Estate Planning & Probate in St. Louis County, Missouri
Most St. Louis County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local Circuit Court - Probate Division details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Circuit Court - Probate Division, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in St. Louis County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a St. Louis County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in St. Louis County→The Probate Process in St. Louis County
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 St. Louis County, probate runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division at 105 South Central Avenue, Clayton. The court sits in the 21st Judicial Circuit.
Full St. Louis Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Circuit Court - Probate Division
St. Louis County · 21st Judicial Circuit
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Recorder of Deeds
St. Louis County · Recorder of Deeds
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$26 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $29; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 7, 2026 · Source
Missouri Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in St. Louis County.
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