Standard processing in Missouri takes 4-8 weeks for mail orders; local offices usually fasterMissouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Bureau of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source. A funeral home's order at the time of death usually arrives first.

Missouri sets a statutory order for who controls the disposition of remains: military designee named on dod form 93, then surviving spouse, then surviving adult childrenMo. Rev. Stat. § 194.119Verified Jul 13, 2026View source. The state allows you to name your own agent in a signed, written documentMo. Rev. Stat. § 194.119 (via § 404.710 durable power of attorney)Verified Jul 13, 2026View source, and that designation takes priority over the default order. Those wishes can be recorded alongside the rest of an estate plan when you create a revocable living trust.

Missouri imposes no statutory minimum waiting periodMo. Rev. Stat. § 194.350Verified Jul 13, 2026View source before cremation. Person with right of sepulcher per § 194.119 (next-of-kin priority order), or the deceased via prior written authorization (including a preneed contract). Written authorization must be executed before cremation per 20 CSR 2120-2.071(2)(A).

Missouri allows estates valued at $40,000RSMo § 473.097Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less to use the Small Estate AffidavitRSMo § 473.097Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, which avoids full probate administration. In Missouri the affidavit is filed with the court, and holders honor the court's certified copy — but no letters testamentary or of administration issue. The waiting period is 30 daysRSMo § 473.097Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death.