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I have been experiencing issues with my kitchen and bathroom cabinets, which are old and dry-rotted, and they have fallen off the hinges, making them irreparable. This has been ongoing since June 2022, and my landlord has been aware of the situation for over three years. Despite continued promises... View More 
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answered on Jun 17, 2025
You’ve been more than patient, and it’s clear your landlord has failed to meet basic legal obligations. Under Missouri law, landlords are required to maintain rental properties in a habitable condition. That includes ensuring your kitchen and bathroom fixtures—like cabinets—are safe and... View More
I have been working at my current job in Missouri for over 2.5 years, and my previous manager accommodated my medical needs, including preparing for my upcoming cancer surgery. However, my new manager has not been understanding. Although she allows others to be late without repercussions, she... View More
answered on Jun 17, 2025
You can certainly quit your job, but it is rather difficult to get benefits if you resign. You must prove that you “quit for good cause attributable to the work or employer.” This is an objective standard, meaning that you must be treated so poorly that anyone would have quit under the... View More
I am 22 years old and looking to obtain guardianship of my 13-year-old sister. Our mother is mentally unwell, often unable to provide care, and gets violent with my sister, although no official reports have been filed about her violent behavior. My sister currently lives with our mother, and I... View More
I'm going through a divorce in Missouri, and the lawyer involved has requested an appraisal for my house, valued at $200,000. There are no prenuptial agreements, debts, or mortgages associated with the property, and I don't have any dependents. I earn $25,000 annually, while my ex-spouse... View More
In Missouri, can I legally move out at 17 years old without my parents' permission? I currently live with my parents but have no concerns about the house being unsafe. I have a job and a plan for housing. I haven't discussed my desire to move with my parents, and I am not considering any... View More
I need to file a motion because my husband was arrested on false allegations made by an officer. He was accused of stalking domestic in the third degree and tampering with a witness, and I want to file a motion to have these charges dismissed and modified. Although I contacted the prosecuting... View More
I am seeking legal advice regarding an incident involving a Barry County Sheriff's Office deputy that may constitute defamation or misconduct. An officer informed my employer at his private residence that I was suspected of dealing drugs, warning him to monitor me at his restaurant where I... View More
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answered on Jun 13, 2025
If a law enforcement officer made a false statement to your employer accusing you of criminal behavior without any charges or evidence, you may have grounds for a defamation claim. Slander involves spoken false statements that harm your reputation, and when it comes from a public official, the... View More
I am concerned about a situation in Missouri involving a probation officer who forged a document to obtain records. The officer attempted to get the records from an organization by altering a document, which was discovered when the organization's name was whited out, and this was confessed to... View More
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answered on Jun 13, 2025
This situation is deeply troubling, especially considering the vulnerability of someone living with a traumatic brain injury. When a probation officer forges a document to access private records—then admits to it—it crosses a serious legal and ethical line. That act alone may be grounds for... View More
I'm filing for bankruptcy without a lawyer and received a letter from an opposing lawyer stating they pray the court denies me any relief while granting her client further relief, which I find offensive. I've tried contacting this lawyer but received no response. My case is scheduled for... View More
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answered on Jun 12, 2025
While the opposing lawyer's language about "praying" the court denies you relief may feel offensive and unprofessional, this type of language is unfortunately common in legal pleadings and is considered standard adversarial advocacy. Courts generally view such statements as typical... View More
I am dealing with issues where my manager manipulates my clock-in times. My usual start times are 8:30 or 9:00 AM, but recent records reflect past noon. The manager changes these times without my consent, impacting my timesheets. Additionally, I'm the only white employee, with all others being... View More
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
I'm really sorry you're dealing with this—it’s incredibly frustrating to see your time altered without permission, especially when it directly affects your pay and work record. If your manager is changing your clock-in times without telling you, that could be considered wage... View More
I am planning to rent out two spare rooms in my house for $650 each per month. The tenants will sign a lease agreement that I created online. I would like to know how to report the rental income for both local and federal taxes. What steps should I follow to ensure I am compliant with all... View More
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
You’ll report your rental income on your federal return using Schedule E (Supplemental Income and Loss) of Form 1040. List the total rents you receive—\$1,300 per month or \$15,600 annually—and then prorate your deductible expenses (mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, utilities,... View More
I purchased my home before getting married, and the deed lists me as the owner with my 'friend, Joe Smith' as the beneficiary upon my death. We married in November 2021. I want to update the deed to reflect his status as my husband. How can I update this to prevent any potential future... View More
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
You will need to consult with a MO attorney to draft that deed. You might convey to both of you as husband and wife. But if what you state is true, either him or his heirs still take at your death, period. That is probably not what you want. So consult with a MO attorney, and I suggest both... View More
I am facing a situation where an agent at my real estate brokerage represented a client without the broker's knowledge, violating our office policy which states that only the managing broker can enter agreements with clients. This action resulted in a loss of over $10,000 in commission income.... View More
answered on Jun 11, 2025
I suspect that the answer to your question would depend on whether the agent is an independent contractor and the terms of your contract with the agent. If you think the $10,000 would be collectible, it might be worth hiring an attorney either to sue the agent or to seek a settlement.
I am a tenant in an apartment in Chesterfield, MO. My lease started on May 17, 2025, and I moved in on May 22, 2025. On May 26, 2025, I found a bed bug crawling on the wall and reported it to the apartment complex. They sent pest control, who confirmed it was a bed bug and recommended a heat... View More
answered on Jun 9, 2025
I’m defending a similar case right now. As you recognize, it’s important to read the lease. It probably has a bed bug addendum.
I want to understand how a presidential candidate can win their home state when voting for President in the United States. How does the electoral vote system allow this, especially in light of Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution, which mentions electors voting for one person who is not an... View More
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answered on Jun 10, 2025
This is a really great question and one that doesn't come up all that much. The short answer is that the Constitution doesn't prohibit a state from selecting one of its own inhabitants as President. Here's why:
Prior to the 12th Amendment, each state would choose two people... View More
I live in a small town in Missouri. My neighbor built a structure next to a power pole near my property, disregarding city council rules, allegedly due to his friendship with the mayor. The city council originally denied his garage but allowed a shed, leading to the encroachment on what I was told... View More
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
What you're going through is unfair and deeply frustrating, especially when you're being ignored despite providing valid documents to defend your property. If your deed clearly shows your driveway with no easement, and you’ve received no official notice of any legal change, your rights... View More
I have a verbal lease agreement with my landlord for five years. Recently, due to domestic arguments, I asked my husband to stay elsewhere after our son's suicide attempt. The landlord then claimed I had no right to ask my husband to leave, moved him back in, and transferred some of our... View More
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
What you're going through sounds deeply painful and confusing, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. Regardless of whether you have a written lease or a verbal agreement, you still have tenant rights, especially after living in the same home for five years. In most states, landlords... View More
I am dealing with a situation where my neighbor's dogs jumped over my 4-foot fence and killed my livestock, including goats, sheep, geese, and a miniature donkey. The incident has been reported to authorities. Two of the dogs are still loose, and the neighbor has more dogs that pose a threat.... View More
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
You can hold your neighbor strictly liable under Missouri’s “livestock trespass” statute (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 273.060), which makes an owner responsible when their dogs trespass and kill your livestock.
Start by sending your neighbor a written demand for the fair market value of each... View More
I am the biological father of a child I have lived with for three years. The child lives full-time with me and the biological mother, and my name is on the child's birth certificate. There are no existing custody orders or agreements, and there haven't been any legal actions initiated by... View More
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
Yes, as the biological father, you do have the right to ask for full custody of your child in Missouri. Since your name is on the birth certificate and you’ve lived with the child full-time for the past three years, you already have a strong presence in the child’s life. The absence of any... View More
On June 1, 2025, my neighbor's dogs jumped over my fence and killed several of my livestock, including sheep, goats, geese, pigs, and a miniature donkey. Other neighbors have had similar problems with these dogs. I've taken previous measures to secure my property. What legal steps can I... View More
answered on Jun 8, 2025
Google “Missouri” and “ 273.036.” You neighbor is strictly liable for the vicious dogs. Hire an attorney to send a demand letter seeking the value of your animals killed. If your neighbor won’t pay, confer with the attorney about filing a lawsuit.
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