Hermann office of a Washington, Missouri firm practicing since 1983, drawing clients from Gasconade, Warren, and Montgomery counties. David Politte handles decedents' estates, will administration, small estate administration, guardianships and conservatorships, and will and trust contests. He has served as Hermann's city attorney since 2004.
Washington is in Franklin County.
Probate in Franklin County
Probate Court Record
Franklin County Circuit Court - Probate Division
Franklin County · 20th Judicial Circuit
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
401 East Main Street, Union, MO 63084
Website
Files probate
Probate Department
E-filing
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
How to file probate in Franklin County →
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Franklin County? →Settling an estate in Franklin 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.
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