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Named as Executor
What an executor actually does: getting appointed, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and where personal liability starts.
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Death of a Parent
A step-by-step guide to what happens after a parent dies: the documents to find, the certificates to order, and whether probate is even required.
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Loss of a Spouse
What a surviving spouse needs to do: death certificates, survivor benefits, whether probate is even required, and the tax election that expires.
Learn moreForms for Settling an Estate in Missouri
Free forms for settling an estate in Missouri: probate petition, small estate affidavit, creditor notice and closing forms. Prepare each form for Missouri.
Affidavit of Heirship
In Missouri, heirs put their identity on the land records with an affidavit of heirship recorded with the countyRSMo 490.370; RSMo 301.682; RSMo 474.250; RSMo 473.663Verified Sep 24, 2026View source; once recorded it is admissible as evidence of the facts stated.
Estate Inventory
In Missouri, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 30 daysRSMo §§ 473.233, 473.240Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Missouri, the personal representative is discharged automatically once the statutory period runsRSMo § 473.840.6; § 473.837; § 473.660Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required.
IRS Form 1310
Claim a refund due a deceased taxpayer on the official form, on the box the form routes you to, with what the form says to attach.
Letter of Instruction
Prepare the letter a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement, addressed to its claims department.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Missouri
Free tools for settling an estate in Missouri: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for Missouri.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Missouri sets executor compensation by statute — about $14,050 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 2.8%RSMo § 473.153(1) (statutory minimum: 5% first $5K, 4% next $20K, 3% next $75K, 2.75% next $300K, 2.5% next $600K, 2% over $1M, on personal property administered and court-ordered real estate sales)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Can I Self-File Probate?
Missouri has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is availableRSMo §§ 473.023 (court or clerk grants letters), 473.073 (clerk or court admits the will and grants letters), 473.047 (judge or clerk grants a certificate of probate), 473.065 (self-proved will)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
How Do I Get Letters Testamentary?
In Missouri, the Probate Division of the Circuit Court appoints the personal representative and issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; an informal (registrar) track is availableRSMo §§ 473.023 (court or clerk grants letters), 473.073 (clerk or court admits the will and grants letters), 473.047 (judge or clerk grants a certificate of probate), 473.065 (self-proved will)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Missouri, creditors have 6 monthsRSMo § 473.360Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Missouri pays the claims in 10RSMo § 473.397Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with costs.
How Do I Claim a Deceased Person's Unclaimed Property?
In Missouri, a deceased owner's unclaimed property is claimed from the Missouri State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property DivisionMo. Rev. Stat. 447.500 to 447.595 (Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act); RSMo 473.097 (small estate affidavit); 15 CSR 50-3.090Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. An heir claim needs proof of death plus proof of authority: probate documents such as Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration if the estate was probatedUnclaimed Property (Missouri State Treasurer)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
Hire a Missouri Probate Attorney
Browse 74 probate firms in Missouri with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
Missouri Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Missouri probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.
