Missouri allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Cole County without hiring an attorney. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in Missouri are set by statute as a percentage of the estate's value, so every Cole 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.
FirmJefferson City, MO
Since 1965 · Serves 5 counties
Serves Cole, Boone, Miller, Moniteau, Osage, Camden, and Gasconade counties from Jefferson City. Represents personal representatives and beneficiaries in probate estates, advises trustees through trust administration, and handles smaller estates by small-estate affidavit or refusal of letters. Appointments can be scheduled in-office, by telephone, or by video conference.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawGuardianshipand 2 more
- Office
- 312 E Capitol AveJefferson City, MO 65101
FirmColumbia, MO
Serves 3 counties
Columbia estate planning and probate practice, where David Walker is also a partner at Ford, Parshall & Baker, drawing clients from Boone County plus Jefferson City, Fulton, and Boonville. Guides executors through Missouri supervised and independent probate administration and the state's simplified small-estate procedure, and handles trust administration. Consultations are free.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate Administration
- Office
- 3210 Bluff Creek DrColumbia, MO 65201
FirmJefferson City, MO
Since 2006 · Serves 4 counties
Jefferson City firm handling probate and estate disputes across mid-Missouri. Guides executors and personal representatives through filing petitions, paying creditors, distributing assets, and meeting court deadlines, and represents heirs contesting wills or in disputes among beneficiaries. Todd Miller has handled probate and estate matters in more than 30 Missouri counties.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawProbate Administration
- Office
- 1305 Southwest Blvd, Suite AJefferson City, MO 65109
FirmJefferson City, MO
Serves 10 counties
Solo Jefferson City practice serving Cole County and mid-Missouri. Handles probate and trust administration, wills and trusts, powers of attorney, and guardianship and conservatorship matters. Melanie Moffat has practiced law in Missouri since 1992 and opened her own firm in 2003.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationGuardianshipProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
- Office
- 507 E High StJefferson City, MO 65101
FirmJefferson City, MO
Serves 8 counties
Jefferson City firm serving Cole, Boone, Callaway, Osage, Moniteau, Morgan, Miller, and Camden counties. Advises trustees and personal representatives on their duties, handles guardianship and conservatorship appointments, and litigates estate cases to recover assets misappropriated by trustees, personal representatives, or family members. Also represents clients in will and trust challenges.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationTrust Litigationand 2 more
- Office
- 601 Monroe St, Suite 301Jefferson City, MO 65101
FirmColumbia, MO
Serves 3 counties
Columbia firm serving Boone County and mid-Missouri. Handles probate decedent estates, trust administration, and fiduciary litigation, along with guardianships and conservatorships, elder law, and special needs planning. New clients receive a complimentary initial consultation.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawTax Planningand 2 more
- Office
- 1109 Club Village Dr, Suite 101Columbia, MO 65203
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
