Section 13 Unknowns

• Library: Condemnation Practice 2009

The condemning authority may, and usually should, name as defendants any unknown parties who may claim an interest in the properties described in the condemnation petition. But the condemning authority is not required to name unknown parties as defendants. State ex rel. Union Elec. Co. v. Godfrey, 673 S.W.2d 14, 16 (Mo. banc 1984) (no guardian was needed to represent unknowns, who were not owners of record). Naming unknown parties can briefly delay the condemnation hearing because service on the unknowns...