🌉 Missouri Wage Garnishment Laws & Collection Guide ()
📍 Collecting a judgment in Missouri? Wage garnishment in the Show-Me State has specific limits that differ slightly from federal standards. Missouri provides more debtor protection than the federal minimum. This guide covers everything you need to know as part of your Missouri judgment collection strategy.
⚖️ What Is Wage Garnishment in Missouri?
Wage garnishment in Missouri allows judgment creditors to collect directly from a debtor’s paycheck. The process is governed by Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 525, with limits that vary based on income level.
For creditors working on how to collect a judgment, wage garnishment is effective. Our skip tracing services help locate debtors throughout Missouri.
💡 Key Point: Missouri uses a tiered system: 10% for wages up to $290/week, 25% for wages over $290/week. This is more debtor-friendly than standard federal limits for lower earners.
⚠️ Missouri Difference: Missouri head of family exemptions may apply, which can further reduce the garnishment amount. Always verify current exemption amounts.
🏛️ Types of Wage Garnishment
- Consumer Debt Garnishment – 10-25% based on income level
- Child Support – Up to 50-65% of disposable earnings
- Tax Levies – Missouri DOR and IRS have broader powers
- Student Loans – Up to 15% for federal student loans
💰 Missouri Wage Garnishment Limits
Missouri has unique tiered garnishment limits:
| Weekly Wages | Maximum Garnishment |
|---|---|
| Up to $290/week | 10% of disposable earnings |
| Over $290/week | 25% of disposable earnings |
| Head of Family | Additional exemptions may apply |
🔍 Need to Find a Debtor’s Employer in Missouri?
Our employment verification services locate employer information within 24 hours.
Order Employer Search →📋 Steps to Garnish Wages in Missouri
- Obtain a Money Judgment
Get a Missouri judgment or domesticate an out-of-state judgment.
- Locate Debtor and Employer
Our Missouri skip tracing finds employer information.
- File Writ of Garnishment
File garnishment with the court that issued judgment.
- Serve the Employer
Serve writ on the employer (garnishee).
- Employer Files Answer
Employer must respond with employment and wage information.
- Court Issues Order
Garnishment continues until judgment satisfied.
- Monitor Payments
Track payments and file satisfaction when paid.
🔍 Skip Tracing in Missouri
🏙️ Missouri Coverage
- St. Louis Metro – Eastern Missouri hub
- Kansas City – Western Missouri hub
- Springfield – Southwest Missouri
- Columbia – Central Missouri
- Jefferson City – State capital
🎯 Missouri Debtor Hiding from Collection?
20+ years helping creditors locate judgment debtors throughout Missouri.
Start Your Search →⏱️ Garnishment Timeline
Week 1: File writ of garnishment
Week 1-2: Serve employer
Week 2-4: Employer files answer
Week 4-6: First payment received
🛡️ Debtor Protections
- Tiered garnishment system – Lower income = lower percentage
- Head of family exemptions
- Exempt income – Social Security, SSI, veterans benefits
- Objection rights – Can claim exemptions
📍 Our Missouri Services
🔍 Skip Tracing
💼 Asset Research
📞 Ready to Collect Your Missouri Judgment?
Get Started Today →❓ FAQs
10% for wages up to $290/week; 25% for wages over $290/week. Head of family exemptions may apply.
10 years, renewable before expiration.
