Boat left at new house

Ask a Lawyer

Question

Country: United States of America
State: MissouriAt the beginning of September, we moved into a house. The previous owner still has a boat in the back yard which he hasn't moved, after many requests to do so. Every place we've tried to get answers from tells us to ask an attorney. What do we need to do to take legal possession of the boat?

Answer

You may write him and give 30 days notice and have it removed by a storage company or by the police--much like a car is towed; have the police present when you do so. You normally cannot simply take it unless you seek a court order transferring title to you due to the abandonment--