Mo. Rev. Stat. § 452.190: Authorization by court to sell property.

When any married person shall abandon his or her spouse, or from worthlessness, drunkenness or other cause fail to make sufficient provision for his or her support, the circuit court of the county where he or she has his or her home and residence may, on his or her petition, authorize him or her to sell and convey his or her real estate, or any part thereof, and also any personal estate which shall, at the time, have come to such person by reason of the marriage, and which may remain within the state undisposed of by him.