Probate in Howard County runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Howard County, settling their estate runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
Howard County · 14th Judicial Circuit
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
Part of 14th Judicial Circuit serving Howard and Randolph Counties. Probate Division direct line: 660-248-3326.
Verified July 5, 2026 · Source
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Howard County, probate runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division at #1 Courthouse Square, Fayette. The court sits in the 14th Judicial Circuit. Howard County shares the 14th Judicial Circuit with Randolph.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Missouri intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Missouri estates take 12 months to 18 months to move through this process. The 6 monthsRSMo § 473.360Verified Sep 8, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What probate costs in Howard County, Missouri comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division at #1 Courthouse Square, Fayette. The court is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit.
Missouri charges $115 - $565 (based on estate value)Mo. Sup. Ct. Op. R. 21.01(a)(12)-(13); RSMo §§ 488.012, 483.580Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
The Circuit Court - Probate Division accepts e-filing (https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=50531). Paper filing remains available for self-represented filers.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Missouri sets attorney fees by statute — a percentage of the estate's gross value. Every attorney charges the same schedule, so the decision to hire one comes down to complexity, not price.
Executor compensation is also statutory in Missouri. Family executors who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Missouri requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%RSMo §§ 473.157 (requirement), 473.160 (waiver by will)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in Missouri typically runs 12 months to 18 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
Probate documents in Howard County can be filed in person at the Circuit Court - Probate Division, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available. The court sits in the 14th Judicial Circuit.
How to File Your Documents
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationNot every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Circuit Court - Probate Division is realistic.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Howard County Self-Filing Assessment.
To file at the Circuit Court - Probate Division you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the Circuit Clerk & Recorder.
Deeds and other real property documents for Howard County are recorded with the Circuit Clerk & Recorder at 1 Courthouse Square, Fayette, MO 65248. Phone: 660-248-2194. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
The Circuit Clerk & Recorder charges $26 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page.
Howard County does not offer e-recording.
Recording Office Record
Howard County · Circuit Clerk and Recorder
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $26 |
| Each additional page | $3 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
RSMo 59.310.6(1), 59.319, 59.321, 59.800, 50.1190
Verified September 7, 2026 · Source
Missouri allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Howard 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 Howard 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.
FirmBoonville, MO
Boonville family practice serving Cooper County in probate and estate administration since 1979. Founded by Paul M. Wooldridge, who practiced here until his death in 2005; the practice continues under the Wooldridge family, with Wendy L. Wooldridge covering estate planning and family law.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationFamily LawProbate Administration
FirmMoberly, MO
Serves Randolph County and central Missouri from Moberly, with a second office in Columbia. Handles estate planning — wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives — and opens and administers probate estates, including intestate estates where no will directs how assets pass.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate LitigationTrust LitigationProbate Administration
FirmMoberly, MO
Serves Randolph and Carroll counties from offices in Moberly and Carrollton. Handles estate planning and guardianships, with probate work carried by attorney Jake Peak; founder Sidney Wheelan has practiced over 25 years. The Carrollton office came from a July 2025 merger with the Wendel Law Office, which brought in Joyce Wendel, a former Carroll County prosecuting attorney.
PracticesEstate PlanningGuardianshipProbate Administration
FirmSpringfield, MO
Springfield law firm helping families understand Missouri probate laws. Experienced lawyers handle probate in many county courts throughout Missouri, guiding clients from opening estates to closing them.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawAsset ProtectionProbate Administration
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.
Data sourced from Missouri statutes and official state code. How we research.
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Probate fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value, or net property after debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
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Step-by-step tools for families in Howard County, Missouri.
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