Bankruptcy in St. Louis County

St. Louis County surrounds St. Louis City and is the most populous county in the metro area, including suburbs like Clayton, Kirkwood, and University City. 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 County 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 County

Missouri state exemptions apply. Homestead: $15,000. Vehicle: $3,000. Household goods: $3,000. Wildcard: $600 plus unused homestead up to $3,250. Wages: 75% exempt (90% for head of household). Retirement: fully exempt. Federal exemptions not available.

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

Filing Bankruptcy in St. Louis County

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

Where do St. Louis County residents file bankruptcy?

St. Louis County cases are filed in the Eastern District of Missouri, St. Louis Division. The courthouse is at 111 S 10th St, St. Louis, MO 63102 -- the same courthouse used for St. Louis City cases.

Can I keep my home in St. Louis County if I file bankruptcy?

Missouri's homestead exemption is $15,000. If your home equity is below $15,000, you can keep your home in Chapter 7. In Chapter 13, you can keep your home regardless of equity while catching up on missed payments. Given St. Louis County home values, many homeowners have equity exceeding $15,000, making Chapter 13 the safer option for homeowners.

What is the Chapter 13 success rate in the Eastern District?

The Eastern District of Missouri has a historically high Chapter 13 dismissal rate. Quality legal representation and a realistic budget are critical to completing a Chapter 13 plan in this district.