Everything you need to know about the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Address, filing hours, local rules, trustee panel, and pro se resources.
Filing Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM CT. Electronic filing (CM/ECF) available 24/7.
Filing Fees: Chapter 7: $338 | Chapter 13: $313 | Chapter 11: $1,738
Fee Waivers: Available for Chapter 7 filers with income below 150% of the federal poverty line. Chapter 13 filers may request installment payments.
Electronic Filing: Attorneys must file through CM/ECF. Pro se debtors may file on paper at the clerk's window or request CM/ECF access.
Local Rules: https://www.moeb.uscourts.gov/local-rules
Chapter 7 trustees are assigned from the U.S. Trustee panel for Region 13. The Standing Chapter 13 Trustee for the Eastern District is appointed by the U.S. Trustee.
The U.S. Trustee Program oversees the administration of bankruptcy cases and maintains the panel of private trustees. You can find the current trustee panel at justice.gov/ust.
Location: 341 meetings are held at the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse, 111 S. 10th St, St. Louis, MO 63102, or by phone/video as directed by the trustee.
What to Bring: Government-issued photo ID, proof of Social Security number, most recent tax return, recent pay stubs, and recent bank statements.
Timing: The 341 meeting is typically scheduled 20-40 days after filing. You will receive a notice with the exact date, time, and format. For more: 341meeting.org.
The E.D. Missouri clerk's office provides petition packages for pro se filers. Forms are available at the clerk's window or online. The court cannot provide legal advice. Legal aid options include Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.
Required Forms: All bankruptcy forms are available at uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms.
Credit Counseling: You must complete credit counseling from an approved agency before filing. List of approved agencies: justice.gov/ust.
For more pro se filing resources: prosebankruptcy.org | filebankruptcywithoutlawyer.com.
FJC data covering E.D. Missouri filings. Source: Federal Judicial Center Integrated Database. Attorney fee ranges are estimates based on local market data.
Exemptions: Missouri uses state exemptions (RSMo sec. 513). St. Louis filers in St. Louis City and surrounding counties file in the Eastern District.
For detailed exemption information: bankruptcyexemptionsbystate.com.
File at the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse, 111 S. 10th St, St. Louis, MO 63102. Complete credit counseling first, prepare your petition and schedules, and pay the filing fee. Attorneys must file electronically through CM/ECF. Pro se debtors can file at the clerk's window.
Chapter 7 costs $338 and Chapter 13 costs $313. You can pay in installments or apply for a fee waiver if your income is below 150% of the federal poverty line. Attorney fees in St. Louis typically range from $1,000-$1,800 for Chapter 7 and $2,500-$4,000 for Chapter 13.
The 341 meeting of creditors is typically held at the federal courthouse, 111 S. 10th St, St. Louis, MO 63102. Some trustees conduct meetings by phone or video. Your notice of meeting specifies the exact format, date, and time.
The E.D. Missouri has a notably high Chapter 13 filing rate (about 62% of consumer filings) compared to the national average of roughly 30%. This reflects local attorney practices and judicial preferences. The court has its own local rules and trustee panel separate from the W.D. Missouri.
Yes. You can file pro se. The clerk provides petition packages and procedural guidance. However, bankruptcy is complicated and the court recommends hiring an attorney. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri may provide free assistance to qualifying individuals.
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