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Questions Answered by Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Missouri on
Q: Me and my siblings were all notified about a distant relative passing away and that she didn't have a will.

Me and my sister obtained a lawyer but our brother did not. Is he now excluded from any inheritance or would the estate be equally distributed?

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Jan 6, 2020

The relatives estate will be distributed to his or her heirs regardless of whether they are represented by an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Missouri on
Q: We want to terminate the lease early, our lease states it can be done. Landlord says we have to finish the term

"Re-Rental Charge: if tenant moves before the end of the term, for any reason, a re-rental fee, the sum of one and a one-half (1.5) months rent, shall be due immediatly at time of the final move out inspection to cover expenses of landlord and manager in obtainig a new tenant."

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Jan 3, 2020

The terms of the lease control what you can do, not what the landlord says. If that clause is in your lease you can terminate the lease early if you pay the penalty.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Missouri on
Q: If an MLS lists items like stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, wall oven, washer and dryer, are they required to be there?
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Dec 23, 2019

Your contract to purchase the home will determine what is included. Usually items that are attached to the home, like a dishwasher, are included. Items that are not attached, like washer and dryer, are typically not included. The contract will specify if there are additional items that you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Missouri on
Q: I bought my ex out from our house but in the agreement it did not say when it had to be paid by it only stated what inte

Interest rate would accrue he got a real estate levy and now they are going to auction my home in Feb what can I do

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Dec 20, 2019

Potentially losing your home is quite serious. You need to bring your agreement and a record of all your payments to an attorney. Your remedy will be based on this information.

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Collections, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Missouri on
Q: Who is the Respondent on a Garnishment Form?

I am filing a garnishment form (CV92) in Missouri. I am confused on if the Debtor or the Employer is the Respondent. I have Googled this and it's about a 50/50 split. So who do I list as the Respondent? The Debtor or the Employer?

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Dec 8, 2019

The petitioner and respondent are the parties to the underlying lawsuit. Respondent in the caption is not the employer.

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Missouri on
Q: How can I get the seller to release the earnest funds in escrow after we cancelled the contract due to the inspection?

We have an inspection contingency in the contract and after the inspection came back with mold and other significant findings we decided to cancel the contract. The seller is not signing the release for the title company to release our funds. How can we get our earnest money back? Can the... View More

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Nov 13, 2019

Sometimes sellers can be frustrated when a contract falls through. As long as your cancellation of the contract was within the time provided by the contract you are entitled to return of your earnest money deposit. An attorney can help you with this issue.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Missouri on
Q: Can someone who does not own a property and does not have a real estate license prepare a contract for the buyer?

Looks as if a title company is writing the contract

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Nov 5, 2019

Anybody can write a contract. However, to ensure it is enforceable and valid in your jurisdiction it is best to have a local attorney prepare it.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Missouri on
Q: is there a missouri statute that allows the landlord, me) to set up a time to enter the property to plan repairs?
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Nov 5, 2019

Here is no statute that addresses this issue. It is normally covered in the lease. This is one reason it is a good idea to have an attorney draw up a lease.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law, Collections and Landlord - Tenant for Missouri on
Q: getting sued for something I don’t have the title to anymore

I inherited a trailer that I didn’t want. I found someone that wanted it so I gave them the title and keys. A month later the person that owned the lot it was in called me and said he didn’t want that person to live on his property. Another months went buy and the guy I gave the trailer to was... View More

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Nov 4, 2019

If you don’t have a written lease with the land owner you probably have a good defense. You should consult with an attorney to be sure.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Missouri on
Q: My landlord will not fix my apartment. We went a1 1/2 weeks without the use of the bathroom now the floor is fixed

now the water doesn't work in the sink and no pressure in the shower. Mutiple other problem but that's a big concern should I pay him rent?

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Oct 31, 2019

All Missouri leases have an implied warranty of habitability. This means the landlord has to provide certain, very limited and basic, services in a rental. These include a working bathroom and heat source, for example. If you believe your landlord has breached the warranty of habitability, there is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Missouri on
Q: Is it against the law for a landlord to accept rent money from a non-tenant (who was NEVER on the lease)?
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Oct 31, 2019

A landlord may accept payment from any source. Accepting payment from a third party should not affect the terms of the lease.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Civil Rights for Missouri on
Q: Excluding president thru Secretary do board members need to be voted in?

Treasure put 2 board members on reinstatement that were never voted on

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Oct 29, 2019

The answer to your question will be in the operating agreement or bylaws for the entity the board serves. That is where procedural matters are determined. You should ask your entity’s secretary for a copy of that document.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Missouri on
Q: There is any possible way I can reverse foreclosure sale and get the house back if I pay the full amount ?

My ex husband passed away, we had 2 kids, we actually never get separated, the divorce was only on the paper. the lawyer said not to make payments on the house. The house went foreclosed. We still live in this house.

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Oct 27, 2019

If the house has been sold in foreclosure it belongs to someone else now. If the sale has not yet taken place you may still have a chance to stop the foreclosure. Bring every bit of the paperwork you have received to an attorney right away to find out where you stand.

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Missouri on
Q: How to transfer ownership of my late wifes property to her sister.

My late wife and her sister own land in both their names. My wife passed away two months ago and her sister wants me to give my wifes half ownership to her which is fine. In Missouri since my wife and I had wills that leave all to surviving spouse without probate I am now half owner but how do I... View More

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Oct 24, 2019

How to transfer title will depend on how you and your wife held title. If you and your wife held title with right of survivorship you just have to show she is now deceased to make a transfer. You should have a lawyer look at the deed to advise you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Missouri on
Q: I have a question regarding real estate

a fence outside our property line (Phelps County MO) was built 10 years ago when the subdivision was created. we have no HOA and the fence is actually in the easement of State Hwy O and our street, Fawn Ridge. Who is responsible for maintenance of the fence ?

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Oct 4, 2019

Responsibility for fence maintenance should be in the documentation that created the easement. You can usually get these types of documents from a title company.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Missouri on
Q: Me and my family made a verbal agreement with our private landlord.

She told us she paid $700 a month and will take $80 a week off rent a month. Leaving us $400 monthly rent.

I just recently, after a year, found out she only pays $526 a month and is pulling one over on me. What should I do? We want to leave and not pay last months rent or utilities.

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Oct 4, 2019

If you do not have a written agreement your “landlord” has nothing to enforce if you move out. Just make sure there are no emails or texts that, if taken together, can show the terms of your rental. If there are, you should consult an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure and Landlord - Tenant for Missouri on
Q: In MO Landlord passed away 6 months ago. House is in foreclosure or probate.Idk which. Who is responsible for repairs?

I received a letter from an attorney telling me to pay the rent to a local bank instead of the landlords son, which I had been doing. I contacted the bank about the heater needing repair. They told me that since they don’t own the property they are limited in what they can do. Should I pay for... View More

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Sep 30, 2019

Missouri law provides a specific procedure for making repairs and deducting the cost from the rent. At the very least, you should notify both the bank and the lawyer IN WRITING of the habitability issues that need to be addressed and your intention to repair and deduct. For detailed information on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Missouri on
Q: My daughter has a mobile home on my land in Missouri. How do i evict her and her trailer.

My daughter and her husband have a trailer next to my house. There are constant drugs and people running in and out. The police are always showing up because of various reasons. They have stolen things from us, disturbed the peace, and even gotten physical. They have a 1 year old and 3 year old in... View More

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Sep 10, 2019

There are statutes that regulate eviction of mobile homes that you will need to follow. You really need to consult an attorney to make sure you follow the law so you can get them and their trailer out legally and permanently.

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Missouri on
Q: Is there a specific type of lawyer to work with to draft a contract to give to someone to that owes you a large sum of $

Here is the situation: Currently the debtors are working with me, and agreeing to work out payment solutions including legal action if necessary. I want to make sure this next document\contract we sign contains the right words follows the right steps to allow me to collect should this go to a legal... View More

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Sep 9, 2019

Any contract attorney should be able to help you with this type of agreement. If the debtors breach the agreement you will still have to go through the court process but you can put in provisions that will give them incentive not to breach.

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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Missouri on
Q: Legally, can I do anything in Missouri to get her out ASAP if rent is already 5 days late? What's the process?

My tenant moved in one month ago. I chose her from multiple applicants only because she said she was ready to move in ASAP and assured me that she had all of the money required to move in. I live out of state, so my parents manage a lot of things for me.

Upon receiving keys, the tenant... View More

Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
Jennifer Sheila Kornblum
answered on Sep 5, 2019

A properly worded and lawfully prepared notice can give her three days to either pay in full or move out. If she fails to do either you still have to go through the eviction process. You should consult an attorney

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