What Happens to Debt When You Die in Missouri?
In Missouri, creditors have 6 monthsRSMo § 473.360Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
The creditor claim period of 6 monthsRSMo §§ 473.033, 473.360, 473.380, 473.397, 473.403, 473.444Verified Oct 18, 2026View source runs from the first publication of the creditor notice, which follows the executor's appointment. Distributing assets before the period has run can leave the executor personally liable for a claim that arrives later.
Yes. Missouri requires publication of a notice to creditorsRSMo §§ 473.033, 473.360, 473.380, 473.397, 473.403, 473.444Verified Oct 18, 2026View source once a week for 4RSMo §§ 473.033, 473.360, 473.380, 473.397, 473.403, 473.444Verified Oct 18, 2026View source consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where probate is filed. The notice states the deadline for a claim and where to present it.
Missouri does not require direct notice to known creditorsRSMo §§ 473.033, 473.360, 473.380, 473.397, 473.403, 473.444Verified Oct 18, 2026View source, though sending it can start a shorter deadline for that creditor.
In Missouri, estate debts are paid in this order: Costs; Expenses of administration; Exempt property, family and homestead allowancesRSMo § 473.397Verified Sep 23, 2026View source, then the remaining classes. If the estate is insolvent, a class is paid in full before the next receives anything, and claims within a class share proportionally. The Missouri insolvent estate calculator walks the order against the assets.
Yes. Every claim in Missouri is barred 12 monthsRSMo §§ 473.033, 473.360, 473.380, 473.397, 473.403, 473.444Verified Oct 18, 2026View source after the date of death, whether or not notice was given. The bar is the final cutoff even where the executor never published or mailed a notice.
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Forms for Settling an Estate in Missouri
Free forms for settling an estate in Missouri: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Renunciation of Executor
In Missouri, a person named as executor may renounce the right to serveRSMo 473.113Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Affidavit of Heirship
In Missouri, heirs put their identity on the land records with an affidavit of heirship recorded with the countyRSMo 490.370; RSMo 301.682; RSMo 474.250; RSMo 473.663Verified Sep 24, 2026View source; once recorded it is admissible as evidence of the facts stated.
Estate Inventory
In Missouri, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 30 daysRSMo §§ 473.233, 473.240Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Missouri, the personal representative is discharged automatically once the statutory period runsRSMo § 473.840.6; § 473.837; § 473.660Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Missouri
Free tools for settling an estate in Missouri: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Missouri sets executor compensation by statute — about $14,050 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 2.8%RSMo § 473.153(1) (statutory minimum: 5% first $5K, 4% next $20K, 3% next $75K, 2.75% next $300K, 2.5% next $600K, 2% over $1M; where reasonable compensation exceeds the minimum the court shall allow additional compensation — extraordinary services not required). Schedule is computed on personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded from the base.Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Can I Self-File Probate?
Missouri has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is availableRSMo §§ 473.023 (court "or the clerk thereof ... shall grant letters testamentary and of administration"), 473.073 (clerk or court admits the will to probate and grants letters on the application), 473.047 (judge or clerk may immediately receive the proof and grant a certificate of probate), 473.065 (self-proved will probated without further proof)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
How Do I Get Appointed as Executor?
In Missouri, the Probate Division of the Circuit Court appoints the personal representative and the Probate division of the circuit court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; an informal (registrar) track is availableRSMo §§ 473.023 (court "or the clerk thereof ... shall grant letters testamentary and of administration"), 473.073 (clerk or court admits the will to probate and grants letters on the application), 473.047 (judge or clerk may immediately receive the proof and grant a certificate of probate), 473.065 (self-proved will probated without further proof)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Missouri pays the claims in 10RSMo § 473.397Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with costs.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Missouri costs an estimated $28,815RSMo § 473.153(3) (statutory minimum: 5% first $5K, 4% next $20K, 3% next $75K, 2.75% next $300K, 2.5% next $600K, 2% over $1M; where reasonable compensation exceeds the minimum the court shall allow additional compensation — extraordinary services not required). Per § 473.153(1) the base is personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded.Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees are statutory (set by law)RSMo § 473.153(3) (statutory minimum: 5% first $5K, 4% next $20K, 3% next $75K, 2.75% next $300K, 2.5% next $600K, 2% over $1M; where reasonable compensation exceeds the minimum the court shall allow additional compensation — extraordinary services not required). Per § 473.153(1) the base is personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded.Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
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Missouri Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Missouri probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.