Probate in Cole County

Probate Court Record

Cole County Circuit Court - Probate Division

Cole County · 19th Judicial Circuit

Phone

1-573-634-9177 (option 4)

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM

Office

301 East High Street, Room 305, Jefferson City, MO 65101

Self-represented filing

Allowed

Self-help forms

How to file probate in Cole County →

Verified October 16, 2026 · Source

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Cole County? →Settling an estate in Cole County →

Trust Litigation Firms Serving Cole County

Moberly firm with a second office in Columbia, serving mid-Missouri. Opens probate estates after a death, with or without a will, and litigates will contests, trust disputes over trustee misconduct, and probate disputes over distribution, executor misconduct, and creditor claims. Also drafts wills, trusts, and powers of attorney; estate consultations are free.

Serves 2 countiesFree consultationEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationTrust LitigationAsset Protection

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.

Serves the whole stateFree consultationEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate LitigationTrust Litigation+7

All 4 Missouri trust litigation firms serving Cole 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.

$12/month

Revocable Living Trust

Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.

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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 Do I Settle a Trust?

Settling a trust in Missouri happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's Uniform Trust CodeMo. Rev. Stat. § 456.1-101 et seq. (Missouri Uniform Trust Code)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 120 daysRSMo §§ 456.8-813, 456.10-1005Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.

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What's Fair Trustee Compensation?

In Missouri, trustee compensation follows "reasonable compensation" (UTC § 708 or equivalent)Mo. Rev. Stat. § 456.7-708Verified Sep 18, 2026View source unless the trust instrument sets a different amount.

Calculate the Fee

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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