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Home→Tools→Self-File Probate Assessment→Missouri

Do I Need a Lawyer for Probate in Missouri?

Find out if you can handle probate yourself, see estimated cost savings vs. hiring an attorney, and get a step-by-step filing checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can file probate without a lawyer in Missouri, though the process may require more effort depending on estate complexity.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 Jun 1, 2026 Many Missouri courts offer self-help resources and standardized forms.

Court filing fees in Missouri vary by county.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 Jun 1, 2026 Self-filing costs typically include the court petition fee, publication costs, and bond premiums. The filing fee is a fraction of total probate costs. See a full breakdown with the Missouri probate calculator.

Simple estates in Missouri typically take 6-12 months.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 Jun 1, 2026 The 6-month creditor claim period is the minimum timeline. Self-filed probate takes roughly the same time as attorney-filed probate.

Missouri allows Small Estate Affidavit for estates with personal property under $40,000.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 Jun 1, 2026 There is a 30-day waiting period. These procedures are simpler than formal probate and well-suited for self-filing.

The primary savings from self-filing come from eliminating attorney fees, which are the largest expense in most probate cases. Court filing fees, publication costs, and executor compensation remain the same whether an attorney is involved or not. The Missouri probate calculator shows the attorney fee component.

The probate process in Missouri typically involves filing the petition, notifying heirs and creditors, inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining estate. Each step has specific court requirements and deadlines. The Missouri executor checklist outlines every step from filing to final distribution.

Self-Filing Probate in Missouri

Missouri does not offer informal probate (No), which means self-filing requires more court interaction. UPC adoption: NoRSMo § 473.050Verified Jun 1, 2026. However, many Missouri courts provide self-help resources and standardized forms for pro se filers.

Self-filing eliminates attorney fees — the largest probate expense. Court costs ($250RSMo § 488.012(3)(16),(17),(20); COR 021.01(a)(12),(14),(17)Verified Jun 1, 2026), publication, and executor compensation apply regardless. See the probate calculator for a Missouri-specific cost estimate.

Estates under $40,000§ 473.097Verified Jun 1, 2026 in Missouri may qualify for simplified procedures that bypass formal probate entirely. These procedures are well-suited for self-filing and significantly reduce the paperwork and court appearances required.

The probate timeline in Missouri runs 6 monthsRSMo § 473.050Verified Jun 1, 2026 to 12 monthsRSMo § 473.050Verified Jun 1, 2026 for simple estates, whether self-filed or attorney-handled. Follow the executor checklist to stay on track through each phase.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated June 1, 2026

Legal Sources

  • § 473.097
  • RSMo § 473.050
  • RSMo § 488.012(3)(16),(17),(20); COR 021.01(a)(12),(14),(17)

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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Cost comparison vs. hiring an attorney

This tool provides general information about self-filing probate and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.

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