You are not alone. Over 58,254 St. Louis area residents have filed for bankruptcy since 2008. This free guide will help you understand your options, know what to expect, and make informed decisions.
Read the FAQ Check Your EligibilityChapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans) in about 3-4 months. You must pass a means test based on your income.
Chapter 13 lets you keep your property while repaying debts over 3-5 years. Good for saving a home from foreclosure or a car from repossession. No means test required.
Not sure which chapter fits? Compare them in detail.
Understanding local court data can help you make more informed decisions about filing bankruptcy in St. Louis.
Out of 58,254 Chapter 13 cases filed between 2008 and 2024, 61.9% were dismissed before plan completion. Only 38.1% achieved a successful discharge.
The total cost depends on the chapter you file and your specific situation:
Fee waivers are available for Chapter 7 filers whose income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Full cost breakdown → | National cost guideChapter 7 filing fees are $338 and Chapter 13 filing fees are $313. Attorney fees in St. Louis typically range from $1,000 - $2,000 for Chapter 7 and $2,500 - $4,000 for Chapter 13. Full cost breakdown.
Missouri's homestead exemption protects up to $15,000 of equity in your home. In Chapter 13, you can keep your home while catching up on missed payments. See all exemptions.
Missouri allows a vehicle exemption of $3,000. If your car equity is below that amount, you can keep it in Chapter 7. In Chapter 13, you can keep your car and catch up on payments. Learn about exemptions.
Chapter 7 typically takes 3-4 months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 requires completing a 3-5 year repayment plan. The 341 meeting of creditors usually happens about 30 days after filing. Full timeline.
Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debt quickly but requires passing a means test. Chapter 13 allows you to keep property while repaying debts over 3-5 years. Compare chapters.
Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility.
Free Discharge ScreenerYour Next Questions
Real users ask these next - we built the answers.
Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13
Compare chapters before you choose
chapter7vs13.org →
How Much Does It Cost?
Attorney fees and filing costs by chapter
howmuchdoesbankruptcycost.com →
Exemptions by State
Your state exemptions for vehicles, homes, and more
bankruptcyexemptionsbystate.com →
What Is a Bankruptcy Mill?
Avoid high-volume firms with poor outcomes
bankruptcymill.org →
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Open Bankruptcy Project provides free educational information. We are not a law firm. Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
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