Section 14.6 Life Expectancy—Mortality Tables

• Library: Sources of Proof (2014 Ed.)

E. (§14.6) Life Expectancy—Mortality Tables

Missouri courts will take judicial notice of standard mortality tables, including the mortality table contained in 42 V.A.M.S. pp. 801–02 (1953). The tables are a proper subject for judicial notice, even when not introduced into evidence by either party. Baker v. Baker, 804 S.W.2d 763, 765 (Mo. App. E.D. 1990); Turner v. Cowart, 450 S.W.2d 441, 445 (Mo. 1969). As exemplified in Baker, the courts may take judicial notice of the mortality tables to calculate the present value of a spouse’s retirement benefits to determine whether property division is just and fair. Baker, 804 S.W.2d 763; see also 29 AM. JUR. 2D Evidence § 111 (2008).

These tables are not conclusive, however, and may be rebutted. Leh v. Dyer, 643 S.W.2d 65, 67 (Mo. App. E.D. 1982). In Leh, a not-in-MAI instruction setting forth...