What is a life estate and what does it do?

A life estate in property is a curious ownership structure. The structure includes two distinct owners. The first is called the life tenant and the second is called the remainderman. The life tenant can use the property during his or her life in the same way that he would if there was no remainderman with…

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Hosting a Super Bowl Party? Be a Responsible Host

We’re less than 24 hours away from the kickoff of Super Bowl 50. Here are 50 fun facts about the Super Bowl to share with your guests while hosting a Super Bowl party. Many people will attend a watch party. If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, you should consider reviewing your homeowners policy or…

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Missouri Right to Farm Amendment Does Not Cover Marijuana

Lisa Loesch, a Jefferson City woman charged with a felony count of manufacturing and/or distributing a controlled substance (marijuana), argued that the Missouri right to farm amendment barred the State from prosecuting her for allegedly growing a “small crop” of marijuana in her basement. In 2012, police discovered nine marijuana plants under grow lights in…

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5 Safety Tips for the 100 Mile Yard Sale 2015

There is an old saying that “One man’s treasure is another man’s trash.” This will be proven in Southeast Missouri over the weekend as thousands shop the 100 Mile Yard Sale 2015 between Jackson, Missouri and Kennett, Missouri on Highway 25. While you may find a new treasure, you need to make sure to keep…

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How to Legally Host Super Bowl Watch Parties

Tomorrow, the Patriots and the Seahawks will play Super Bowl XLIX. The game will be a welcome relief from the seemingly nonstop discussion for the PSI of the footballs. We’re looking forward to a great game. Friends, families and churches nationwide will be hosting Super Bowl watch parties for the game. These gatherings inevitably raise…

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Missouri Slip and Fall Law – Premises Liability Cases

Under Missouri law, property owners generally are required to use reasonable and ordinary care to keep their property safe, or warn an individual of a dangerous condition on the property. These are often referred to as premises liability cases. Generally, property owners are liable to individuals on their property, who are not trespassers, if they:…

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Pool Chemicals Can Cause Serious Injuries

Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of summer. This is also the usual time that public and private outdoor swimming facilities are opened for the summer season. As a result, it is also the time when injuries can occur due to the use of pool chemicals, such as chlorine, bromine, PHMB and muriatic acid.…

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Dog Bites – Are Dogs Still A Missourian’s Best Friend?

One of the most famous Missouri trials is the case of Burden vs. Hornsby, a case which involved the death of a dog named Old Drum. George Vest’s closing argument, which came to be known as “Eulogy of the Dog”, is one of our favorite closing arguments to read from the old cases. “Dog” cases…

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Contracts for Deed are Risky

We were recently approached by a potential client who was buying a house and piece of ground from a dear friend. Neither party wanted to spend the money for an attorney to finalize their agreement, so they attempted to draft a contract for deed on piece of paper. Contracts for deed are a form of…

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Is an Employee Covered for a Slip and Fall in the Parking Lot?

Missourians have seen plenty of snow and ice this winter season. Often, winter weather conditions make it difficult just getting to and from your car. including broken bones, hand injuries and spinal cord injuries. This is especially true of older workers. A recent study showed that four out of ten individuals 65 or older will…

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