How Much Does Probate Cost in Missouri? (2026 Guide)

By Susan Jackson · Published 2026-05-30 · 8 min read

Complete breakdown of probate costs in Missouri: court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, bond, publication, and how to save with the $40,000 small-estate shortcut.

The single most-asked question we hear from Missouri families: "How much is probate actually going to cost us?" It's a fair worry. Probate in Missouri can range from a few hundred dollars for a small estate to 5%–10% of the estate's value for a full formal probate with attorney involvement.

Here's exactly what to expect — court fees, attorney fees, executor fees, bond, publication, appraisal, and how to keep the total down.

Quick answer: total probate cost in Missouri

These numbers assume an uncontested estate. Will contests, real estate in multiple states, or disputes between heirs can easily double the total.

1. Court filing fees

Filing the initial petition in the Probate Court costs $200–$600 (filing the petition; varies by county). Additional motions, accountings, and the final distribution petition each carry their own fees, usually $50–$200 apiece.

You'll also pay $10–$25 per certified copy of letters testamentary, and most estates need 5–10 certified copies to present to banks, the DMV, and title companies.

2. Attorney fees — usually the biggest line item

Missouri is a statutory-fee state for probate attorneys.

Missouri uses a graduated statutory schedule: 5% on the first $5,000 down to 2% above $1M. Used for both attorney and personal-representative fees unless the will overrides.

For most families, this is the single largest line item. A simple $400,000 estate in Missouri typically runs $8,000–$20,000 in attorney fees alone under the statutory schedule.

3. Executor / personal representative fees

In Missouri, executor compensation is 5% on first $5,000, 4% on next $20,000, declining thereafter. Many family executors waive this fee, especially when they're also a beneficiary — taking the fee makes it taxable income, whereas an inheritance is generally tax-free.

If you do take the fee, log every hour. Afterly Plan's Time Tracker is built for exactly this — categorize billable vs unskilled hours and export a clean report at the end.

4. Bond, publication, and appraisal

Bond: Yes, unless waived. When required, surety bonds typically cost 0.5%–1% of the bonded amount per year (e.g. $250–$500/year on a $50,000 bond).

Publication / creditor notice: $100–$500 (creditor notice in a local newspaper). Missouri requires 6 months from first publication for creditors to file claims — the published notice starts that clock.

Appraisal: $300–$1,000 (more for unique assets like art, businesses, or mineral rights). Required for real estate, businesses, and any asset whose value isn't obvious from a statement.

5. The small-estate shortcut

Missouri's small estate threshold is $40,000. Estates under this value can usually skip formal probate entirely using a simplified affidavit process — court costs drop to $50–$200 and the entire process can finish in a few weeks with no attorney required.

If your loved one's estate qualifies, always take this route. We see families pay attorneys $5,000+ for a probate they didn't need because no one told them the threshold.

6. Missouri estate and inheritance tax

Missouri does not levy a state estate or inheritance tax, which keeps total settlement costs lower than in states that do. Federal estate tax only applies to estates above $13.99M (2025).

How to keep probate costs down in Missouri

1. Check the small-estate threshold first — $40,000 in Missouri. If you qualify, skip formal probate entirely.
2. Get 2–3 attorney quotes. Fees vary wildly even within the same county. Flat-fee arrangements are usually cheaper than hourly for simple estates.
3. Do the legwork yourself. Gathering account statements, contacting creditors, and managing notifications doesn't require an attorney — and that's where most billable hours pile up. Our free document finder walks you through it.
4. Waive the executor fee if you're also a beneficiary — your inheritance is tax-free; the fee isn't.
5. File the will on time. Missouri requires it 1 year after death; missing the deadline can trigger penalties or personal liability.
6. Use the right court. All Missouri probate matters go through the Probate Court.

Tools that cut Missouri probate costs

Afterly Plan gives you the structured system Missouri probate attorneys use — without the $300/hour bill:

• Interactive checklist — every probate task in the right order, prioritized for Missouri's rules
• Document templates — every notification letter, executor form, and inventory the court needs
• Bills tracker — track creditor claims and ongoing estate expenses
• Time tracker — log your executor hours for reimbursement
• Ann, the AI assistant — ask Missouri-specific probate questions any time

Premium is $9.95/month, cancel anytime — less than one billable minute of attorney time.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a simple probate cost in Missouri? For an uncontested estate worth $100K–$500K with no real estate disputes, expect $3,000–$15,000 total — most of that going to the probate attorney.

Can I do Missouri probate without a lawyer? Yes, especially for small estates under $40,000 or straightforward estates with no real property. The Probate Court accepts pro se (self-represented) filings.

How long does probate take in Missouri? Simple estates close in 6–12 months. The creditor notice period alone is 6 months from first publication, and the inventory is due 30 days after appointment.

Who pays for probate in Missouri? All costs come out of the estate before any distributions to beneficiaries. Heirs almost never pay out of pocket — the estate's assets cover everything.

This guide is general information about Missouri probate costs, not legal advice. Probate costs vary by county, attorney, and estate complexity. For specific advice about your situation, consult a licensed Missouri probate attorney.

Published by Afterly Plan. This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Consult a licensed professional for guidance specific to your situation.