Everything you need to know about the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western 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.mow.uscourts.gov/bankruptcy/rules
Chapter 7 trustees are assigned from the U.S. Trustee panel for Region 13. The Standing Chapter 13 Trustee for the Kansas City Division is Jan Hamilton.
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 Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Courthouse, 400 E. 9th St, Kansas City, MO 64106, 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 W.D. Missouri offers pro se debtor resources through the clerk's office. Petition packages are available at the clerk's window or online. The court does not provide legal advice but will answer procedural questions.
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 W.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). Kansas City Metro filers on the Kansas side file in D. Kansas with different exemptions.
For detailed exemption information: bankruptcyexemptionsbystate.com.
You file at the Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Courthouse, 400 E. 9th St, Kansas City, MO 64106. You must complete credit counseling before filing, prepare your petition and schedules, and pay the filing fee (or request a fee waiver). Electronic filing through CM/ECF is required for attorneys. Pro se debtors may file on paper at the clerk's window.
Chapter 7 costs $338 and Chapter 13 costs $313 in filing fees. You can request to pay in installments or apply for a fee waiver if your income is below 150% of the poverty line. Attorney fees in Kansas City typically range from $1,000-$2,000 for Chapter 7 and $2,500-$4,000 for Chapter 13.
The 341 meeting of creditors is typically held at the federal courthouse at 400 E. 9th St, Kansas City, MO 64106. Some trustees conduct meetings by phone or video conference. Your notice of meeting will specify the exact date, time, and format.
Yes. You have the right to file pro se (without an attorney). The clerk's office provides petition packages and procedural guidance. However, bankruptcy law is complicated and mistakes can result in case dismissal or loss of property. The court strongly recommends consulting an attorney.
Chapter 7 typically takes 3-4 months from filing to discharge. Chapter 13 requires completing a 3-5 year repayment plan. The 341 meeting is usually scheduled about 30 days after filing.
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