Sikeston firm representing clients across Scott, Mississippi, New Madrid, Stoddard, Pemiscot, Dunklin, Butler, and Cape Girardeau counties. Its emphasis is estate planning, estate administration, and estate litigation: probating wills, administering trusts and non-probate transfers, and handling will and trust contests. Bruce A. Lawrence and R. Kye Lawrence offer a free initial consultation.
Sikeston is in Scott County.
Probate in Scott County
Probate Court Record
Scott County Circuit Court - Probate Division
Scott County · 33rd Judicial Circuit
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
131 South New Madrid Street, Benton, MO 63736
Website
E-filing
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
How to file probate in Scott County →
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Scott County? →Settling an estate in Scott 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.
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.
See the Steps
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.
See the Steps