Landlords in Missouri and elsewhere sometimes find themselves dealing with difficult tenants. If you have found yourself in such a position, you have a few ways of handling the situation. There are times when the issues at hand can be resolved quickly and easily....
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Stephen A. Martin, Attorney at Law
When estate planning, be careful with beneficiary designations
Putting together an estate plan is not necessarily difficult; it just takes time to get it right. Unfortunately, many Missouri residents do not want to take the time to go through the entire estate planning process. They think as long as they have designated...
Why might your HOA need legal counsel?
Running a homeowners association is not for the faint of heart. The purpose of these associations is good, but not everyone agrees with them or the rules they impose. HOA boards in Missouri often find themselves dealing with issues that require legal assistance. Here...
Landlord-tenant law: How the eviction process works
Kicking out a tenant is not an easy or pleasant thing to do, but sometimes it is necessary. Landlord-tenant law in Missouri allows for it under certain circumstances. When is it appropriate, and how does the eviction process work? It is legal to evict a...
Is DIY estate planning a good idea?
Numerous Missouri residents like to do things for themselves rather than consult certain professionals. Being a DIYer is okay for some things, but for others, it is not the best idea. Take estate planning, for instance. Putting together an estate plan may seem like a...
When a resident is encroaching on HOA common ground
Most communities in Missouri that are managed by homeowners associations have some areas of common ground. This is ground technically owned by the HOA and is for the enjoyment of all community members. Unfortunately, sometimes HOAs have to deal with residents...
No perfect time to get estate planning done
Many people in Missouri like to plan for the future, to some degree. Few, however, consider or worry about going through the estate planning process. It has its purpose, and there is no perfect time to get it done. The sooner one does it, the better. Some believe...
How to utilize special assessments
Homeowners associations in Missouri and elsewhere utilize collected fees to keep up community property. Unfortunately, there are times when those fees do not cover all community expenses. If allowed under community bylaws, special assessments may be collected to make...
Struggling with a tenant?
Being a landlord can be rewarding in a number of ways, but it can also be quite challenging as well. Despite one taking all possible precautions, there will be a time when one has to deal with a problematic tenant. It just happens, and that is okay. What does the...
Missouri estate planning: Do you have a health care directive?
No one in Missouri can predict the future. No one knows if or when they might suffer a medical issue that leaves them incapacitated. Sadly, it happens, and if one lacks the proper estate planning documents, one's wishes may not be known or honored. If a person becomes...