Missouri (January 1, 1981) in the Missouri Probate Code, 1 Terr.L., p. 411, 45, lists what inherited property is exempt from creditors. This list of items which are considered essential for living, revised numerous times through January 1, 1981, still contains that "family Bible" as in the original version:
<EXEMPT PROPERTY, FAMILY ALLOWANCE AND HOMESTEAD ALLOWANCE V.A.M.S. 474.250 Text of Code 474.250. Exempt Property of Surviving Spouse or Minor Children.
The surviving spouse, or unmarried minor children of a decedent are entitled absolutely to the following property of the estate without regard to its value: The family Bible and other books, one automobile or other passenger motor vehicle with its means of propulsion, all wearing apparel of the family, all household electrical appliances,...all household and kitchen furniture, appliances, utensils and implements. Such property shall belong to the surviving spouse, if any, otherwise to the unmarried minor children is equal shares.> 1981MO001
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
1981MO001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Missouri, January 1, 1981, in the Missouri Probate Code, 1 Terr.L., p. 411, Section 45, listing what inherited essential property is exempt from creditors; EXEMPT PROPERTY, FAMILY ALLOWANCE AND HOMESTEAD ALLOWANCE, V.A.M.S. Section 474.250. Exempt Property of Surviving Spouse or Minor Children. The Author's Comment in the Probate Code, p. 454, states: "An early draft of the revision to section 474.250 eliminated the family Bible and other books from the exempt property allowance with the intention of giving the testator the power to leave such property to persons other that his surviving spouse who, for example, could be a second wife, not the mother of his children, and consequently perhaps not the person to receive family heirlooms. However, in the final revision as adopted, the family Bible and other books were included in the exempt property allowance, rendering the revision identical to the predecessor..." Courtesy of Thomas A. Federer, Esq., 201 South 5th Street, St. Charles, Missouri, 63301, (214) 949-2424, fax (214) 949-9610.