District of Missouri – based in Kansas City, Jefferson City, Springfield, and St. Joseph
You’ll file your case in the district that covers the county where you live or where your main property or business is located.
All Missouri bankruptcy cases follow federal bankruptcy law, but each district also has its own local rules and procedures. Because each district may have different filing requirements, it’s best to consult a qualified bankruptcy attorney who can ensure your forms are accurate and your property fully protected. Decisions by the bankruptcy courts in Missouri are guided by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, which also covers Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Bankruptcy Filing Trends in Missouri
Missouri consistently records tens of thousands of consumer bankruptcy filings each year. Most are Chapter 7 cases, which erase unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills, while Chapter 13 repayment plans help homeowners and wage earners catch up on overdue mortgage or car payments.
The Western District (Kansas City and Springfield) typically reports slightly higher filing volumes than the Eastern District (St. Louis and Cape Girardeau). These numbers reflect how many Missourians use bankruptcy each year to stop lawsuits, prevent foreclosure, and regain control of their finances.
Missouri Exemptions — What You Can Keep
Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t mean losing everything you own. Missouri law protects certain property called exempt property, which includes items you need to live and work. Exempt property is protected by law and cannot be taken or sold to pay creditors.
Missouri does not allow the use of federal exemptions, meaning debtors must use exemptions provided by state law. A married couple filing jointly may each claim the full amount of every exemption in property they jointly own.
Below are examples of the most common exemptions available to Missouri residents:
| Type of Property | Amount You Can Protect (Individual / Joint) |
|---|---|
| Homestead – residence | $15,000 / $15,000 |
| Mobile home (principal residence) | $5,000 / $10,000 |
| Household goods, furniture, clothing, and appliances | $3,000 / $6,000 |
| Wedding ring | $1,500 / $3,000 |
| Other jewelry | $500 / $1,000 |
| Motor vehicle (one) | $3,000 / $6,000 |
| Tools of trade and professional books | $3,000 / $6,000 |
| Firearms and ammunition | $1,500 / $3,000 |
| Wildcard (any property) | $600 / $1,200 |
| Life-insurance cash value or loan value | $150,000 / $300,000 |
| Life-insurance proceeds for funeral expenses | $15,000 / $30,000 |
| Head-of-household allowance (other property) | $1,250 + $350 per dependent |
| Health aids (prescribed) | 100 % |
| Social Security, unemployment, disability, or veterans’ benefits | 100 % |
| Alimony or support | Up to $750 per month |
| Retirement and pension accounts (public and private) | 100 % (to extent necessary for support) |
| Wrongful-death compensation | Amount reasonably necessary for support |
| College savings plans (529 accounts) | 100 % (qualified) |
| Wages | 75 % (90 % if head of household) or 30× federal minimum wage per week |
| Burial lots | 1 acre or $100 |
| Entireties property (owned jointly by spouses) | 100 % (protected from individual creditors) |
Because Missouri requires the use of state exemptions, it’s important to choose carefully to make sure your home, car, and savings are fully protected. A bankruptcy attorney can help ensure all eligible property is protected.
Steps and Local Requirements
Credit counseling. Before filing, you must take a short credit counselling course from an approved provider. A second debtor education course is required before your debts can be discharged.
Means test. To qualify for Chapter 7, your income must be below Missouri’s median or pass a means-test calculation comparing income and allowable expenses.
Filing fees. The filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. You may request to pay in installments or apply for a waiver if you cannot pay in full.
Meeting of creditors. About a month after filing, you’ll attend a brief “341 meeting.” It’s not held before a judge. A bankruptcy trustee will confirm your identity and review your paperwork.
In Missouri, meetings are typically held virtually or in person in St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Kansas City, Jefferson City, Springfield, or St. Joseph, depending on where your case is filed.
Local rules and forms. Each district follows local rules that supplement federal law. The courts’ websites provide current rules, required forms, and instructions for filing. Following them carefully helps your case proceed without delay.
What This Means for You
Filing for bankruptcy in Missouri can provide a fresh financial start and immediate protection from creditor actions. The automatic stay stops lawsuits, foreclosures, garnishments, and repossessions.
Most filers keep their homes, vehicles, and personal belongings. Because Missouri requires use of state exemptions, it’s important to consult an experienced bankruptcy attorney before filing.
An attorney can help you:
- Determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 best fits your situation
- Protect your property using Missouri’s property exemptions
- Complete required counseling courses
- File all forms accurately and meet court deadlines
With the right preparation and professional guidance, bankruptcy can help you eliminate unmanageable debt and begin rebuilding your financial future.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Eastern District of Missouri
Federal Circuit: Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals
Court Locations: St. Louis and Cape Girardeau
Where You File Depends on Where You Live
The Eastern District of Missouri covers the eastern half of the state, including the St. Louis metropolitan area and southeastern counties. Bankruptcy cases are filed and administered through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in St. Louis or Cape Girardeau, depending on where you live.
Counties Served
- Adair County
- Audrain County
- Bollinger County
- Boone County
- Butler County
- Callaway County
- Cape Girardeau County
- Carter County
- Chariton County
- Clark County
- Cole County
- Crawford County
- Dent County
- Dunklin County
- Franklin County
- Gasconade County
- Howard County
- Iron County
- Jefferson County
- Knox County
- Lewis County
- Lincoln County
- Linn County
- Macon County
- Madison County
- Marion County
- Mississippi County
- Monroe County
- Montgomery County
- New Madrid County
- Oregon County
- Osage County
- Pemiscot County
- Perry County
- Phelps County
- Pike County
- Pulaski County
- Ralls County
- Randolph County
- Reynolds County
- Ripley County
- Scott County
- Shelby County
- St. Charles County
- St. Francois County
- St. Louis County
- St. Louis City
- Ste. Genevieve County
- Texas County
- Washington County
- Wayne County
Recent Filing Statistics
The Eastern District of Missouri handles thousands of consumer bankruptcy filings each year, led by the St. Louis courthouse. Chapter 7 cases make up the majority of filings, followed by Chapter 13 repayment plans that help homeowners and wage earners manage secured debts.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Western District of Missouri
Federal Circuit: Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals
Court Locations: Kansas City, Jefferson City, Springfield, and St. Joseph
Where You File Depends on Where You Live
The Western District of Missouri serves residents in the western half of the state, including Kansas City, Springfield, and central Missouri. Bankruptcy cases are filed and administered through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court locations in Kansas City, Jefferson City, Springfield, or St. Joseph, depending on the county where you live or own property.
Counties Served
- Andrew County
- Atchison County
- Barry County
- Barton County
- Bates County
- Benton County
- Buchanan County
- Caldwell County
- Camden County
- Carroll County
- Cass County
- Cedar County
- Christian County
- Clay County
- Clinton County
- Dade County
- Dallas County
- Daviess County
- DeKalb County
- Douglas County
- Gentry County
- Greene County
- Grundy County
- Harrison County
- Henry County
- Hickory County
- Holt County
- Jasper County
- Johnson County
- Laclede County
- Lafayette County
- Lawrence County
- Livingston County
- McDonald County
- Mercer County
- Miller County
- Morgan County
- Newton County
- Nodaway County
- Pettis County
- Platte County
- Polk County
- Ray County
- Saline County
- St. Clair County
- Stone County
- Sullivan County
- Taney County
- Vernon County
- Webster County
- Worth County
Recent Filing Statistics
The Western District of Missouri processes several thousand bankruptcy cases each year. Most filings are Chapter 7, which allow debtors to discharge unsecured debts. Chapter 13 cases are also common among individuals with steady income who want to prevent foreclosure or repossession.
