Missouri allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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.
FirmSt. Louis, MO
Since 2012 · Serves 4 counties
Serves St. Louis County and surrounding metro communities including Ballwin, Chesterfield, and Clayton. Represents executors, personal representatives, and heirs through probate and trust administration, from creditor notification and appraisals to intestate succession and contested will disputes over validity, undue influence, and testator capacity. Runs free public estate planning seminars.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawGuardianshipSpecial Needs Planningand 3 more
- Office
- 10733 Sunset Office Dr, Suite 425St. Louis, MO 63127
FirmSt. Louis, MO
Since 2018 · Serves 4 counties
Handles probate for families in St. Louis County, St. Louis City, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County. Filings run from application for probate of will, refusal of letters, small estate affidavits, and determination of heirship through independent and supervised administration, alongside guardianship, conservatorship, and probate litigation. The first conversation with a lawyer is free.
PracticesEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationGuardianshipProbate Administration
- Office
- 8909 Ladue RdSt. Louis, MO 63124
FirmFestus, MO
Serves 2 counties
Festus firm with a second office in Ste. Genevieve, serving Jefferson, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, St. Francois, and Cape Girardeau counties. The practice is led by family law and personal injury; the firm also lists probate estate and guardianship among the matters it handles. Evening and weekend appointments by request.
PracticesEstate PlanningGuardianshipFamily LawProbate Administration
- Office
- 386 Festus Centre DrFestus, MO 63028
FirmSt. Louis, MO
Serves 3 counties
Represents clients across the St. Louis metropolitan area, including St. Louis County, St. Louis City, Jefferson County, and St. Charles County. Works with administrators and executors through probate and estate administration and the responsibilities that come with the role, alongside estate planning. Initial consultations are free.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbate Administration
- Office
- 105 Concord Plaza, Suite 209St. Louis, MO 63128
FirmSt. Louis, MO
Serves 3 counties
Serves the southwest St. Louis metro from Old Tesson Road, where attorney Richard J. Keyes has practiced for more than 35 years. Handles estate and probate administration — wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and guardianship — and probate litigation over disputes that arise in administering an estate, including the validity of a will. The initial consultation is free.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationGuardianshipProbate Administration
- Office
- 12300 Old Tesson Rd, Suite 100-BSt. Louis, MO 63128
FirmSt. Louis, MO
Since 2015 · Serves 4 counties
Handles probate and trust administration for St. Louis families from its Dougherty Ferry Road office, collecting assets that passed without a beneficiary designation or trust. The first meeting is free, estate and trust administration meetings can be held in person or over Zoom, and the firm publishes its fee ranges on its own site.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate Administration
- Office
- 2705 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 200St. Louis, MO 63122
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.
