Real Property-Quiet Title-Adverse Possession

Staff Report//January 29, 2026//

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Defendant appealed the judgment in favor of plaintiffs in their quiet title action and the denial of his counterclaim for trespass and an injunction. Plaintiffs alleged they adversely possessed a one-acre tract. Defendant asserted that plaintiffs had trespassed on the property and sought an injunction to prevent future trespassing. The trial court determined that plaintiffs had adversely possessed 0.21 acres of the property and granted them title to that portion.

Where the trial court could determine that plaintiffs had met the statutory requirements for adverse possession of a smaller portion of the parcel than they claimed, there was no error in granting quiet title to a smaller parcel of property than plaintiffs sought.

Judgment is affirmed.

Williams v. Decker (MLW No. 84269/Case No. SD38974 – 7 pages) (Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, Growcock, J.) Appealed from circuit court, Pulaski County, Pearson, J. (Ronald Salvatore Ribaudo, Ballwin for appellant) (Teresa J. Williams, Richland and David Williams, Richland, respondents pro se)