Section 27.14 Distribution of Property

• Library: Family Law Deskbook and 2014 Supp

V. (§27.14) Distribution of Property

The court’s power to divide marital property located in Missouri is not hindered by lack of personal jurisdiction over an absent spouse. Chenoweth v. Chenoweth, 575 S.W.2d 871, 873 (Mo. App. W.D. 1978). But personal jurisdiction over both parties is vital to the enforcement of decrees dividing property located outside the state. Berry v. Berry, 620 S.W.2d 456, 458 (Mo. App. E.D. 1981); see §27.16, infra.

The concept of in rem jurisdiction provides the basis for the court’s authority to divide marital property located within the state even though the court lacks personal jurisdiction over one of the parties...