Probate and Trust Administration in St. Louis, Missouri
Losing a loved one is hard enough without having to work through the court system. Legal Hero guides personal representatives, trustees and families through Missouri probate and trust administration, from the first filing to the final distribution.
Our Probate Services
Our services cover the planning and execution of a will. When you draft your will, we make sure your wishes and instructions are expressed clearly, so your beneficiaries have peace of mind, will contests are less likely and asset distribution goes smoothly.
During the administration of an estate, we handle:
- Estate inventory and asset valuation
- Payment of debts and taxes
- Filing and handling probate proceedings in court, including preparation in case of a contest
- Resolving conflicts among executors, beneficiaries and other parties
- Detailed records of every transaction made on behalf of the estate, through final distribution
We make sure all applicable procedural requirements are met and work to simplify the process for you.
Which Probate Option Fits Your Situation?
Missouri offers several ways to settle an estate. The right one depends on the estate’s size, what it holds and how much time has passed.
| Situation | Usual option |
|---|---|
| Estate worth $40,000 or less | Small Probate (small estate affidavit) |
| Estate over $40,000, or disputes or significant debts | Large Probate (full administration) |
| Only real estate, more than a year after death, no probate opened | Affidavit of Heirship |
| More than a year after death, a court order on heirs is needed | Petition to Determine Heirs |
Trust Administration
Assets held in a trust pass outside probate, but the successor trustee still has work to do: gathering and valuing trust assets, paying final bills and taxes, keeping beneficiaries informed and distributing assets according to the trust’s terms. We advise successor trustees so they can meet their duties with confidence.
Principles
Customer service priority
Pricing Transparency
Compliance with applicable procedural requirements
Smooth probate process
Cutting unnecessary costs (money and time)
Navigating the legal system with ease
Why Legal Hero
David Koonce is a Missouri attorney and a CPA, so estate inventories, valuations and tax filings are handled with an accountant’s eye for detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a deadline to start probate in Missouri?
Generally, a will must be presented to the court within one year of death.
How long does probate take?
Most estates stay open at least six months because of the creditor claim period. Simple estates often close in six to nine months.
Does a trust have to go through probate?
No. Assets properly titled in a trust pass under its terms, though the trustee still administers the trust.
Recently lost a loved one or named as a personal representative? Call Legal Hero at 314-816-3081.