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You can use a small estate proceeding in Missouri if: the value of the entire estate (all of the property the deceased person left behind) doesn't exceed $40,000. 30 days have passed since the death, and. no application for letters testamentary or administration has been granted or is pending.

The probate letter should begin with an introduction that outlines its purpose. This is typically to inform the recipient of the death and your appointment as the executor or administrator. Next, provide detailed information about the deceased. This could include their full name, date of death, and address.

First and foremost, there are a number of asset types that typically do not pass through probate. This includes life insurance policies, bank accounts, and investment or retirement accounts that require you to name a beneficiary.

By filing the affidavit, the affiant can avoid full, formal probate. With a simplified probate process, the typical small estate usually takes about two months to close. In contrast, regular probate takes no less than six months, often taking a year or more to complete.

If the deceased owner of a vehicle had not designated a Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary, the vehicle must go through probate before a transfer of ownership can occur.

To inform the Missouri Department of Revenue about a death, you can send a copy of the death certificate by mail or deliver it in person to any Missouri license office. If you're transferring the title of the vehicle, you'll need to fill out a Notice of Transfer (Form 5049) or a Bill of Sale (Form 1957).

In Missouri, you can make a living trust to avoid probate for virtually any asset you own—real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, and so on. You need to create a trust document (similar to a will), naming someone to take over as trustee after your death (called a "successor trustee").

A Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary is a simple way to transfer ownership of a vehicle after the titled owner has died. By naming a TOD beneficiary on your title application, you will avoid the need for the vehicle to go through probate upon your death.

Probate in Missouri: How It Works In order to go through the standard probate process in Missouri, an estate must be worth $40,000 or more. Those valued under $40,000 may go through simplified probate to distribute the assets.