Missouri Bankruptcy Laws
Learn More About Filing Bankruptcy in Missouri
Missouri residents feeling overwhelmed by their financial obligations may consider personal bankruptcy as a form of financial relief.
Because filing for bankruptcy is a major decision, it’s important to learn all you can about both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy and how they might work for you.
Read on then fill out the below free bankruptcy case review form and talk to a local Missouri bankruptcy lawyer for free:
The Differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is generally an option for those with lots of unsecured debt. Unsecured debt could be from credit cards, medical bills or personal loans. Chapter 7 may provide a complete discharge of many unsecured debts.
In some cases, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may involve a sale of certain possessions to help recover debts. But most Chapter 7 cases don’t involve any sale at all because Missouri’s bankruptcy laws provide exemptions that protect your belongings.
Homestead
- A residence worth up to $15,000.
Wages
- 90 percent of gross earnings for the head of household.
- 75 percent of gross earnings for all other debtors.
Automobiles
- Up to $3,000 worth of automobiles.
Personal Property
- Up to $3,000 worth of household furnishings, household goods, clothing, appliances, books, animals, crops and musicals instruments.
- Up to $1,500 worth of wedding rings.
- Up to $500 worth of other jewelry.
- Up to $600 worth of miscellaneous property.
- Up to $3,000 worth of trade books, tools or implements.
- Any mobile home house as a primary residence worth up to $5,000.
As you may already know, many Missouri residents have filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in order to stop mortgage foreclosure. This is because the automatic stay that goes into effect as soon as a bankruptcy case is filed prohibits all collection actions on the part of creditors. Since foreclosure is a form of collection, it’s halted for the duration of the Chapter 13 case, which usually ranges from three to five years.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy tends to work well for those who have a regular, steady income. This is because it offers filers a chance to catch up on past-due payments while staying current on other payments. The repayment plan requires regular payment and serves as a kind of “reorganization” of debt.
Ask a Missouri Bankruptcy Lawyer Your Most Pressing Questions
You may still have some questions regarding bankruptcy and how it could affect you and your debt. A Missouri bankruptcy lawyer can answer your questions, look at your finances and help you make a decision on a debt relief path that works for you.
Speaking with a local bankruptcy attorney is easy. All you have to do is complete the free case review form on this page or call 877-349-1309 and we’ll put connect you with a sponsoring Missouri bankruptcy attorney near you.
Note: Keep in mind all laws are complex. If you need legal advice or want to fully understand how these laws affect you, please speak with a local attorney.
Laws may have changed since our last update. For the latest information on your state's bankruptcy laws, speak to a local bankruptcy lawyer.