Missouri law 511.310, RSMo 2013, seems to be a rarely used, straight forward way to recover for property that the ex-spouse fails to return as ordered in a divorce judgment. However, the law does not limit itself to divorce judgments and applies generally. That statute provides:
“511.310. Damages in lieu of performance of judgment
When complete justice cannot otherwise be done, the court may, on the petition of the party entitled to the benefit of a final judgment, cause an inquiry to be made by a jury of the amount of damages which ought to be paid in lieu of the performance of the judgment, and may render a judgment for the damages so assessed, and award execution thereon.”
Perhaps an advisory jury would suffice instead of a full-blown jury trial.
In any event, 511.310 may be a viable and effective alternative to actions for contempt of court and conversion of property.
Kurt H. King
Law Office of Kurt H. King, 20 E. Franklin, Liberty, Clay County, Missouri
816.781.6000
Family Law–Child Custody, Support, Visitation, Dissolution of Marriage, Modifications, Paternity
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The Law Office of Kurt H King 