Missouri Married

Like in most states, wills in Missouri are public documents. Once the person making the will dies, the will is filed in court and open for public inspection.

Mr. Rubin's Estate Planning Services range from $100 per form or from $500 to $1000 for a will package that includes legal counseling, a will, financial power of attorney, medical power of attorney, and living will. Trust packages cost $2500 or more.

While some states recognize handwritten wills, also known as holographic wills, Missouri does not recognize holographic wills as valid unless all of the statutory requirements are met, or the will is considered valid in the state where it was prepared and executed.552, 447 (Mo. 1920).

Fraud or Undue Influence A nonfamily caregiver forcing the testator to leave them an inheritance. A family member getting the testator to sign a will by pretending it is just a general legal document that needs a signature.

Capacity: The testator must be of sound mind. Signature: The will must be signed by the testator or by someone else in the testator's name in his presence, by his direction. Witnesses: A Missouri will must be signed by at least two witnesses who should not be beneficiaries, in the presence of the testator.

Although Missouri does not require a will to be notarized, most Missouri practitioners use two witnesses and a notary to make the will self-proving (see Drafting Note, Self-Proving Affidavit).

Missouri's Requirements for a Proper Holographic Will Despite their shortcomings, Missouri accepts holographic wills.The testator must sign the will. The testator's signature must be witnessed by two people who sign in the testator's presence.

No. You can make your own will in Missouri, using Nolo's do-it-yourself will software or online will programs. However, you may want to consult a lawyer in some situations. For example, if you think that your will might be contested or if you want to disinherit your spouse, you should talk with an attorney.