Missouri Debt Collection Laws
How long a creditor can sue you in Missouri, how much of your paycheck is protected, and where to get help.
Missouri debt rules at a glance
The key numbers. Details and the exact law are below.
How long can a creditor sue you in Missouri?
5 years for most contracts, 10 for a written promise to pay
Missouri gives five years on contracts and obligations, and ten years on a writing for the payment of money. Which one applies to a credit card depends on the documents, so check with legal aid if you are sued.
How much of your paycheck can be garnished?
Heads of family: 10% cap
Garnishment can take no more than the least of 25% of your weekly disposable earnings, the amount above 30 times the federal minimum hourly wage, or 10% if you are the head of a family and a Missouri resident.
What debt collectors can't do in Missouri
Federal debt collection rules
Debt collectors everywhere must follow the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the CFPB's Regulation F. A collector may not sue or threaten to sue you on a debt that is past the time limit.
Collectors can't sue on expired debt
Under the federal debt collection rule (Regulation F), a debt collector must not bring or threaten to bring a lawsuit to collect a time-barred debt, meaning a debt whose statute of limitations has run out.
When a debt collector contacts you
A practical order of operations.
Don't pay or promise anything on the first call
Ask for the collector's name, company, mailing address and the amount they claim. In some states a payment or promise can affect an old debt, so check the rules above first.
Ask for validation in writing
Federal law gives you the right to a validation notice listing the debt, the creditor and your right to dispute. Dispute in writing within the validation period if the debt isn't yours or the amount is wrong.
Check the date of your last payment
Compare it with your state's time limit above. If the time limit has passed, a collector may not sue or threaten to sue you.
Never ignore a lawsuit
If you are served with court papers, respond by the deadline, even on an old debt. Being out of time is usually a defense you have to raise in court. Legal aid can help.
Report abuse
Threats, harassment and calls at odd hours break federal and state law. File complaints with your state regulator and the CFPB (links below).
Free help in Missouri
Government complaint lines and nonprofit counseling. Be wary of anyone who charges upfront fees to settle debt.
Missouri Attorney General
File a consumer complaint: ago.mo.gov
CFPB complaint
File a complaint about a debt collector with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: consumerfinance.gov/complaint
Nonprofit credit counseling
Find an NFCC member agency: NFCC agency finder. If you are considering bankruptcy, use an agency on the U.S. Trustee approved list.
Links checked September 24, 2026.
Sources
Every rule on this page comes from these laws and official resources, checked on September 24, 2026. Read the current text before you act.
Primary sources
- RSMo 516.120 - five-year limit
- RSMo 516.110 - ten-year limit
- RSMo 525.030 - garnishment cap
- Missouri Attorney General - consumer complaints
- 12 CFR 1006.26 - Collection of time-barred debts (Regulation F)
- 15 U.S.C. 1673 - Federal limit on wage garnishment
- CFPB - Debt collection help
- FTC - Debt collection FAQs
Debt collection laws in other states →
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