287.260. Compensation to have priority--not assignable--exceptions.

MISSOURI STATUTES AND CODES

287.260. Compensation to have priority--not assignable--exceptions.

Compensation to have priority--not assignable--exceptions.

287.260. 1. The compensation payable under this chapter,whether or not it has been awarded or is due, shall not beassignable, shall be exempt from attachment, garnishment, andexecution, shall not be subject to setoff or counterclaim, or bein any way liable for any debt and in case of the insolvency ofan employer or his insurer, or the levy of an attachment or anexecution against an employer or insurer shall be entitled to thesame preference and priority as claims for wages, without limitas to time or amount, except that if written notice is given tothe division or the commission of the nature and extent thereof,the division or the commission may allow as lien on thecompensation, reasonable attorney's fees for services inconnection with the proceedings for compensation if the servicesare found to be necessary and may order the amount thereof paidto the attorney in a lump sum or in installments. All attorney'sfees for services in connection with this chapter shall besubject to regulation by the division or the commission and shallbe limited to such charges as are fair and reasonable and thedivision or the commission shall have jurisdiction to hear anddetermine all disputes concerning the same.

2. Notwithstanding subsection 1 of this section, thecompensation payable under this chapter other than compensationfor medical expenses and therapy under section 287.141, shall beassignable for the purpose of satisfying child supportobligations, shall be subject to attachment, garnishment andexecution for the purpose of collecting and satisfying unpaid anddelinquent child support obligations, and shall be subject to thelien provided for in section 454.517, RSMo. Section 452.140,RSMo, shall apply to limit property exemptions available in anaction to collect child support under this subsection.