Bankruptcy in St. Louis City

St. Louis City is an independent city (not part of any county) and the urban core of the St. Louis metro area. Cases are filed in the Eastern District of Missouri.

Key Information

Federal District

Eastern District of Missouri (St. Louis Division)

All bankruptcy cases from St. Louis City are filed in this district.

Nearest Courthouse

111 S 10th St, St. Louis, MO 63102

341 meetings and court hearings are typically held at this location.

Missouri Exemptions in St. Louis City

Missouri requires use of state exemptions. Homestead: $15,000. Vehicle: $3,000. Household goods: $3,000. Wildcard: $600 plus up to $3,250 of unused homestead. Wages: 75% of earned but unpaid wages exempt (90% if head of household). Retirement accounts: fully exempt. Missouri does not allow federal exemptions.

Exemptions determine what property you can keep in bankruptcy. See the full exemptions guide.

Filing Bankruptcy in St. Louis City

The Process

Credit counseling -- Complete an approved course within 180 days before filing ($15-25).
File your petition -- The petition is filed with the Eastern District of Missouri (St. Louis Division). The automatic stay takes effect immediately.
341 meeting -- About 30 days after filing, attend a brief meeting of creditors at 111 S 10th St, St. Louis, MO 63102.
Debtor education -- Complete a second financial course before discharge ($10-25).
Discharge -- Chapter 7: approximately 60 days after the 341 meeting. Chapter 13: after completing 3-5 year plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bankruptcy court handles St. Louis City cases?

St. Louis City cases are filed in the Eastern District of Missouri, St. Louis Division. The courthouse is at 111 S 10th St, St. Louis, MO 63102. Note that St. Louis City is an independent city, separate from St. Louis County.

What is Missouri's homestead exemption?

Missouri's homestead exemption protects only $15,000 of equity in your home -- one of the lower amounts in the nation. However, the wildcard exemption ($600 plus up to $3,250 of unused homestead) can provide additional protection for other assets.

Is St. Louis City different from St. Louis County for bankruptcy?

Both are in the Eastern District of Missouri, so the same court handles cases from both. The difference is political -- St. Louis City is an independent city, not part of St. Louis County. The same Missouri exemptions apply to both.