How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Missouri
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This guide explains how to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy for free in Missouri without hiring a lawyer. It covers every step of the process, from gathering your financial documents and completing the required credit counseling course to preparing, filing, and submitting your forms with the court. You’ll also learn about Missouri-specific requirements, exemptions that protect your property, and options for handling the $338 filing fee. If your case is simple, you may even qualify to use Upsolve’s free filing tool to make the process easier.
Written by Attorney Andrea Wimmer.
Updated September 5, 2025
How To File Bankruptcy for Free in Missouri
If you're feeling overwhelmed by debt, you're not alone. Many people in Missouri use Chapter 7 bankruptcy to get a fresh start by wiping out credit card balances, medical bills, payday loans, and other debts.
Here’s the best part: You don’t need to hire a lawyer to file. Many people file on their own and save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in attorney fees. This guide walks you through the Missouri bankruptcy process step by step.
✨ If your case is simple, you may be able to use Upsolve’s free filing tool to get started today. It only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify.
Collect Your Missouri Bankruptcy Documents
When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you’re giving the court a picture of your financial situation. To do that, you’ll need to gather some documents that show your income, expenses, and debts. Some of these are required, while others just make it easier to complete the forms.
🗂️ Here’s what you’ll need:
Pay stubs from the last six months
Your federal tax returns for the last two years
A bank statement that includes your bankruptcy filing date
Many folks also find it useful to gather:
Credit card bills, personal loan statements, and collection notices
Letters or emails from debt collectors
Bank statements from the past 6–12 months
A recent credit report
📄 You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a week at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you’re using Upsolve’s free filing tool, your credit report will be pulled for you automatically.
Take Credit Counseling
Before you can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Missouri, you’ll need to complete a credit counseling course. This course helps you review your finances and decide if filing for bankruptcy is the right step.
🧠 Here’s what to know:
You must take the course from a Missouri-approved provider.
It takes about 1–2 hours.
You can take it online, over the phone, or sometimes in person.
It costs between $10–$50, but you may qualify for a fee waiver if you can’t afford it.
You must complete it within 180 days before filing your case.
📌 Once you finish, you’ll get a certificate of completion. You’ll need to file that certificate with your bankruptcy paperwork. If you don’t, the court can dismiss your case — which means your debts won’t be erased, and you’d have to start over.
Complete the Bankruptcy Forms
Most bankruptcy forms are set by federal law and are available for free from USCourts.gov. Some courts also require local forms. Check the Missouri Districts & Filing Requirements sections below for more info.
🛠️ If you’re using Upsolve’s free filing tool, we’ll generate your completed forms based on a simple questionnaire about your finances.
If you hire a lawyer, they’ll prepare and file the forms for you using the information you provide.
Get Your Filing Fee
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy costs $338. If you can’t afford the full fee up front, you have two options.
First, you can request a fee waiver if your income is below 150% of the federal poverty guideline.
✨ If you use Upsolve’s free filing tool, we’ll prepare the fee waiver form for you.
Second, you can apply to pay in installments over 120 days (up to four payments).
⚠️ But be aware: If you miss a payment, the court may dismiss your case before your debts are cleared.
Some people decide to file, even before saving the full fee, to trigger the automatic stay, which pauses wage garnishment, foreclosures, and other collection efforts right away.
Print Your Bankruptcy Forms
Most people filing Chapter 7 without a lawyer need to print their bankruptcy forms to file them in person or by mail. E-filing is available in Missouri, but you’ll still need to print and mail a few required documents after submitting your forms online.
🖨️ It's a good idea to print everything right before you file, since your bankruptcy paperwork includes time-sensitive information. Use regular, white, letter-size paper (8.5” x 11”), print single-sided, and stick to black ink. Don’t staple or hole-punch any pages. It’s also a good idea to print a second copy of your paperwork to keep for your records.
✍️ Read everything carefully and make sure to sign every signature page.
🛠️ If you're using Upsolve’s filing tool, you’ll get a ready-to-print packet with all your forms. Helpful dividers flag each signature page so nothing gets missed.
File Your Forms With the Missouri Bankruptcy Court
Missouri is divided into two federal bankruptcy districts: the Eastern District and the Western District. Where you file depends on the county you live in. We’ll go over specific rules for each district later in the Missouri Districts & Filing Requirements section.
In both districts, you have three ways to file your bankruptcy forms.
🏛️ In person: You can bring your forms to the courthouse in person. A lot of folks like this option because you’ll hand everything directly to a clerk. If something’s missing or needs to be fixed, they can tell you on the spot. It’s a good way to avoid delays and make sure everything’s in order before you leave.
📬 By mail: You can also mail your forms to the courthouse that serves your area. This can be useful if you don’t live nearby. Just double-check that everything is signed and included before you send it. Some people choose to pay extra for tracking or delivery confirmation to make sure their paperwork arrives safely.
💻 Online: You can file your forms online. This can be a convenient option and a quick way to get your documents to the court. Just be sure to follow the instructions for your district. Each one uses a different system.
Mail Documents to Your Trustee
After you file your bankruptcy case, the court will assign a Chapter 7 trustee to your case. This person reviews your paperwork and manages the process.
The trustee ensures your information is accurate and determines if any property can be sold to pay your creditors. In most cases, filers keep everything they own.
📬 To help your trustee do their job, you’ll need to mail them a few documents at least two weeks before your 341 meeting (your official meeting with the trustee):
Your two most recent federal tax returns
A bank statement that includes the date you filed your case
A copy of your photo ID (like a driver’s license or state ID)
Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub)
A recent pay stub or other proof of income
📌 You’ll get your trustee’s contact information in the official court notice shortly after you file.
Take a Debtor Education Course
After you file your bankruptcy paperwork, you need to take the debtor education course. This course (also called the financial management course) teaches tools to help you budget, save, and make the most of your fresh start.
📝 This course is required to receive your debt discharge, so don’t skip it!
Here’s what to keep in mind:
You must take the course within 60 days of your 341 meeting, but many filers choose to complete the course early to get it out of the way.
Use a court-approved provider.
You can take the course online, by phone, or in person.
✅ When you’re done, be sure to file the certificate of completion with the court.
Attend Your 341 Meeting
About a month after you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you’ll attend a meeting called the 341 meeting or meeting of creditors. It’s a short meeting — usually under 10 minutes — where your bankruptcy trustee confirms your identity and asks a few questions about your financial situation and paperwork.
👍 Don’t worry — this is a routine meeting that most people find less stressful than they anticipated.
Here’s what to expect:
The meeting usually takes place by Zoom videoconference, though it can sometimes be held by phone or in person.
You’ll need to show proof of your identity (like a driver’s license or passport) and proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or W-2).
Creditors are allowed to attend, but they rarely do.
The trustee may ask about your income, expenses, property, or anything unclear in your paperwork.
💡 Take time to review your forms before the meeting so you feel prepared. Just answer honestly and clearly. It’s not a test.
🎉 Once your 341 meeting is done and you’ve submitted your debtor education certificate, you’re on track to receive your debt discharge within 60–90 days.
Deal With Your Car
In Missouri, most people rely on their car to get to work, run errands, and manage daily life. So it’s no surprise that many folks wonder what happens to their car during bankruptcy. The good news is that in most Chapter 7 cases, you can keep your vehicle.
Whether you can keep yours depends on:
Your car’s equity — Its value minus any loan. If it’s paid off, the equity is the full value.
Whether you’re still making payments
Which exemptions apply
📚 Exemptions protect certain property in bankruptcy. Missouri lets you protect up to $3,000 of equity in one car. If your vehicle’s worth more and you own it outright, you may be able to protect the rest using the wildcard exemption. (We cover this later in the Missouri Bankruptcy Exemptions section of this guide.)
🚗 If you’re still paying off your car loan, you can usually keep your car as long as you’re current on your payments. Most filers choose one of these two options:
Reaffirm the loan by signing a reaffirmation agreement with your lender. This means you agree to keep making payments and stay responsible for the debt.
Redeem the car by paying your lender the vehicle’s current fair market value in one lump sum. If your loan balance is more than the car is worth, this option lets you save money and own the car free and clear. (It’s less common, since it requires a large up-front payment.)
If you no longer want the car or can’t afford the payments, you can surrender it. This means you give the car back to the lender and any remaining loan balance is wiped out as part of your bankruptcy discharge.
📄 If you’re leasing your car, you can decide whether to keep the lease and continue making monthly payments or return the vehicle and end the lease agreement.
Missouri Bankruptcy Means Test
To qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Missouri, you’ll need to pass the bankruptcy means test. This test helps determine if your income is low enough to file under Chapter 7.
👣 It’s a two-step process:
Step 1: Compare your household income to the Missouri median income for a household of the same size. If your income is below the median, you automatically pass and can file Chapter 7.
✅ Most people pass at this step.
Step 2: If your income is above the median, you’ll move on to a more detailed review. This part looks at your disposable income (what’s left after paying for necessary expenses) to see if you can afford to repay your debts. If you have too much disposable income, you may not qualify for Chapter 7 and might consider Chapter 13 instead.
If you don’t pass the first part of the means test, you may still be eligible, especially if you have high expenses like child care, medical bills, or support payments. But the second part of the means test is more complex, so it’s a good idea to consult with a bankruptcy attorney.
Data on Median Income Levels for Missouri
Missouri Median Income Standards for Means Test for Cases Filed In 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
| 1 | $5,265.42 | $63,185.00 |
| 2 | $6,632.17 | $79,586.00 |
| 3 | $8,215.17 | $98,582.00 |
| 4 | $9,081.92 | $108,983.00 |
| 5 | $10,006.92 | $120,083.00 |
| 6 | $10,931.92 | $131,183.00 |
| 7 | $11,856.92 | $142,283.00 |
| 8 | $12,781.92 | $153,383.00 |
| 9 | $13,706.92 | $164,483.00 |
| 10 | $14,631.92 | $175,583.00 |
Data on Poverty Levels for Missouri
Missouri Fee Waiver Eligibility for Cases Filed In 2025Eligible for fee waiver when under 150% the poverty level. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | State Poverty Level | Fee Waiver Limit (150% PL) |
| 1 | $1,255.00 | $1,882.50 |
| 2 | $1,703.33 | $2,555.00 |
| 3 | $2,151.67 | $3,227.50 |
| 4 | $2,600.00 | $3,900.00 |
| 5 | $3,048.33 | $4,572.50 |
| 6 | $3,496.67 | $5,245.00 |
| 7 | $3,945.00 | $5,917.50 |
| 8 | $4,393.33 | $6,590.00 |
| 9 | $4,841.67 | $7,262.50 |
| 10 | $5,290.00 | $7,935.00 |
Missouri Districts & Filing Requirements
Missouri is divided into two districts: Eastern and Western. The district you file in depends on the county where you live. Most steps are the same across both districts, but each has a few local rules about how to submit your forms and pay your court fees.
⬇️ You can check the table below to find out which district your county is in.
| District | Counties Served |
|---|---|
| Eastern District of Missouri | Adair, Audrain, Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Chariton, Clark, Crawford, Dent, Dunklin, Franklin, Gasconade, Iron, Jefferson, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Macon, Maries, Marion, Mississippi, Monroe, Montgomery, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Pike, Ralls, Randolph, Reynolds, Ripley, Schuyler, Scotland, Scott, Shannon, Shelby, St. Charles, St. Francois, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard, Washington, Wayne |
| [Western District of Missouri] (https://www.mow.uscourts.gov/bankruptcy) | Andrew, Atchison, Barry, Barton, Bates, Benton, Boone, Buchanan, Caldwell, Callaway, Camden, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Cole, Cooper, Dade, Dallas, Daviess, DeKalb, Douglas, Gentry, Greene, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Hickory, Holt, Howard, Howell, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Laclede, Lafayette, Lawrence, Livingston, McDonald, Mercer, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Newton, Nodaway, Oregon, Osage, Ozark, Pettis, Platte, Polk, Pulaski, Putnam, Ray, Saline, St. Clair, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Texas, Vernon, Webster, Worth, Wright |
Eastern District of Missouri Requirements
If you live in the Eastern District of Missouri, you can file your documents in person, by mail, or online using Electronic Self-Representation (eSR).
🏛️📬 In person and mailing address:
Eastern Division
Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse
111 South 10th St., 4th Floor
St. Louis, MO 63102
📥 A drop box is available at the courthouse if you need to submit your paperwork and filing fee after-hours.
💻 Online filing option: Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) is a free, online tool that helps people file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy without a lawyer. It walks you through the forms step by step and gives you up to 45 days to finish and submit them.
📧 After you submit your packet online, the court will email you a few documents you’ll need to print, sign, and either mail or bring in person to officially start your case. These include:
A declaration form confirming your electronic filing
A statement about your Social Security number
A form verifying your list of creditors (called a creditor matrix)
⚠️ The automatic stay, which stops most debt collection, won’t go into effect until the court receives these signed documents and assigns a case number.
Additional Requirements and Filing Fee Information for the Eastern District
When you submit your paperwork to the court, you’ll need to include a creditor matrix — a simple list of everyone you owe money to, with mailing addresses. In the Eastern District of Missouri, you’ll also need to file a signed Verification of Creditor Matrix form. You can see the full list of required documents on the court’s website.
💰 You can pay the $338 filing fee by bringing exact cash to the courthouse. You can also pay with a cashier’s check or money order made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
🚫 The court doesn’t accept personal checks or credit cards.
📝 If you can’t afford the full filing fee, you can ask the court to let you pay in up to four installments, but you’ll need to pay at least half the fee within seven days of filing.
Western District of Missouri Requirements
If you live in the Western District of Missouri, you can file your documents in person, by mail, or online using Electronic Self-Representation (eSR).
🏛️📬 In person and mailing address: Western Division U.S. Bankruptcy Court 400 E. 9th Street Kansas City, MO 64106
📥 A drop box is available in the courthouse lobby if you need to submit your paperwork and filing fee after-hours.
💻 Online filing option:
Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) is a free, online tool that helps people file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy without a lawyer. It walks you through the forms step by step and gives you up to 45 days to finish and submit them.
📧 After you submit your packet online, the court will email you two forms you’ll need to print, sign, and return:
A declaration confirming your electronic filing
A statement about your Social Security number
To officially file your case, you’ll also need to submit:
Your credit counseling certificate
Your filing fee, a fee waiver request, or an installment application
📬 You can mail or hand-deliver these documents to the courthouse.
⚠️ The automatic stay, which stops most debt collection, won’t go into effect until the court receives all of your paperwork, processes your case, and assigns a case number.
Additional Requirements and Filing Fee Information for the Western District
When you submit your paperwork to the court, you’ll need to include a creditor matrix — a simple list of everyone you owe money to, with mailing addresses. In the Western District of Missouri, the matrix must follow specific formatting rules, and you’ll also need to file a signed Verification of Mailing Matrix form. You can find both in this guide.
📝 Be sure to check the court’s website to see if there are any other local forms you’ll need to include.
💰 You can pay the $338 filing fee with a cashier’s check or money order made out to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
📝 If you can’t afford the full filing fee, you can ask the court to let you pay in up to four installments.
🚫 The court doesn’t accept cash, personal checks, or credit cards.
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Missouri Bankruptcy Exemptions
Bankruptcy exemptions protect the property you get to keep when you file for Chapter 7. Missouri is an opt-out state, which means you can’t use the federal exemption system — you’ll use Missouri’s state exemptions instead.
Here are a few key exemptions in Missouri:
🏠 Homestead exemption: Protects up to $15,000 of equity in your home if you own the land. If you own a mobile home but not the land, the exemption is $5,000.
🚗 Vehicle exemption: Lets you protect up to $3,000 of equity in one motor vehicle.
🛍️ Wildcard exemption: Use up to $600 to protect property that doesn’t fit under another exemption category.
🛏️ Household goods: You can protect up to $3,000 worth of personal items like clothing, furniture, and appliances.
Missouri Bankruptcy Lawyer Cost
Hiring a bankruptcy lawyer in Missouri typically costs between $1,000–$1,500 for a Chapter 7 case. This is usually a flat fee, but the price can vary depending on how complex your case is.
Attorney fees are often the biggest cost in a bankruptcy case. Still, a lawyer can be worth it, especially if you own a home or other valuable assets.
💬 Most lawyers offer a free consultation so you can ask questions and see if hiring one is right for you.
Missouri Legal Aid Organizations
Legal aid organizations provide free and low-cost help for civil matters like bankruptcy to folks who can’t afford a lawyer. You may want to work with a legal aid organization if you aren’t comfortable filling out the Chapter 7 paperwork on your own.
