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Home→Tools→Executor Duties Checklist→Missouri

What Are My Duties as Executor in Missouri?

Step-by-step guide for executors navigating probate, from filing the will to closing the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

An executor (or personal representative) in Missouri is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying and appraising assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.

The probate petition filing fee in Missouri starts at approximately $250.RSMo § 473.050 (will presentment), § 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), § 483.530 (probate division court costs), § 488.012 (uniform court cost surcharges)Verified May 14, 2026 Additional fees may apply for certified copies, recording fees, and publication of notice to creditors.

Missouri requires the executor to publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Known creditors should also receive direct written notice. Creditors have 6 months to file claims.RSMo § 473.050 (will presentment), § 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), § 483.530 (probate division court costs), § 488.012 (uniform court cost surcharges)Verified May 14, 2026 The executor is personally liable for distributions made before the claim period expires if valid claims go unpaid.

Missouri allows estates valued at $40,000 or less to use a Small Estate Affidavit.RSMo § 473.050 (will presentment), § 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), § 483.530 (probate division court costs), § 488.012 (uniform court cost surcharges)Verified May 14, 2026 The waiting period is 30 days after death. This avoids the need for formal probate and significantly reduces time and cost.

Missouri has a statutory fee schedule for executor compensation.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; court may award more for extraordinary services). Schedule is computed on personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded from the base.Verified May 14, 2026 Typical executor fees range from 2% to 5% of estate value. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Missouri executor fee calculator.

Probate costs in Missouri include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and potentially a surety bond. Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. The Missouri probate calculator provides a detailed cost estimate based on estate value.

Executor Duties in Missouri

Probate in Missouri begins with filing the will and a petition with the court. The initial filing fee is $250RSMo § 488.012(3)(16)-(20); COR 021.01Verified May 14, 2026. After appointment, the executor receives letters testamentary granting legal authority to manage estate affairs.

Creditors in Missouri have 6 monthsRSMo § 473.360Verified May 14, 2026 to file claims after notice is published. The executor must publish notice in a local newspaper and send direct notice to known creditors. For smaller estates under $40,000§ 473.097Verified May 14, 2026, simplified procedures may be available that bypass formal probate.

Missouri sets executor fees by statute, typically 2%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; court may award more for extraordinary services). Schedule is computed on personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded from the base.Verified May 14, 2026 to 5%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; court may award more for extraordinary services). Schedule is computed on personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded from the base.Verified May 14, 2026 of estate value. Executors can waive their fee or negotiate a different amount. See the executor fee calculator for a breakdown.

Simple estates in Missouri typically close in 6 monthsRSMo § 473.050Verified May 14, 2026 from the date of filing. Estates held in a revocable living trust skip probate entirely — the successor trustee handles distribution privately in weeks. The creditor claims guide covers notification deadlines for estates that do go through probate.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 14, 2026

Legal Sources

  • § 473.097
  • RSMo § 473.050
  • 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; court may award more for extraordinary services). Schedule is computed on personal property administered plus proceeds of court-ordered real property sales; unsold real property is excluded from the base.
  • RSMo § 473.360
  • RSMo § 488.012(3)(16)-(20); COR 021.01

Data sourced from Missouri statutes and official state code. How we research.

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Missouri Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Missouri probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

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