Sullivan County uses Missouri's local-option fence law

Sullivan County uses Missouri’s local-option fence law. That is the first fact to know before splitting the bill for a fence along a rural property line. MU Extension includes Sullivan on its current list of local-option counties.

Under the local-option law, if either adjoining owner needs a division fence, both are obligated to build and maintain it. MU Extension explains the usual split as equal sharing, even if one owner does not keep livestock. The owners may also agree that no fence is needed.

An owner who wants a lawful division fence must notify the other owner. If the other owner does not build half within 90 days, the first owner may ask the associate division of the circuit court for an order to proceed and for payment of the other owner’s share.

The law has its own definition of a lawful fence, and not every fence or disagreement fits the division-fence rules. Before building, replacing, or billing a neighbor, compare the facts with Chapter 272 and MU Extension’s fence-law guide. A lawyer can help when ownership, notice, fence condition, or a large repair bill is disputed.