How Do I Find a Probate Attorney in Callaway County, Missouri?
When to consider hiring help, what to look for in a probate attorney, and firms serving Callaway County.
We found 7 estate law firms serving Callaway County. Callaway County is part of the Columbia & Mid-Missouri region.
These firms handle estate administration, will contests, trust litigation, and other probate matters in Callaway County Circuit Court - Probate Division.
Missouri uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Callaway County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in Missouri are set by statute as a percentage of the estate's value, so every Callaway County attorney charges the same schedule. Price isn't the variable — experience with the Circuit Court - Probate Division and responsiveness are.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Circuit Court - Probate Division, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Columbia & Mid-Missouri Firms
Brydon, Swearengen & England P.C.
FirmOne of the largest and most established law firms in Jefferson City, founded in 1965. Strong estate planning team within a full-service firm. Stephen Rehagen and Dean Cooper focus on estate planning, probate, and trust administration.
Location
312 E Capitol AveJefferson City, MO 65101
Phone
(573) 635-7166
Established
1965
Service Area
5 counties
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationElder LawTrust AdministrationGuardianshipBusiness Law
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David W. Walker Attorney At Law (Ford, Parshall & Baker)
FirmColumbia estate planning attorney with over three decades of experience. David Walker of Ford, Parshall & Baker provides counsel in estate planning, wills, trusts, power of attorney, and probate matters.
Location
3210 Bluff Creek DrColumbia, MO 65201
Phone
(573) 285-2047
Service Area
3 counties
Estate PlanningProbate Administration
Free consultationVisit site
Melanie G. Moffat LLC
FirmJefferson City law firm with over 34 years of experience. Attorney Melanie Moffat provides estate planning, probate, trusts, and wills services to a wide swath of central Missouri counties.
Location
507 E High StJefferson City, MO 65101
Phone
(573) 636-0200
Service Area
10 counties
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
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Newman, Comley & Ruth P.C.
FirmJefferson City firm (with a Columbia office) serving mid-Missouri. Handles estate administration and settlement, guardianship and conservatorship appointments, and advising trustees and personal representatives, plus will and trust contests and estate litigation to recover assets from a trustee or family member.
Location
601 Monroe StJefferson City, MO 65101
Phone
(573) 634-2266
Service Area
8 counties
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationEstate LitigationBusiness Law
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Simmons, Henderson & Associates LLC
FirmColumbia law firm with advanced tax credentials specializing in estate planning, estate and trust administration, tax planning, and elder law. Jason Simmons holds an LL.M. in taxation and Amy Henderson holds a CFTA designation.
Location
1109 Club Village Dr, Suite 101Columbia, MO 65203
Phone
(573) 447-3355
Service Area
3 counties
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationBusiness LawTax PlanningElder LawProbate Administration
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Law Office of Todd Miller, LLC
FirmJefferson City law firm established in 2006, focusing on estate planning, probate administration, elder law, and trust administration. Attorney Todd Miller has litigated cases in over 30 Missouri counties.
Location
1305 Southwest Blvd, Suite AJefferson City, MO 65109
Phone
(573) 634-2838
Established
2006
Service Area
4 counties
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationElder LawTrust Administration
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Statewide Practices
These firms serve clients throughout Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The Missouri self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
Missouri sets probate attorney fees by statute. Callaway County attorneys charge the same schedule as the rest of the state — there is no county-level variation. Use the probate cost calculator to see the dollar amount for your estate size.
Files the petition, publishes required notices, helps with the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. The attorney represents the personal representative, not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if disputes arise.
Referrals from an estate planning attorney you already work with are the best source. Bar association directories are second. Avoid attorneys who won't quote a fee structure up front or who won't explain whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures.
Yes — by avoiding probate altogether. A revocable living trust removes the estate from court jurisdiction, which removes the need for a probate attorney at settlement time. Create a revocable trust online for about what one hour of probate-attorney time costs.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to discuss your situation and verify their current practice areas and availability. Information last verified: June 2026.
Circuit Court - Probate Division
Callaway County
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
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