Monthly Archives: December 2013

Put my house in Bankruptcy?

Missouri allows a bankruptcy debtor to save $15,000 in equity in their home. Equity is the value of your home that exceeds any mortgages. If you file bankruptcy and have more than $15,000 in equity, the bankruptcy court may take … Continue reading

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Undo that Default Judgment

Got a default judgment? Missouri allows you to undo the default judgment and reopen the case for mistake, inadvertence, surprise or excusable neglect. In addition, you must show that you have a meritorious defense and good cause for setting aside … Continue reading

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New mileage rates? Hooray!

The IRS has issued the 2014 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductable cost of operating an automobile. Beginning on January 1, 2014, the standard mileage rates for the use of an automobile will be: 56 cents per … Continue reading

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Bankruptcy Court… You Can’t Touch This

A person who has filed for bankruptcy is entitled to the Earned Income Tax Credit. A bankruptcy court has recently ruled that the Earned Income Tax Credit is a type of public assistance for low-income families and is therefore exempt … Continue reading

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Is your spouse innocent?

When filing taxes, a husband and wife can file a joint return or separate returns. If they file a joint return, then each spouse is responsible for everything in the return and all taxes owed. However, a spouse can file … Continue reading

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Incorporate Your Business

If you have a business that is not registered or properly incorporated and you sign a contract, you can be held personally liable for that contract. Using a fictitious name will not protect you either. In order to fully protect … Continue reading

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Liberate your Home from Creditors

Missouri currently allows you to save your home and protect it from your creditors as long as you have $15,000 or less in equity in your home. Equity is the value of your home that exceeds any mortgages. However, if … Continue reading

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Maintain your Maintenance

Missouri allows the award of maintenance to a spouse if the spouse (1)lacks sufficient property to provide for their reasonable needs, and (2) is unable to support themselves through employment. To read about what is considered property for maintenance, review … Continue reading

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Get Hostile with Adverse Possession

In order to claim adverse possession, which is the ability to take someone else’s land from them after ten years, you must show an element of hostility. Hostility is shown by proving exclusive possession and sporadic or temporary use by … Continue reading

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Like being nude? Get away from that window

A Missouri defendant was convicted of sexual misconduct involving a child after standing in front of his window nude when young girls approached his house. To read more about this case, check out: State v. Jeffrey, No. 93127 (Mo. banc, … Continue reading

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