Columbia firm serving clients throughout Missouri. Handles probate decedent estates from small estates to full administration, administers trusts after a death, and litigates will and trust contests, breach of fiduciary duty, accountings, and removal of fiduciaries. Also handles guardianships, conservatorships, and special needs planning; new probate clients get a complimentary consultation.
Probate in Howell County
Probate Court Record
Howell County Circuit Court - Probate Division
Howell County · 37th Judicial Circuit
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
106 Courthouse, West Plains, MO 65775
Website
Files probate
Probate Department
E-filing
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
How to file probate in Howell County →
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Howell County? →Settling an estate in Howell County →
Probate Litigation Firms Serving Howell County
Jefferson City practice of attorney Todd Miller, who serves clients across Missouri and has handled probate and estate disputes in more than 30 counties. Guides personal representatives through petitions, creditor payments, distributions, and court deadlines, and represents heirs in will contests and beneficiary disputes. Also handles Medicaid planning, guardianships, and conservatorships.
All 3 Missouri probate litigation firms serving Howell County →
Forms for Planning and Settling an Estate in Missouri
Free Missouri forms to plan or settle an estate: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed and the probate forms. Prepare each form for Missouri.
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Revocable Living Trust
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
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Last Will and Testament
In Missouri, a will is signed before 2RSMo § 474.320Verified Oct 18, 2026View source witnesses, and a self-proving affidavit signed with it lets the court admit it without witness testimonyRSMo § 474.320Verified Oct 18, 2026View source.
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Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Missouri
Free calculators and checklists to plan or settle an estate in Missouri: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay and taxes. Run each tool for Missouri.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Missouri costs an estimated $28,815RSMo § 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); § 473.153(1) (base: personal property administered)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees are 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); § 473.153(1) (base: personal property administered)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
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Who Inherits Without a Will?
Without a will in Missouri, a surviving spouse takes the first $20,000 plus half of the restMo. Rev. Stat. § 474.010Verified Oct 21, 2026View source when every child of either spouse is a child of both, and descendants divide what passes to them per capita with representationMo. Rev. Stat. § 474.020Verified Oct 21, 2026View source.
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What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Missouri, creditors have 6 monthsRSMo § 473.360Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
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How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Missouri: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 30 daysRSMo §§ 473.233, 473.240Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsRSMo §§ 473.033, 473.360, 473.380, 473.397, 473.403, 473.444Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 12 months.
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How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Missouri sets executor compensation by statute — about $14,050 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 2.8%RSMo § 473.153(1) (statutory minimum: 5% first $5K, 4% next $20K, 3% next $75K, 2.75% next $300K, 2.5% next $600K, 2% over $1M, on personal property administered and court-ordered real estate sales)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
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