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Probate in Missouri typically costs 2%–5% of the estate value in attorney feesRSMo § 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, plus court filing fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and any required surety bond. Missouri sets attorney fees by statute, so the percentage is the same regardless of the actual work involved. Total all-in costs typically run 3-8% of estate value. The Missouri probate calculator gives a detailed estimate based on estate value.
Missouri allows "independent administration" (sometimes called unsupervised or informal probate), which lets the executor handle most estate decisions without ongoing court approval. The executor still files the will, inventories assets, and reports to the court, but doesn't need a hearing for routine actions like paying bills or selling assets. Independent administration typically saves both time and attorney fees compared to supervised probate.
Estate planning attorneys in Missouri average $328 per hourClio Legal Trends Report 2025Verified Jan 1, 2025 for wills and estates work. Flat-fee packages run roughly $984–$1,968 for a simple individual will and $3,570–$5,355 for a basic revocable trust. Online and DIY services cost $30–$300 for the same documents — see the will cost calculator for a side-by-side comparison.
Missouri allows estates under $40,000 to use a simplified Small Estate Affidavit procedure, which is a form rather than a court case and typically doesn't require an attorney. For larger estates, formal probate is involved enough that retaining counsel is usually practical — the procedural work is what they're there for. Use the Missouri probate calculator to estimate the costs.
In Missouri, the situations where retaining counsel is typically worth the cost are: blended families with children from prior relationships; ownership of a business, rental property, or significant investment assets; special-needs dependents who need a special-needs trust to preserve benefits; substantial property held in multiple states. If none of these describe your situation, the simpler online and DIY tools are often enough.
Search 3,941 estate law firms across 51 states.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to discuss your situation and verify their current practice areas and availability.
72 firms
Kansas City law firm specializing in estate planning, probate, elder law, and trust litigation. Led by Megan Alfano, the firm provides comprehensive estate planning and administration services including special needs planning.
Location
2300 Main St, Suite 900Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone
(816) 774-1107
Service Area
3 counties
St. Louis estate planning and elder law attorneys. The firm is owned by Charlie Amen, Paul Gantner, and Jackie Capriano, providing comprehensive estate planning services including Medicaid planning and LGBTQ estate planning.
Location
10733 Sunset Office Dr, Suite 425St. Louis, MO 63127
Phone
(314) 966-8077
Established
2012
Service Area
4 counties
Full service law firm established in 1996 serving Northwest Missouri in areas of criminal defense, family law, real estate, probate, and estate planning. Attorneys Robert E. Sundell and Steven E. Skinner have been serving the area since 1992.
Location
115 E 4th St, Suite 8Maryville, MO 64468
Phone
(660) 582-6633
Established
1996
Service Area
5 counties
Baker Law Firm serves Osceola and Clinton across Henry and St. Clair counties, handling estate planning, wills, trusts, and conservatorships, including planning aimed at keeping family assets out of probate court.
Location
620 2nd StOsceola, MO 64776
Phone
(417) 646-8125
Service Area
2 counties
One of the largest and most established law firms in Jefferson City, founded in 1965. Strong estate planning team within a full-service firm. Stephen Rehagen and Dean Cooper focus on estate planning, probate, and trust administration.
Location
312 E Capitol AveJefferson City, MO 65101
Phone
(573) 635-7166
Established
1965
Service Area
5 counties
Third-generation Lexington law firm established in 1951. With over 45 years of combined experience and three decades in estate planning, Gary R. Bradley and Douglas R. Bradley handle wills, trusts, probate, and estate tax avoidance.
Location
105 S 10th StLexington, MO 64067
Phone
(660) 259-2288
Established
1951
Service Area
6 counties
Cape Girardeau estate planning and business law firm. Kelvin Birk brings over 30 years of accounting and tax experience combined with 20+ years of legal practice, offering a unique perspective on estate planning and administration.
Location
2851 Professional Court, Suite CCape Girardeau, MO 63703
Phone
(573) 332-8585
Service Area
4 counties
Brookfield general-practice office handling estate planning, probate, and estate administration for Linn County families. Attorney John E. Casey pairs will and estate work with real estate and domestic-relations matters, the closest in-county option for the Brookfield and Marceline area.
Location
116 N Main St, First FloorBrookfield, MO 64628
Phone
(660) 258-7285
Service Area
2 counties
Chillicothe firm serving Livingston County and north-central Missouri since 1870, with historical roots in Linn County (Brookfield). Attorneys Robert Cowherd and Thomas Chapman handle probate and estate planning alongside real estate, business, and trial work.
Location
903 Jackson StChillicothe, MO 64601
Phone
(660) 646-0627
Established
1870
Service Area
4 counties
Carthage law firm established in 1977 serving the Joplin area and Southwest Missouri. Kevin Checkett brings 41 years of estate and trust experience with an AV rating; Tymon Bay focuses on estate planning, probate, and real estate.
Location
517 S Main StCarthage, MO 64836
Phone
(417) 358-4049
Established
1977
Service Area
4 counties