How Do I File Probate in St. Louis County, Missouri?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the Circuit Court - Probate Division—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
Probate documents in St. Louis 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 21st Judicial Circuit.
Your Filing Options
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.
View E-Filing InformationCan You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the Circuit Court - Probate Division is realistic for your situation.
For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full St. Louis County Self-Filing Assessment.
In-Person Filing
The Circuit Court - Probate Division is located at 105 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105. Phone: 314-615-8029. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm.
What to Bring
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.
Court Resources
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Circuit Court - Probate Division website.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Circuit Court - Probate Division in St. Louis County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($250). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. St. Louis County uses the standard Missouri probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
Missouri permits self-representation, but formal probate procedures make it impractical for most families. The Circuit Court - Probate Division staff can accept filings but cannot give legal advice. Check the Missouri self-filing assessment before deciding.
Yes. The Circuit Court - Probate Division in St. Louis County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
Circuit Court - Probate Division
St. Louis County
105 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
Phone:
314-615-8029Fax:
314-615-8739
Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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