Section 21.37 In General

• Library: Estate Administration 2014 Supp

A. (§21.37) In General

It may come as something of a surprise to some people, but it is true: There is no “right” of inheritance or “right” to dispose of property by will under Missouri law. The “common law” of Missouri, initially enacted in 1816 when Missouri was a territory, now § 1.010, RSMo 2000, consisted of the statutes of England in effect before the fourth year of the reign of King James I, i.e., before 1607. At that time, the King was entitled to the property of a person dying intestate, and there was only a limited right to dispose of land by will. As a consequence, any “right” to receive property by...