Missouri Probate Guide: Starting the Process in St. Louis City

What Happened

Fritz Law LLC, a St. Louis probate firm, published a comprehensive guide explaining how families can start probate proceedings in St. Louis City, Missouri. The guide outlines the specific steps required when someone dies owning assets in their individual name, from determining whether probate is necessary through final asset distribution.

The firm's guide details Missouri's various probate options, including the $40,000§ 473.097Verified Jun 1, 2026 threshold for small estate affidavits, independent administration for estates probated within one year of death, and supervised administration when court oversight is required. The guide emphasizes that St. Louis City probate cases are filed at the Civil Courts Building at 10 N. Tucker Boulevard.

Fritz Law LLC's resource addresses common mistakes families make during probate, such as filing in the wrong jurisdiction, missing the one-year deadline for will presentation, and choosing inappropriate probate procedures. The firm notes that Missouri requires bonds for all probate assets in St. Louis City and stresses the importance of proper creditor notification and debt payment procedures before asset distribution.

What It Means

This guide highlights Missouri's structured approach to probate administration, which offers families multiple pathways depending on estate size and timing. Estates under $40,000§ 473.097Verified Jun 1, 2026 can use the simplified small estate affidavit procedure, avoiding full probate court supervision. This threshold applies to the net value of assets after liens and debts, providing significant relief for smaller estates.

The distinction between independent and supervised administration reflects Missouri's balance between efficiency and protection. Independent administration allows personal representatives to manage estates with minimal court oversight, typically completing the process in 12 monthsRSMo § 473.050Verified Jun 1, 2026 to 18 monthsRSMo § 473.050Verified Jun 1, 2026. Supervised administration requires more court involvement but provides additional oversight for complex or disputed estates.

Missouri's probate costs follow statutory (set by law)RSMo § 473.153(3) (statutory minimum: 5% first $5K, 4% next $20K, 3% next $75K, 2.75% next $300K, 2.5% next $600K, 2% over $1M; court may award more for extraordinary services). Per § 473.153(1) the base is personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded.Verified Jun 1, 2026 fee schedules, with attorney fees ranging from 2%RSMo § 473.153(3) (statutory minimum: 5% first $5K, 4% next $20K, 3% next $75K, 2.75% next $300K, 2.5% next $600K, 2% over $1M; court may award more for extraordinary services). Per § 473.153(1) the base is personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded.Verified Jun 1, 2026 to 5%RSMo § 473.153(3) (statutory minimum: 5% first $5K, 4% next $20K, 3% next $75K, 2.75% next $300K, 2.5% next $600K, 2% over $1M; court may award more for extraordinary services). Per § 473.153(1) the base is personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded.Verified Jun 1, 2026 of the estate value. The state requires surety bonds for personal representatives, though wills can waive this requirement. Court filing fees start at $250RSMo § 488.012(3)(16),(17),(20); COR 021.01(a)(12),(14),(17)Verified Jun 1, 2026, with additional costs for bond premiums, appraisals, and accounting services.

Context from SimplyTrust

Understanding Missouri's probate requirements underscores the value of advance planning. Families can estimate their potential probate exposure using tools like SimplyTrust's probate cost calculator, which provides state-specific estimates for attorney fees, court costs, and timelines. The calculator helps families understand whether their estate size and complexity warrant probate avoidance strategies.

Missouri residents can avoid probate entirely through proper estate planning. Revocable living trusts allow assets to transfer directly to beneficiaries without court involvement, maintaining privacy and reducing costs. For families facing immediate probate needs, resources like the executor checklist provide step-by-step guidance through the administration process, helping personal representatives fulfill their fiduciary duties while minimizing delays and disputes.

Source: Starting Probate in St. Louis City, MO: A Complete Guide - Fritz Law LLC