Section 29.23 Observations and Comments

• Library: Family Law Deskbook and 2014 Supp

VI. (§29.23) Observations and Comments

Missouri does not appear to adopt the absolute bar to agreements between unmarried cohabitants described in Hewitt v. Hewitt, 394 N.E.2d 1204 (Ill. 1979). Missouri’s adoption of a no-fault dissolution-of-marriage statute and the abolishment of the crime of adultery are distinguishable from the Illinois legislative mandates cited by the Hewitt court. See Chapter 452, RSMo. But it should be noted that prostitution, or the exchange of sexual conduct for something of value, remains a criminal offense in Missouri. Sections 567.020 and 567.030, RSMo Supp. 2011. “‘Something of value’ means any money or property, or any token, object or article exchangeable for money or property.” Section 567.010(5), RSMo 2000.

In fact, Missouri courts have shown some...