What Does Estate Planning Cost in Missouri?

Major life events like marriage, divorce, or having a child often require updating your estate plan. Some providers require purchasing an entirely new plan, while others offer amendments. Attorney amendments in Missouri typically cost $1,428 to $2,856 for major changes.

Online services have lower upfront costs ($30-$600) compared to attorneys in Missouri (around $357/hour for trusts). However, total lifetime cost depends on subscription fees, amendment charges, and how often life events require updates. This calculator compares the full cost across providers.

Many online estate planning services charge annual subscription fees ranging from $0 to $240/year. These subscriptions may include document access, minor amendments, or attorney consultations depending on the provider and tier.

Trusts cost more upfront than wills but can save money long-term by avoiding probate. In Missouri, an attorney-prepared trust typically costs $3,570 to $5,355, while a will costs $984 to $1,968. Wills require probate, which adds about $31,315 in costs for heirs on a $500,000 estate. See a detailed breakdown with the Missouri trust cost calculator.

Probate on a $500,000 estate in Missouri costs about $31,315 — roughly 6% of estate value — including attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and publication costs.RSMo § 473.023 (court or clerk grants letters), § 473.047 (judge or clerk grants certificate of probate), § 473.050 (will presentment), § 473.065 (self-proved will probated without further proof), § 473.073 (clerk or court admits will and grants letters), § 473.090 (refusal of letters), § 473.097 (small estate), § 473.153 (fees; § 473.153(1) base = personal property administered + court-ordered real property sale proceeds), § 473.157 (bond), § 473.160 (bond waiver), § 473.233 (inventory deadline), § 473.360 (creditor claims), § 473.780 (independent administration), § 473.823 (independent-administration compensation), § 483.530 (probate division court costs), § 488.012 (uniform court cost surcharges)Verified Jul 14, 2026 Estates with a trust can bypass probate entirely, potentially saving heirs thousands of dollars. Estimate probate fees with the Missouri probate calculator.