Gavel Insight

Understanding Common-Law Marriage in Missouri: A Comprehensive Guide for Unmarried Couples Missouri does not recognize common-law marriage. This is a crucial point to understand for any unmarried couple living in the state. While some states acknowledge a marriage created simply by a couple presenting themselves as married, sharing a life together, and intending to be married, Missouri requires a formal marriage license and ceremony for a marriage to be legal. Why is This Important for Unmarried Couples in Missouri? Because Missouri doesn't recognize common-law marriage, simply living together, even for decades, and acting as a married couple does not automatically grant you the same legal rights and protections as a married couple. This has significant implications for: 💔 Property Rights: Without a marriage certificate, you do not automatically have a claim to property acquired by your partner during your relationship. ⚕️ Healthcare Decisions: Yo...

Understanding Your Right to Light in Missouri ⚖️ Legal Basis: Missouri does not have specific "right to light" laws, unlike some other states or countries. However, nuisance laws and local zoning regulations may provide protection against unreasonable obstruction of light. 🏡 Common Issues: Common disputes involve neighbors planting large trees, constructing tall fences, or adding structures that block sunlight to another property, affecting gardens, solar panels, or home lighting. 📜 Easements and Agreements: In some cases, property owners may establish an easement for light through written agreements or historical use. If such an easement exists, legal action may be possible. Steps to Take When Your Right to Light Is Blocked 🗣 Communicate First: Before pursuing legal action, try discussing the issue with your neighbor. Explain how their structure or vegetation is affecting your property and see if a compromise can be reached. 📷 Document the Problem: Take photos showing ho...

🔹 Understanding Neighbor Disputes in Missouri Neighbor disputes in Missouri can arise for various reasons, including property boundaries, easements, noise complaints, and shared property use. These conflicts can become legally complex, especially when property rights and agreements are not clearly defined. 📌 Common Causes of Neighbor Disputes - Property Boundaries – Disputes over where one property ends and another begins. - Easement Violations – One party interfering with another’s legal right to use a portion of the property. - Encroachments – When a neighbor’s structure (such as fences or driveways) extends onto your land. - Nuisances – Issues like excessive noise, bright lights, or foul odors affecting your enjoyment of property. - Water Drainage Disputes – Changes in landscape altering natural water flow and affecting neighboring properties. ⚖️ Easements: Rights and Responsibilities An easement is a legal right that allows someone to use another person’s property for...