Missouri requires 2 witnesses present when the testator signsRSMo § 474.320Verified Sep 16, 2026View source. A gift to a witness who is also a beneficiary can be voided or reducedRSMo § 474.330Verified Sep 16, 2026View source in Missouri, so the usual practice is disinterested witnesses.
No. Missouri does not require notarization for a will to be validRSMo § 474.320Verified Sep 16, 2026View source. The notary's role is the self-proving affidavitRSMo § 474.320Verified Sep 16, 2026View source, a notarized statement the testator and witnesses sign with the will so it enters probate without locating the witnesses; the form includes it.
Missouri requires 2RSMo § 459.015 (optional living will form only)Verified Oct 15, 2026View source witnesses, each at least 18 yearsRSMo § 459.015 (optional living will form only)Verified Oct 15, 2026View source old and present when you sign.
No. Missouri does not require witnesses for a financial power of attorneyRSMo §§ 404.700-404.735Verified Sep 18, 2026View source; the notary acknowledgment is the execution formality.
An independent personal representative (authorized by the will or by consent of all heirs and devisees, RSMo § 473.780) closes the estate by filing a statement of account under § 473.840 — a complete accounting of receipts and disbursements, a statement that claims, expenses, and taxes are paid, and a schedule of proposed distribution — with 29 days’ published notice and a 20-day objection window; if no proceeding is commenced within six months after it is filed, the representative is discharged by operation of law with no court orderRSMo §§ 473.540, 473.583, 473.587, 473.590, 473.597, 473.610, 473.617, 473.660, 473.780, 473.837, 473.840, 473.843Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.