State-Specific Legal Forms

Missouri quitclaim deeds must be acknowledged before a notary and recorded with the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the property is located; Missouri has no state real estate transfer tax.

Missouri's Durable Power of Attorney Law requires express durability language; the Missouri statutory form provides default fiduciary duties and statutory protections for third parties accepting the POA.

Missouri requires wills to be in writing, signed by a testator 18+, and witnessed by two competent witnesses; Missouri does not recognize holographic wills except when made by service members.

Missouri allows a Health Care Directive and a separate Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care; the Cruzan decision requires clear and convincing evidence of the patient's wishes.

Missouri requires every LLC to adopt an operating agreement under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 347.081, although there is no penalty for not having a written one; it need not be filed with the Secretary of State.

Missouri caps security deposits at two months' rent and requires return within 30 days of tenancy end with itemized deductions; landlords must provide notice of inspection.

Missouri does not require advance notice for nonpayment of rent in most cases, but landlords must serve a 10-day notice for lease violations and a 30-day notice to terminate month-to-month tenancies.

Missouri's small claims jurisdiction is $5,000 in the Associate Circuit Court Small Claims Division; rules of evidence are relaxed and attorneys are permitted but not required.

Missouri is a no-fault state requiring only that the marriage is irretrievably broken; petitioner must reside in Missouri for at least 90 days before filing.

Missouri name changes are filed in the Circuit Court of the petitioner's county of residence; publication of the granted order in a newspaper is required for three weeks.

Missouri general warranty deeds convey title with full covenants; special warranty deeds limit covenants to acts of the grantor and are common in commercial transactions.

Missouri requires a notarized bill of sale for vehicle transfers; the seller must provide a signed title, and buyer pays 4.225% state sales tax plus local taxes at registration.

Missouri enforces prenuptial agreements under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 451.220 and case law; agreements must be entered into voluntarily, with full disclosure, and not be unconscionable.

Missouri does not cap rental application fees and does not require refund of unused screening costs; landlords must comply with federal Fair Housing Act and city ordinances.

Missouri does not require demand letters for most claims, but they are commonly used to satisfy contract notice provisions and may be required for attorney's fee shifting under specific statutes.

Missouri requires return of service per Mo. R. Civ. P. 54.20; the sheriff or special process server must file proof showing the manner, date, time, and place of service.

Missouri's general usury cap is 9% for personal loans and 10% for written contracts, with higher rates allowed for business loans, regulated lenders, and certain transactions.

Missouri enforces NDAs that protect legitimate trade secrets under the Missouri Uniform Trade Secrets Act; agreements should be reasonable in scope, duration, and information covered.

Missouri enforces non-compete agreements that protect legitimate business interests (trade secrets or customer relationships) and are reasonable in time and geography; courts apply blue pencil modification.

Missouri allows modification of child support upon a substantial and continuing change in circumstances; a 20% deviation from Form 14 calculation creates a presumption of substantial change.