How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Missouri?
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.
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. The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate; executors and beneficiaries may agree to a different amount, but the schedule is the default. Executors can waive the fee entirely or accept a reduced amount.
The Missouri statutory schedule for executor compensation is 5% on the first $5K, 4% on the next $20K, 3% on the next $75K, 2.8% on the next $300K, 2.5% on the next $600K, 2% on amounts above $1MRSMo § 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. This is the same schedule used for attorney fees. The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate, and extraordinary services may warrant additional compensation as the court approves.
In Missouri, co-executors receive one aggregate compensation apportioned by the court, capped at the lesser of 2 times the single-executor schedule or 5% of the estate. The cap does not apply for real property taken into possession under court order but not sold or extraordinary services.RSMo § 473.153(2)Verified Jul 25, 2026View source
Missouri requires a bond of the personal representative by defaultRSMo §§ 473.157 (requirement), 473.160 (waiver by will)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The requirement can often be excusedRSMo §§ 473.157 (requirement), 473.160 (waiver by will)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, by a waiver in the will, agreement of the heirs, or court order, depending on the state. If the court requires a corporate surety, the premium runs about 0.5%RSMo §§ 473.157 (requirement), 473.160 (waiver by will)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the bonded amount annually; most estates avoid it through a waiver or a surety-free bond. The bond protects beneficiaries against executor misconduct or mismanagement.
Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Missouri probate: attorney fees set by statute as a percentage of the gross estateRSMo § 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, and executor compensation follows the same scheduleRSMo § 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. Both are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. Estimate the attorney fee with the Missouri probate attorney fee calculator.
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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.
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 Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
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.
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.