How Much Does a Will Cost in Missouri?

Probate on a $500,000 estate in Missouri costs about $31,315 — roughly 6% of estate value — including attorney fees, executor fees, court filing fees, 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 These costs are paid by the estate before assets transfer to beneficiaries, reducing the total inheritance. Estimate the full cost with the Missouri probate calculator.

A will does not avoid probate in Missouri — probate is the court-supervised process that validates the will, pays debts, and distributes assets. Estates under $40,000 may qualify for a simplified small-estate procedure instead of full probate. A revocable living trust transfers assets to beneficiaries without probate at any estate size.

Online will services cost $30-$300 upfront compared to $984-$1,968 for an attorney in Missouri. Either way, the will goes through the same probate process. Total cost depends on subscription fees, amendment charges, and the eventual probate expenses heirs will pay.

Life events like marriage, divorce, or having a child require updating your will. Some online providers require purchasing a new document. Attorney amendments in Missouri cost $357 to $714 for minor changes and $1,428 to $2,856 for major restructuring.

Missouri has specific requirements for executing a valid will, including witness and notary rules. A will that does not meet these requirements may not be accepted during probate. See the full requirements with the Missouri signing requirements tool.