Missouri Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

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Missouri Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

10 yrs
Judgment Lifespan
5 yrs
Debt SOL (Written)
9%
Post-Judgment Interest
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COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Missouri provides a 10-year judgment lien and 9% post-judgment interest. Wage garnishment is available with standard protections, and Missouri’s modest homestead exemption of $15,000 makes real property liens highly effective for most judgment creditors.

Missouri Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type Limitation Period Statute
Written Contract 5 years RSMo §516.120
Open Account / Credit Card 5 years RSMo §516.120
Oral Contract 5 years RSMo §516.120
Promissory Note 10 years RSMo §516.110
Judgment Lien 10 years (renewable) RSMo §511.350

Missouri’s 5-year SOL for written contracts is standard. Creditors should file suit promptly as the clock runs from the date of default or last payment.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Missouri post-judgment interest accrues at 9% per annum under RSMo §408.040. Interest is simple and begins on the judgment date.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Missouri

Wage Garnishment yes
Missouri allows wage garnishment of 25% of disposable earnings under RSMo §525.030. Employer receives a garnishment summons and must withhold the specified amount.
Bank Account Levy yes
Bank account garnishments are available after judgment under RSMo §525.040. The garnishee (bank) must hold non-exempt funds pending resolution.
Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes
Filing an abstract of judgment in the county recorder of deeds creates a lien on all non-exempt real property in that county (RSMo §511.350). Lien lasts 10 years.
Turnover Order yes
Missouri courts may issue orders requiring debtors to appear for examination and turn over non-exempt property (RSMo §513.380).
Writ of Execution yes
Writs of execution allow the sheriff to levy on non-exempt personal property and real estate (RSMo §513.010).
Vehicle Levy yes
Missouri exempts one motor vehicle up to $3,000 in equity under RSMo §513.430(5). Additional vehicles or equity above the cap may be levied.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type Exemption Amount Statute
Homestead $15,000 ($30,000 age 65+) RSMo §513.475
Motor Vehicle $3,000 equity RSMo §513.430(5)
Wages 75% of disposable earnings RSMo §513.470
Personal Property $3,000 general RSMo §513.430
Retirement All ERISA-qualified plans RSMo §513.430(10)

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official Missouri Resources

Missouri Courts – Case.net SearchCivil case records onlineMissouri SOS – Business Entity SearchEntity & registered agent lookupMissouri Recorder of Deeds – Property LiensReal property & judgment lien filingsMissouri Revised Statutes – LegislatureOfficial state code

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes change — verify current law with a licensed Missouri attorney before taking collection action.