Fence law decides who maintains a boundary fence

Missouri has a “fence law.” This law decides who must build and fix a boundary fence. A boundary fence is the fence between your land and your neighbor’s land. The rules can change depending on which option your county uses. This matters in Schuyler County, where farm animals and crop fields meet along many property lines. If you are new to rural land, this may surprise you. You may have to share the cost and upkeep of a boundary fence with your neighbor. A sagging, run-down fence is a common cause of arguments out here. So the fence may not be only your neighbor’s job. How Missouri fence law works here is worth learning first. The University of Missouri Extension explains the difference between the general fence law and the local option in plain words. The full rules are in Missouri statute. Sort this out early, before any animals get loose. It saves a lot of trouble with the neighbors you will live beside for years.