Kansas City · MO · Vetted Directory

Top Bankruptcy Lawyers in Kansas City

If debt has gotten out of control in Kansas City, bankruptcy can give you a fresh start, and a lawyer makes sure you keep what the law lets you keep. Bankruptcy is federal, so Kansas City, Missouri filers go to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri. Chapter 7 wipes out most unsecured debt in a few months if you pass the means test; Chapter 13 sets up a three- to five-year repayment plan that can save a house or car from foreclosure. Missouri's exemptions protect certain property along the way. Below are vetted Kansas City firms that file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases.

W.D. Missouri
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
$338
Chapter 7 Filing Fee
Means Test
Chapter 7 Eligibility
Free
Many Consults

Updated March 24, 2026

When you need a Kansas City bankruptcy lawyer

Bankruptcy is not the answer to every money problem, but it is the right tool in clear situations:

  • You are behind on credit cards, medical bills, or personal loans you cannot realistically repay.
  • Creditors are calling, suing, garnishing your wages, or levying your bank account.
  • You are facing foreclosure or repossession and want to catch up through a Chapter 13 plan.
  • You want to stop collection now, because filing triggers an automatic stay that pauses most collection.
  • You are not sure whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 fits your income and assets.
  • You own a small business that is drowning in debt and you need to wind down or restructure.

The automatic stay that stops collection begins the moment you file. A lawyer makes sure your paperwork, the means test, and your exemptions are right so the case is not dismissed or your property put at risk.

What bankruptcy help costs in Kansas City

Bankruptcy fees are fairly predictable and usually quoted as a flat fee plus court costs:

$1,000-$1,800
Chapter 7 attorney fee
$3,000-$4,500
Chapter 13 (often paid in plan)
$338
Chapter 7 court filing fee
Free
Many initial consults

Chapter 7 attorney fees are usually paid before filing, plus the $338 court fee. Chapter 13 fees are higher but are often built into your repayment plan, so you pay them over time. Most Kansas City bankruptcy firms offer a free consultation to tell you which chapter fits. Get the fee and what it covers in writing.

How long bankruptcy matters take

How long bankruptcy takes depends on the chapter:

  • Chapter 7: typically about 3 to 4 months from filing to discharge.
  • Chapter 13: a 3- to 5-year repayment plan, with the discharge at the end.
  • Automatic stay: stops most collection the day you file.
  • 341 meeting of creditors: usually about a month after filing.

For a national overview, see our bankruptcy guide, or browse all Kansas City lawyers.

Kansas City firms that handle bankruptcy matters

1

Roach Bankruptcy Center LLC

Kansas CitySolo / small firmChapter 7 and Chapter 13

Attorney Jason Roach has handled more than 2,000 bankruptcy cases over 15 years, focusing on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 for Kansas City filers, including emergency filings to stop garnishment or foreclosure.

Free consultFlat fee
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2

Krigel Nugent + Moore

Kansas CityMid-size firmChapter 7, 11, and 13

A long-established Kansas City firm representing individuals and companies in Chapter 7, 11, and 13 cases, with decades of experience across consumer and business bankruptcy.

Consultation by appt.Flat fee + hourly
Request Free Consult
3

Castle Law Office

Kansas CitySmall firmChapter 7 and Chapter 13

A Kansas City firm that concentrates on bankruptcy, with attorneys licensed in both Missouri and Kansas to serve filers on either side of the state line.

Free consultFlat fee
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4

WM Law

Kansas CitySmall firmConsumer bankruptcy

Serving the Kansas City metro since 1997, the firm holds a 4.9-star average across 560+ Google reviews and Super Lawyers recognition for its consumer bankruptcy work.

Free consultFlat fee
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5

Patton & Dean, LLC

Kansas CitySmall firmChapter 7 means test

Helps Kansas City filers work through the means test and decide which chapter of bankruptcy best fits their income and goals.

Consultation by appt.Flat fee
Request Free Consult
6

Watton Law Group

Kansas CitySmall / mid-size firmDebt relief, Chapter 7 and 13

A recognized bankruptcy firm in the Jackson County area, offering free consultations and handling Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 debt relief.

Free consultFlat fee
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See the full ranked write-up in our Top 10 bankruptcy lawyers in Kansas City guide. Firm details are gathered from public sources; ratings not shown are not yet aggregated.

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Bankruptcy in Kansas City - FAQ

Should I file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 in Kansas City?
It depends on your income, assets, and goals. Chapter 7 wipes out most unsecured debt in a few months if you pass the means test. Chapter 13 sets up a 3- to 5-year repayment plan, which is the better fit if you earn too much for Chapter 7 or need to catch up on a mortgage or car loan. A free consultation can tell you which you qualify for.
What is the means test?
It is an income-based screen that decides whether you can file Chapter 7. If your household income is below the Missouri median for your family size, you generally qualify. If it is higher, a more detailed calculation of income and expenses applies, and you may be steered to Chapter 13 instead.
How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Kansas City?
Chapter 7 attorney fees commonly run $1,000 to $1,800 plus a $338 court filing fee, usually paid before filing. Chapter 13 fees are higher, often $3,000 to $4,500, but are frequently paid through your repayment plan over time. Many firms offer a free initial consultation.
Will bankruptcy stop wage garnishment and creditor calls?
Yes. The moment you file, an automatic stay goes into effect that stops most collection, including wage garnishment, bank levies, foreclosure, and collection calls. That is why some Kansas City filers facing immediate garnishment file an emergency petition.
Where do I file bankruptcy if I live in Kansas City, Missouri?
In the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri, which sits in Kansas City. If you live on the Kansas side of the metro, you would file in the District of Kansas instead, which is why many local firms are licensed in both states.

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