If someone's original legal document is lost or they can't get it, they can use a certified copy of it in court instead. The copy works just as well as the original, as long as someone swears under oath that the original is gone or out of reach.
490.390. Copies when original lost. — Copies of the of such s, and of the certificates of or thereof, by the of the county in which the same may have been as aforesaid, when it shall be shown to the court, by or of the wishing to use the same, or of anyone knowing the fact, that such instrument is lost, or not within the power of the party wishing to use the same, shall be with like effect and on the same conditions as the original instrument.
(RSMo 1939 § 1876)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 1712; 1919 § 5399; 1909 § 6343
Tap any gold-underlined word to see what it means.
Related Missouri laws
Deeds recorded thirty years before 1874
RSMo 490.380
Sheriff's deed in tax sale, evidence of what
RSMo 490.400
Recitals in deeds, evidence of heirship in certain cases
RSMo 490.370
Acknowledged instruments affecting realty
RSMo 490.410
Evidence of execution of real estate instrument
RSMo 490.360
Certified copy thereof read in evidence
RSMo 490.420
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.