Updated on 1/16/2025
This article helps plaintiffs and attorneys alike learn more about lawsuit loans and alternatives in Missouri. Below you will find the following information:
Lawsuit loan companies serving Missouri
Below you will find a list of companies that provide funding in Missouri. We highlight lawsuit loan companies we recommend, as well as local and regional funding companies where applicable.
Recommended lawsuit loan companies funding Missouri residents
We recommend the following companies for plaintiffs residing in Missouri.
Our pick for low rate lawsuit loans
USClaims offers some of the lowest, non-compounding rates in the industry. Many companies claim to offer “the lowest rates in the industry” – we recommend comparing them against an offer from USClaims to see for yourself.
See our full list of recommended companies here.
Lawsuit funding laws, regulation, and relevant ethics opinions in Missouri
As of 2023, Missouri passed The Consumer Legal Funding Act. The act requires registration and imposes some basic restrictions on funding companies that do business in the state.
Laws regarding lawsuit loans in Missouri
SB 342, titled the “Consumer Legal Funding Act,” created formal regulation for consumer legal funding companies. The act prohibits companies from certain actions like paying referral fees or making decisions about the legal claim. Contracts must disclose material terms, including fees and payment schedules. Consumer legal funding companies must be licensed by the Division of Finance, and violations can result in penalties or license revocation. The act also includes the “Consumer Litigation Financing Act,” which imposes similar requirements and prohibitions on litigation financiers. Both acts emphasize transparency and regulatory compliance, with violations leading to unenforceable contracts and potential disciplinary actions.
Source: The Consumer Legal Funding Act
Legal funding case law in Missouri
Missouri common law prohibits both champerty and maintenance. The most recent decision citing champerty is Macke Laundry Serv. L.P. v. Jetz Serv. Co. While the court agreed that lawsuits relating to champerty and maintenance are rare, champerty and maintenance doctrines remain in-force in Missouri.
Source: Macke Laundry Serv. L.P. v. Jetz Serv. Co.
Can a lawyer lend money to a client in Missouri?
A lawyer may advance only court costs and litigation expenses. Lawyers may not advance living expenses.
Source: Missouri Bar Administration Formal Opinion #119
Can attorneys help clients receive lawsuit loans in Missouri?
According to Informal Opinion Number: 2023-10, prior opinions suggest that lawyers should avoid litigation loans potentially seen as champerty or maintenance, violating Rule 4-8.4(d). Determining if a loan under the Consumer Legal Funding Act fits this category is a legal matter beyond the Rules of Professional Conduct. If a lawyer concludes these agreements are permissible, they can follow client instructions but must provide clear, independent advice on the agreement’s impact on representation and confidentiality per Rules 4-2.1, 4-1.4(b), and 4-1.6.
Source: Informal Opinion Number: 2023-10
Lawsuit loan alternatives in Missouri
Lawsuit loans are expensive. Plaintiffs in Missouri should exhaust all other options before seeking legal funding. Check out the local resources below for some ideas:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TA) – TA is a monthly assistance program that helps families in need pay for necessities for their children, like clothing and utilities. Most people who use the TA program will also need to get employment and training services through the Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) Program.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance – Missouri residents eligible for LIHEAP can use federally funded state programs like Energy Assistance (EA) and the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP).
- Subsidized Apartments and Public Housing – Missouri residents can use this website to explore their options for rent relief, guidance on eviction protections, and public housing voucher programs. Qualifications vary by program.
- Help With Utilities – a site that lists a variety of options, public and private, aimed at helping low-income Missouri residents understand and pay their utility bills. Eligibility requirements vary by program.