---
type: Concept
title: Protecting Retirement Accounts in Missouri
description: ERISA-qualified plans carry federal creditor protection; IRAs rely on bankruptcy exemptions, and inherited IRAs are treated differently.
resource: https://nemolegal.com/asset-protection-planning-missouri/
tags: [asset-protection, retirement, erisa, ira, inherited-ira]
timestamp: 2026-06-18
jurisdiction: Missouri
author: Patrick Nolan
---

# Summary

Most employer plans, such as 401(k)s, are ERISA-qualified and carry federal anti-alienation protection from creditors (29 U.S.C. §1056(d)). IRAs are protected instead through bankruptcy exemptions (11 U.S.C. §522).

# Inherited IRAs differ

An inherited IRA is treated differently and may lack the protection of an owner's own IRA. Drafting and beneficiary designations matter; a see-through trust may be used for a minor beneficiary.

# Decision rule

Keep beneficiary designations current and aligned with the overall plan. Do not assume an inherited IRA carries the same creditor protection as your own.

# Related

- [Core Missouri Tools](/okf/asset-protection/core-tools.md)