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Estate settlement · MO

Probate in Missouri.

The basics most families need to know. Not legal advice — see the official sources at the bottom of this page, or call a Missouri estate attorney for the specifics of your situation.

Small estate threshold

Estates under $40,000

Missouri's Small Estate Affidavit (R.S.Mo. §473.097) handles estates of $40,000 or less (excluding exempt property). Wait 30 days after death. Filed with the probate division of the circuit court.

Typical timeline

9–14 months for full probate

Missouri offers informal/unsupervised probate, which is typically faster and less expensive when the will is clean and the heirs aren't in dispute.

Missouri does not require an attorney for probate, though most families with non-trivial estates use one. Average legal fees: $1,500–$5,000.

Notable quirks

What makes Missouri different.

  • Missouri has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax.
  • Probate is heard by the Probate Division of the Circuit Court in each county.
  • Missouri offers 'Refusal of Letters' for very small estates — surviving spouse or unpaid creditors can collect assets directly without opening any administration.
  • Independent administration is available when all interested parties consent — minimizes court involvement.
  • Beneficiary deeds are valid for real estate (transfer-on-death).
Key forms

What the executor will file.

  • Petition for Letters Testamentary or of Administration
    Opens probate.
  • Small Estate Affidavit
    Estates up to $40,000.
  • Refusal of Letters
    Smallest estates — surviving spouse / creditor path.
Authoritative sources

For the actual current rules.

State rules and thresholds change. These links go to the Missouri courts and bar association — the source of truth for current forms, fees, and procedures.

Other states

We have probate guides for the 10 most populous states. Pick another:

CaliforniaTexasFloridaNew YorkPennsylvaniaIllinoisOhioGeorgiaNorth CarolinaMichiganNew JerseyVirginiaWashingtonArizonaMassachusettsTennesseeIndianaMarylandWisconsinColoradoMinnesotaSouth CarolinaAlabamaLouisiana

This page is general consumer guidance, not legal advice. For complex estates, contested wills, or jurisdiction-specific questions, talk to a licensed Missouri estate attorney.

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