Detailed answer — what Missouri law lets you do and how to enforce a court order

Short answer: Often yes — you can try to recover personal property removed by heirs before you took possession. Which court and what process you use depends on whether the property is part of a decedent’s probate estate and whether a court has already issued an order about possession. Missouri law provides civil remedies (replevin and damages for conversion) and court-enforcement tools (probate motions, contempt, and use of sheriff’s writs) you can use to get items back or get money for their value.

Key legal paths to recovery

1. If the items belong to the probate estate:

   If the property is estate property (part of the decedent’s assets), take the issue to the probate court handling the estate. The personal representative (executor/administrator) has duties to collect and preserve estate assets and to prevent improper removal. If heirs removed items before you took possession, ask the probate court to order return of the items or to award the estate their value.

   Missouri’s probate statutes and the probate court’s authority govern estate administration and enforcement. See the Missouri Revised Statutes for probate administration for the detailed rules that apply to estate property and fiduciary duties: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=474.

2. If a court already ordered possession:

   If a judge issued an order giving you or the estate possession of the house or of specific items, and heirs took items in defiance of that order, you can ask the court to enforce its order. Common enforcement steps include a motion to enforce or a motion for contempt. The court can issue an order directing return of the property, authorize the sheriff to seize and deliver items, and impose penalties for contempt if someone intentionally disobeyed the court’s order.

3. Independent civil remedies (replevin and conversion):

   If the items are your personal property (not estate property) or the probate court is not the right place, you can file a replevin action or a suit for conversion in the appropriate Missouri circuit court to recover possession or value. Replevin aims to get the physical items returned; a conversion claim seeks damages for wrongful taking or use.

   Missouri law provides for replevin and related remedies in civil court; see the Replevin provisions in the Missouri Revised Statutes: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=542.

4. Use of law enforcement and writs:

   If the court orders return, the court can also issue a writ directing the sheriff to take possession of the property and deliver it to you or the estate. Do not try to take the items back yourself; use the court’s order and the sheriff’s assistance to avoid escalation or criminal exposure.

How the process usually works — practical steps

1. Document what was removed: take photos, list serial numbers, note witnesses, and preserve any receipts or communications showing ownership.
2. Check the probate file and inventory: see whether the removed items were listed as estate assets or were described as belonging to a particular person.
3. Send a written demand for return (certified mail): a clear demand can sometimes resolve the issue and creates a record you can use in court.
4. If the estate’s personal representative failed to protect estate property, ask the probate court to compel the representative to recover items or to hold responsible heirs accountable.
5. If you already have a court order and the items were removed in violation of it, file a motion to enforce the order and, if appropriate, a motion for contempt. Ask the court for a writ directing the sheriff to recover the items.
6. If probate court is not the right forum, file a replevin action in circuit court to recover the items or a conversion claim for their value.
7. Work with law enforcement if the removal may be criminal (theft). File a criminal report if theft or other criminal conduct may have occurred, but also pursue the civil remedies to recover property or value.

Evidence you will need

• Photos and video of the items in the home before removal (if available).
• Inventory lists or estate filings showing the items as estate property.
• Receipts, titles, or other documents proving ownership.
• Witness statements (neighbors, movers, or family) who saw the items removed.
• Any court orders, probate filings, or communications that show who was authorized to possess the property.

Possible outcomes and remedies

• Return of the specific items.
• Monetary damages for value if items cannot be recovered (compensatory damages for conversion).
• Costs and attorney’s fees if a statute or court order allows fee-shifting.
• Contempt findings and sanctions against anyone who knowingly defied a court order.
• Criminal charges (separate from civil remedies) if an unlawful taking occurred.

Timing and practical considerations

Act quickly. The longer items are gone, the harder recovery becomes. Preserve records and move promptly to the correct court. If the estate is open in probate, start in probate court; if not, consider a replevin or conversion action in circuit court. Avoid confronting heirs directly or attempting to seize items yourself — use the court and law enforcement.

Relevant Missouri statutes and resources

• Probate administration and estate processes (Missouri Revised Statutes, probate chapters): https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=474
• Replevin and remedies for recovery of personal property (Missouri Revised Statutes, replevin chapter): https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=542

Helpful Hints — practical tips to improve your chance of recovery

• Preserve evidence immediately: photos, inventories, and receipts matter more than memories.
• Send a written demand for return before filing court action; keep proof of delivery.
• File in the right court: probate court for estate assets; circuit court (replevin/conversion) for personal claims.
• Ask the court for a writ directing the sheriff to recover items rather than trying to recover items yourself.
• If a court has already ordered possession, file a motion to enforce and request contempt sanctions if necessary.
• Consider both civil remedies (return or money) and criminal reporting if theft likely occurred.
• Get legal help early: an attorney can draft motions, preserve rights, and coordinate with the sheriff and probate court.
• Keep interactions calm and documented; heated confrontations can jeopardize your case and safety.