What to Do When Someone Dies in Johnson County, Missouri
Probate in Johnson 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 Johnson 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 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 Johnson County, probate runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division at 101 West Market Street, Warrensburg. The court sits in the 17th Judicial Circuit. Johnson County shares the 17th Judicial Circuit with Cass.
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 Johnson County
What probate costs in Johnson 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 101 West Market Street, Warrensburg. The court is part of the 17th 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.
How to File Probate at the Circuit Court - Probate Division
Probate documents in Johnson 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 17th Judicial Circuit.
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
Not 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.
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Records Access
Probate records for cases filed after June 6, 2005 accessible at Johnson County Justice Center, Circuit Court, 101 W. Market Street, Warrensburg. The 300 N. Holden courthouse is closed for remodeling; Circuit Court offices are at the Justice Center on W. Market Street.
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.
Transferring Property in Johnson County
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 Recorder of Deeds.
Deeds and other real property documents for Johnson County are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds at 300 N. Holden St, Suite 305, Warrensburg, MO 64093. Phone: 660-747-6811. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
The Recorder of Deeds charges $26 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page.
Johnson County accepts electronic recording through CSC.
Missouri allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Johnson 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 Johnson 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.
Sits across the street from the historic Lafayette County Court House in Lexington and has practiced there since 1951, now in its third generation with Gary R. Bradley and Douglas R. Bradley. Handles wills, trusts, and probate, and takes on step-family real estate disputes that surface while an estate is going through probate. A second office operates in Kansas City.
Warrensburg firm serving families in Johnson County and the surrounding central Missouri counties. Lance A. Riddle, Kristin Cerri, and Chance W. Riddle handle probate and estate administration, guardianship and conservatorship for minors and adults with disabilities, and either side of a will contest or fiduciary dispute. Initial attorney consultations are free.
PracticesEstate PlanningGuardianshipPower Of AttorneyProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
Sedalia solo practice in Pettis County, where Randy K. Sparks has lived and practiced since 1984. Files probate estates both under wills and under Missouri intestate law, including expedited small administrations, and prepares wills, trusts, living wills, durable powers of attorney, and beneficiary deeds. Initial consultations are free.
Warsaw law office serving Benton County, with sister offices in Clinton (Henry County) and Sedalia (Pettis County). Founding attorney Jeffrey Dull handles complex civil and probate matters; the firm also drafts wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and Missouri nonprobate transfers. Free initial consultation, by phone, video conference, or in person.
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.
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.
Living trust assets, and accounts with a named beneficiary or surviving joint owner. These skip probate; some states charge the court fee only on what remains.
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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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Johnson County Guides
Step-by-step tools for families in Johnson County, Missouri.
