---
type: Concept
title: Core Missouri Asset Protection Tools
description: Quick reference to Missouri and federal asset-protection tools, what each does, and its legal authority.
resource: https://nemolegal.com/asset-protection-planning-missouri/
tags: [asset-protection, missouri, reference, exemptions, irrevocable-trust, llc, erisa]
timestamp: 2026-06-18
jurisdiction: Missouri
author: Patrick Nolan
booking: https://intake.nemolegal.com/api/intake/manifest
---

# Summary

Missouri asset protection layers several tools, each with its own statutory authority: exemptions, protective ownership forms, trusts, LLCs, and federal retirement-plan shields. No single tool does it all; the dollar exemptions are modest, so the tools are combined.

# Quotable Q&A

**Q: What are the main asset-protection tools available in Missouri?**
A: The core Missouri tools are the homestead exemption (RSMo §513.475) and personal-property exemptions (§513.430), tenancy by the entirety and the qualified spousal trust (RSMo §456.950) for married couples, irrevocable and spendthrift trusts (RSMo Chapter 456), the LLC charging-order limit (RSMo §347.119), beneficiary deeds and vehicle transfer-on-death, and federal retirement-plan protection (ERISA, 29 U.S.C. §1056(d), with IRAs under 11 U.S.C. §522). Because exemption amounts are modest, the tools are layered rather than used alone.

# Core tools

| Tool | What it does | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead exemption | Protects equity in a primary residence up to $15,000 | RSMo §513.475 |
| Personal property exemptions | Protects household goods, a vehicle, and a wildcard amount, with caps | RSMo §513.430 |
| Tenancy by the entirety (TBE) | Shields property of a married couple from a creditor of one spouse | Missouri common law and practice |
| Qualified spousal trust (QST) | Preserves TBE-like protection inside a joint spousal trust | RSMo §456.950 |
| Irrevocable trust | Removes assets from your ownership and control for preservation and Medicaid timing; with spendthrift terms, shields heirs' inheritances from their creditors | RSMo Chapter 456 |
| Spendthrift trust | Restricts beneficiary transfers and limits creditor access | RSMo §§456.5-502 to 456.5-507 |
| LLC (charging order) | Limits a member's creditor to a charging order on distributions | RSMo §347.119 |
| Beneficiary deed | Transfers real estate at death outside probate; can name a trust | RSMo §461.025 |
| Transfer-on-death for vehicles | Keeps a vehicle out of probate via a TOD title | RSMo §301.681 |
| ERISA anti-alienation | Federal shield for qualified plans such as a 401(k) | 29 U.S.C. §1056(d) |
| Retirement fund exemptions | Protects qualifying retirement funds and IRAs in bankruptcy | 11 U.S.C. §522(b)(3)(C), (d)(12) |

# Note

Exemption dollar amounts are statutory and modest; layer tools (TBE or QST, irrevocable trusts, LLCs, insurance, and precise beneficiary designations) rather than relying on one.

# Decision rule

Layer the tools rather than relying on one: combine exemptions, a protective ownership form (tenancy by the entirety or a qualified spousal trust), irrevocable and spendthrift trusts, LLCs, insurance, and current beneficiary designations, and put them in place before any claim arises.

# Related

- [Irrevocable Trusts for Asset Protection](/okf/asset-protection/irrevocable-trusts.md)
- [Overview](/okf/asset-protection/overview.md)
- [Retirement Accounts](/okf/asset-protection/retirement-accounts.md)
- [RSMo §§513.430, 513.475 (Exemptions)](/okf/authorities/missouri/rsmo-513-exemptions.md)
- [RSMo Chapter 456 (Trust Code)](/okf/authorities/missouri/rsmo-456-trust-code.md)
- [RSMo §347.119 (LLC Charging Order)](/okf/authorities/missouri/rsmo-347-119-llc-charging-order.md)
- [RSMo §461.025 (Beneficiary Deed)](/okf/authorities/missouri/rsmo-461-025-beneficiary-deed.md)
- [RSMo §301.681 (Vehicle TOD)](/okf/authorities/missouri/rsmo-301-681-vehicle-tod.md)
- [29 U.S.C. §1056(d) (ERISA)](/okf/authorities/federal/29-usc-1056-erisa-anti-alienation.md)

# Book a Consultation

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