Jackson County is the Missouri-side heart of Kansas City. It is the most populous county in the KC metro on the Missouri side and home to downtown Kansas City.
Missouri state exemptions apply. Homestead: $15,000. Vehicle: $3,000. Household goods: $3,000. Wildcard: $600 plus up to $3,250 of unused homestead. Wages: 75% exempt (90% for head of household). Retirement: fully exempt. Missouri does not allow federal exemptions.
Exemptions determine what property you can keep in bankruptcy. See the full exemptions guide.
Jackson County cases are filed in the Western District of Missouri, Kansas City Division. The courthouse is at 400 E 9th St, Kansas City, MO 64106. This court has a 40.4% Chapter 13 dismissal rate -- significantly higher than the Kansas side.
Missouri's homestead exemption is only $15,000 -- one of the lowest in the nation. If your home equity exceeds $15,000, Chapter 13 may be the safer option to protect your home. The wildcard exemption ($600 plus up to $3,250 unused homestead) provides modest additional protection.
You must file where you live. Jackson County residents must file in the Western District of Missouri. You cannot choose to file in Kansas to get better exemptions. If you are considering moving, you must live in the new state for at least 730 days before its exemptions apply.
Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility.
Free Discharge Screener