Information on Probate Court in Missouri

Probate Code

• The Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapters 472 to 475 governs probate. The Missouri Circuit Courts process probate matters in accord with these statutory provisions. It covers all probate matters, such as how to make a will, what happens if a part of a will fails, distribution of assets without a will and guardianships.
  
  

Probate rules

• The Missouri Rules of Civil Procedure guide the specific processes the Missouri Circuit Courts and attorneys practicing before them must follow. However, a judge may order some rules suspended if circumstances in a probate case warrant suspension.
  
  

Time Frame

• The time frame for a Missouri court to process probate depends on the estate. Complicated matters and large estates may take several months or years. However, small estates with less than $40,000 in value can be handled in a simplified process that can take as little as seven to 30 days.