Missouri · Estate & Probate
The Missouri Probate Law Guide
Understanding probate paths, key legal roles, Missouri-specific rules, and how to navigate the court process from start to finish.
2026-2027 Edition · Cited to Missouri law · Plain language
Paperback · $19.99
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Cited to the statute · Legal information, not legal advice
Missouri probate, explained from first filing to final discharge
Independent vs. supervised administration, the $40,000 small estate affidavit, letters, creditor claims, settlements, and closing the estate.
ABOUT THIS BOOK
When someone dies, the people left behind are often told the estate "has to go through probate," with little explanation of what that means in Missouri or how long it takes.
The Missouri Probate Law Guide explains estate administration in the Circuit Court, Probate Division. Missouri has not adopted the Uniform Probate Code, so its procedures and deadlines are its own. The guide explains the choice between independent administration, with minimal court supervision, and supervised administration, along with the small estate affidavit for estates of $40,000 or less under RSMo § 473.097.
It walks through each stage of a case, including:
• Applying for letters testamentary or letters of administration
• Publication of the notice of letters and the six-month creditor claim period
• Filing the inventory, paying claims in statutory priority, and filing settlements
• Spousal allowances, intestate succession, and the petition for determination of heirship
• Final settlement, distribution, and the order of discharge
It also explains which assets pass outside probate, why Missouri has no state estate or inheritance tax, and how will contests work. Separate sections speak to the executor or administrator and to heirs and beneficiaries, with checklists, comparison tables, a glossary, and sample outlines. Legal information, not legal advice.
WHAT’S INSIDE
- The Foundation: Missouri's Probate Code
- Who and What is Subject to Probate?
- Core Concepts and Terminology
- Thresholds and Deadlines: The Small Estate Exception
- Exceptions, Alternatives, and Defenses
- Rights of the Heir or Beneficiary
- Step-by-step procedures from each side, with deadlines at a glance
- 19 real-world questions and answers
- Statute index, key court decisions and official forms
- Toolkit: checklists, comparison tables, glossary and common mistakes to avoid
WHY READERS TRUST THIS GUIDE
Plain language. Cited to the statute. Dated so you know it is current.
Every rule is cited to Missouri law so you can verify it.
Cited, so you can check it
Every rule names the section of Missouri law it comes from, so you can read the source yourself.
Plain language, no filler
Written to be read start to finish by someone with no legal training, with worked examples.
Dated and updated
Each guide carries a law-current date and new editions ship when the law changes.
Bonus toolkit
Register your book for this topic’s checklists, worksheets and starter template, as soon as they are ready.
QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU BUY
Missouri probate process: what to know before you order.
Straight answers about what the guide is, what it covers and how it reaches you.
What is the small estate limit in Missouri?
A small estate affidavit is available when the estate, less liens, debts, and encumbrances, does not exceed $40,000 and at least 30 days have passed since death. The guide explains the RSMo § 473.097 procedure.
How long does probate take in Missouri?
Creditors have six months from first publication of the notice of letters to file claims, so an estate cannot close sooner. The guide explains typical timelines and what can extend them.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is legal information in plain language, cited to the law, so you understand your options and know what to ask. Reading it creates no attorney-client relationship.
Is it written for Missouri?
Yes. This guide is written for Missouri law and cites the Missouri statutes and rules it relies on. If your case is in another state, choose that state's edition.
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PLEASE READ
Legal information, not legal advice. STACKED LEGAL® is a publisher, not a law firm. Buying or reading this book creates no attorney-client relationship and promises no outcome. Laws change; verify current law and talk to a licensed attorney in Missouri about your situation.
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