Missouri Revised Statutes § 287.260 - Compensation to have priority — not assignable — exceptions
Compensation payable under this chapter is generally not assignable and is protected from attachment, garnishment, execution, setoff, counterclaim, and debt liability, with limited child-support-related exceptions.
287.260. Compensation to have priority — not assignable — exceptions. — 1. The compensation payable under this chapter, whether or not it has been awarded or is due, shall not be assignable, shall be exempt from attachment, garnishment, and execution, shall not be subject to setoff or counterclaim, or be in any way liable for any debt and in case of the insolvency of an employer or his insurer, or the levy of an attachment or an execution against an employer or insurer shall be entitled to the same preference and priority as claims for wages, without limit as to time or amount, except that if written notice is given to the division or the commission of the nature and extent thereof, the division or the commission may allow as lien on the compensation, reasonable attorney's fees for services in connection with the proceedings for compensation if the services are found to be necessary and may order the amount thereof paid to the attorney in a lump sum or in installments. All attorney's fees for services in connection with this chapter shall be subject to regulation by the division or the commission and shall be limited to such charges as are fair and reasonable and the division or the commission shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine all disputes concerning the same. 2. Notwithstanding subsection 1 of this section, the compensation payable under this chapter other than compensation for medical expenses and therapy under section 287.141, shall be assignable for the purpose of satisfying child support obligations, shall be subject to attachment, garnishment and execution for the purpose of collecting and satisfying unpaid and delinquent child support obligations, and shall be subject to the lien provided for in section 454.517. Section 452.140 shall apply to limit property exemptions available in an action to collect child support under this subsection. (RSMo 1939 § 3711, A.L. 1965 p. 397, A.L. 1986 H.B. 1479) Prior revision: 1929 § 3321