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Missouri Contracts Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Civil Litigation, Contracts and Employment Law for Missouri on
Q: Does a handshake contract of me keeping a business running until it’s sold for compensation of $100,000 stand up in cour

I have worked for this business for 29 years took nine months to sell and that time I worked way more hours and couldn’t take off for anything now he says that they’re probably only $20,000 to give me

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Oct 26, 2024

In general, under Missouri law, contracts may be oral. In general, it is easier to enforce written contracts because if both sides sign, the terms are those of the document. There is an exception to the rule. Certain contracts must be in writing. It’s called the “statute of frauds”.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Missouri on
Q: I recently went through the process of selling my house. The agreement was for the buyer to assume my loan/debt.

I just found out they did not go through the process of assuming the loan with my lender. They just want to pay the payments and have no intention of transferring the loan out of my name. Do I have any legal recourse?

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Sep 7, 2024

You can sue the buyer for breach of contract or specific performance.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Missouri on
Q: I just bought a new AC unit, which isn't working well.

Bought it on 6/14/24. Didn't even work as well as my 20 year old unit, which frankly I want back. The new one isn't even working now. What can I do? This is unacceptable.

I told the company I wanted the old unit back. No response so far.

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Jun 19, 2024

You can hire an attorney and file a lawsuit to recover your damages.

I don't know whether the company still has the old unit.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Construction Law and Energy, Oil and Gas for Missouri on
Q: Do I owe my electrician money?

I received a quote for whole house rewiring and finishing. It was divided into the rewiring and finishing and then the second line item was for new amp service. He did the new amp service to my knowledge and the rewiring. I paid him 60% of the total bill which I thought was paid in full for the... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 13, 2024

If you received a quote, agreed for him to do the work, and he started doing the work but hasn't finished it, you have a contract even if you do not have a fully integrated written document commemorating of the terms of your agreement.

If you breach the agreement by not allowing him to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Construction Law for Missouri on
Q: Can we subtract cost to fix contractor's mistake from final invoice or do we have to pay and then sue for reimbursement?

Just closed on new construction home and moved in with verbal agreement with contractor that he would fix drainage issues in yard. Two attempts to correct were unsuccessful. Photos and email sent to contractor showing water still pooling. No response. We contacted reputable landscape/excavation... View More

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Jun 1, 2024

A lot of money is at issue. Have an attorney read the contract and do a consultation. The answer to your question is “it depends.” If you pay then sue you may face an affirmative defense of the “voluntary payment doctrine.” But there’s a type of claim to which case law holds that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Civil Rights and Collections for Missouri on
Q: I got a problem with angi ads could you please help me, they want to overcharged me

Angi ads and I maked a contract but I didn’t know that I have to pay a 35% fee of unused time, they didn’t told me that they said it after I signed up, however checking the contract I saw that it also said that if break the contract before the 90 days of beginning I’ll pay $99 fee, and I have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 16, 2024

Facing a situation where you're being overcharged can be stressful, especially when the charges seem to come from unclear contract terms. If Angi ads are asking for a significantly higher fee than you expected, the first step is to carefully review the contract you signed. Look for any clauses... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Missouri on
Q: Hi, How can I get out of a contract with a personal adjuster for my homeowners claim, after I’ve written release letter.

The request was denied. I sent a second letter and now I’m being attacked.

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Mar 7, 2024

To answer your question about whether you may terminate your contract, an attorney would need to review the contract. There are exceptions, but parties generally cannot unilaterally terminate contracts.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Missouri on
Q: can i still back out of my solar panel contract if the solar panels are not on my property.
Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Feb 21, 2024

There is no way to answer this question effectively without reviewing the contract and assessing the facts. For example, was this a sale solicited at your home? How much time has passed? In general, parties are bound by the written terms of a contract but contracts can be breached.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Family Law, Collections and Small Claims for Missouri on
Q: I won in Small Claims (St Louis County, MO) for 2300. I know where defendant works. What's the wage garnishment process?

I have the defendants address and employer/employer address. It is unclear to me which forms to use for garnishment against their wages. Must I go back to court for garnishment or can I submit forms to the court office?

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Feb 15, 2024

Congratulations on getting a judgment. That's often the easy part, unfortunately. The court should have the forms online. You can do this yourself or if you want to increase the chance of doing it right and getting paid, hire an attorney either by the hour or on a percentage basis.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law and Contracts for Missouri on
Q: Can a RE developer email a price hike and it be valid when the contract calls for them to send certified mail?

I'm 2 weeks away from closing on a new build in a subdivision. The developer just emailed me a $9k increase due to "surplus charges". According to their contract, they must send via certified mail. We, the buyer, get to say if we can to pay or cancel via certified mail. Is an email... View More

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Feb 3, 2024

The answer depends upon whether the court would strictly enforce the notice requirement. I would think that a court would or should enforce the contract as written, but no attorney is going to be able to tell with certainty how a judge would rule.

I suggest that you hire a local attorney...
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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Contracts for Missouri on
Q: If I get a 1099 c for a vacation club for which I never received any goods or services from do I actually have to pay

I never made any payments and tried to cancel 48 hours after signing. Have fought with them repeatedly

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

Receiving a 1099-C form generally indicates that a debt you owed was canceled or forgiven, and the IRS considers this canceled debt as taxable income. However, if you believe that the vacation club's claim is not valid, especially since you didn't receive any goods or services, it's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Estate Planning and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: I was wondering is there not a cap on how much lawyers can charge for lawyer fee's on class action lawsuits?

My mom passed away in July of 2019 however she had 3 class lawsuits and they are now coming to be settled and I get these closing statements, and the lawyer's fees are up there. Ill just say that. Can lawyers just charge whatever on these cases? Just in case you need to know, I don't... View More

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Nov 17, 2023

For any class-wide settlement, the court must approve the award of attorney's fees and expenses. There is no universal maximum, but one-third of the settlement fund, plus reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, is common.

1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Missouri on
Q: Hello i am in Missouri and im looking for a lawyer to go after my home owners insurance for acting in bad faith

and breach of contract i had a lawyer but they say now they don't have the manpower to go to court so i need a lawyer that will

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Nov 16, 2023

A Missouri attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. You're seeking an attorney. Attorneys here can't offer their services, but you could supplement your online searches with the "Find a Lawyer" tab above, as well as attorney referral sections of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Missouri on
Q: 2 people split the deposit & rent in MO. One person misleads & signs the lease without the other person's knowledge..

I paid more than half of everything. But my partner lied to me and signed it without my knowledge. Is this a crime?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 23, 2023

If two parties agree to jointly sign a lease and one party signs it without the other's knowledge or consent, this could be seen as a breach of their verbal or written agreement. Whether it's considered a crime largely depends on the specifics of the situation and the agreements made... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Missouri on
Q: My uncle promised to lend money to buy tax lein property if I won it,but backed out after. I have a fine now. Can I sue?

The promise was verbal. I needed $50 to pay off my personal property tax before I could participate in the county auction. He loaned the $50 to me and a dollar to have the auction paperwork notarized. He loaned th $50 in the form of a check. I had to Cash it at his bank.

He knew full well... View More

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Oct 22, 2023

Anyone can pay the filing fee and sue but I don’t think you’ll win a lawsuit based on an oral promise to lend money. One of the essential elements of a claim for breach of contract is “consideration.” I that element is lacking.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Banking for Missouri on
Q: What are the legal repercussions of “paying” off a loan to get into another loan?

Right now we have a loan with our current vehicle and its transmission went out. We still owe on this vehicle. We are going to eventually just give it back to the bank. When I tried to get another loan for a vehicle, no place would let me because of the loan I have. I used my routing number to make... View More

Robert Grant Pennell
Robert Grant Pennell
answered on Sep 20, 2023

You have the cart in front of the horse. You need to be asking “what are the legal repercussions of knowingly writing a bad check.” The answer is it is a crime, and you can be pursued criminally by the prosecuting attorney or civilly by the lender to whom you wrote the check knowing it would... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Education Law for Missouri on
Q: Under the McKinney Vento law in the state of Missouri, can a school board deny a child an education?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 11, 2023

Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which is a federal law applicable in Missouri, school boards are prohibited from denying a child access to education solely based on their homeless status. This legislation ensures that homeless children and youth have the right to a free and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Missouri on
Q: Is my lease legally binding in St Louis MO before I move in?

My girlfriend and I are moving to St Louis Missouri. On 07/10/23 we signed lease for a year with an apartment building starting 08/26/23. On 08/17/23, we called the building to confirm the details of the move, but the building manager informed us that unfortunately due to a mistake, our room will... View More

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Aug 25, 2023

It’s not a matter of breaking any law but rather of breaching the lease, a contract. You may sue for breach of contract to recover actual damages or for injunctive relief.

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Child Custody and Family Law for Missouri on
Q: Co-signed place for ex 2015 now have default judgement 15k she was served and I wasn’t found out this week what can I do

Signed as a co-signer in 2015 to help her out stayed 2 months to help set up and we separated, we’re going into a heated custody battle while doing record searches and requests i found a judgment against me from 2016. I was never served she was and didn’t notify me the Original debt was 3-4k... View More

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Aug 13, 2023

I agree with Mr. Pennell about the dangers of co-signing.

For a judgment that is older than one year, the good-cause/meritorious defense bit doesn't apply. Those are the requirements to set aside a default judgment. For your judgment, if you were not properly served, you'd...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Missouri on
Q: Bad contractor only came and worked one day, never returned to finish job.

I paid $11,000 (2 thirds job’s total) to replace a retaining wall & driveway. They came 1 day, tour out part of my driveway, didn’t return. I called several times next 4 months, excuse after excuse till over phone I was cursed at & bluntly saying they’ll never coming. I then filed a... View More

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Jul 18, 2023

Look up the “American rule” on attorney’s fees.

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