What is Probate?
Probate refers to the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves distributing assets and paying debts. Explore our templates specific to Missouri for your needs.
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Missouri Probate
Probate involves managing a deceased person's estate. Our attorney-drafted templates are quick and easy to complete.
Common Missouri Probate documents
- Petition for Probate — initiates the probate process in court.
- Letters Testamentary — authorizes an executor to manage the estate.
- Letters of Administration — allows an administrator to handle the estate without a will.
- Inventory of Assets — lists all the assets in the deceased's estate.
- Final Accounting — summarizes financial transactions during the probate process.
Probate forms by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Popular forms
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Small Estate Affidavit for Estates under 40,000Use this document to efficiently claim a decedent's assets when the estate value is below $40,000, streamlining the probate process.
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Heirship Affidavit - DescentEstablishes heirship for a deceased individual, vital for settling estates without a will.
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Bond of Distributees With Corporate SuretyObtain a surety bond to secure the estate assets for distributees, ensuring compliance with legal obligations after a decedent's passing.
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Demand to Produce Copy of Will from Heir to Executor or Person in Possession of WillRequest a copy of a deceased person's Will to ensure proper estate management and fulfillment of legal rights.
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Petition To Dispense With ConservatorshipUsed to request the termination of a conservatorship for a minor, allowing their property to be managed without a conservator.
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Notice of Filing of Final Settlement and Petition For DistributionIndicate the final settlement of an estate and facilitate distribution to heirs or beneficiaries after a person's death.
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Application of Surviving Spouse For Family AllowanceRequest financial support for a surviving spouse and dependents after a loved one's passing. Ensure necessary living expenses are covered during estate settlement.
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Notice to Beneficiaries of being Named in WillNotify beneficiaries of their status in a will after someone passes away, ensuring they receive essential information about their inheritance.
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Designation of Resident AgentDesignate an agent for service of process in Missouri probate matters to simplify communication regarding an estate.
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Bond of Personal Representative With Corporate SuretySecurely appoint a personal representative for an estate with a corporate surety bond, ensuring fiduciary responsibility.
Find a form
Similar documents: key differences
- Executor vs. Administrator — An executor is named in a will, while an administrator is appointed by the court.
- Will vs. Trust — A will directs asset distribution after death; a trust manages assets during life and after death.
- Letters Testamentary vs. Letters of Administration — The former is for estates with a will; the latter is for those without.
- Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets — Probate assets go through court; non-probate assets transfer directly to beneficiaries.
Key legal points
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Probate is necessary for distributing a deceased person’s estate.
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Not all assets require probate, such as those in a trust.
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Probate can involve court hearings and public records.
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An executor or administrator is responsible for estate management.
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Probate procedures may vary by state.
How to get started
Begin quickly with these simple steps.
- Find a template or package that fits your situation.
- Review the description, preview, and signing requirements.
- Get full access with a subscription.
- Complete it in the online editor.
- Export or send: download, email, USPS mail, notarize online, or send for e-signature (Premium).
FAQs
A trust can help avoid probate and manage assets more efficiently.
If no action is taken, the estate may go through probate automatically.
It's wise to review your estate plan every few years or after major life changes.
Beneficiary designations can override your will, directly transferring assets.
Yes, you can designate separate agents for financial and health care decisions.
Glossary
- Probate - The legal process of settling a deceased person's estate.
- Executor - The person named in a will to manage estate tasks.
- Administrator - A court-appointed individual to manage an estate without a will.
- Intestate - Dying without a valid will in place.
- Beneficiary - An individual entitled to receive assets from an estate.
- Asset - Any property or resource owned by an individual.
- Will - A legal document stating how a person's assets should be distributed.
- Trust - A fiduciary arrangement allowing a third party to manage assets.
- Inventory - A detailed list of all assets in an estate.
- Estate - All the money and property owned by an individual at death.