A certified copy of an old recorded document cannot be used as evidence in court unless someone has proven that the original document was real and properly signed. The one exception is if the record was made 30 or more years ago — in that case, the certified copy can be used without proving the original.
490.350. Copies of s. — of such s as are contemplated in section 490.340 shall not be until the of the original instrument or instruments from which such records are made has been , except where the record has been made thirty years or more prior to the time of offering the certified copies in .
(RSMo 1939 § 1846, A.L. 1959 S.B. 113)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 1682; 1919 § 5369; 1909 § 6314
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Related Missouri laws
Evidence of execution of real estate instrument
RSMo 490.360
Certain recorded instruments to impart notice, when
RSMo 490.340
Recitals in deeds, evidence of heirship in certain cases
RSMo 490.370
Evidence offered to reject such copy
RSMo 490.330
Deeds recorded thirty years before 1874
RSMo 490.380
Copy of deed, when evidence
RSMo 490.320
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.