How Much Does Probate Cost in Missouri? Full Fee Breakdown

Missouri probate costs typically run 3% to 10% of the estate's value — meaning a $300,000 estate can cost $9,000 to $30,000 to settle through the court system. The wide range depends on whether the estate uses independent or supervised administration, the county's filing fees, and whether any disputes arise.

Here's exactly where the money goes and what you can do to reduce these costs.

Missouri Probate Cost Breakdown

Court Filing Fees

Missouri's 45 judicial circuits set their own filing fees. Expect:

• Petition for Letters (opening probate): $75 to $260+, depending on the county. Rural counties charge on the lower end; Jackson County, St. Louis County, and Greene County charge the highest fees.
• Small estate affidavit: Approximately $68.50 (for estates under $40,000)
• Certified copies: $2 to $5 per page for court-certified documents

Attorney Fees

Missouri allows personal representatives to hire attorneys, and most do. Attorney fees for probate in Missouri follow several structures:

• Hourly rate: $200 to $400 per hour for most probate attorneys. A straightforward estate takes 15 to 30 hours, totaling $3,000 to $12,000.
• Percentage of estate: Some attorneys charge 3% to 5% of the gross estate value. On a $300,000 estate, that's $9,000 to $15,000.
• Flat fee: Available for simple estates. Ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 for uncontested cases with minimal assets.

The personal representative and the attorney negotiate the fee structure. Missouri does not set statutory attorney fee schedules, so always get a fee agreement in writing before engagement.

Personal Representative Fees and Bonds

The personal representative (executor) is entitled to "reasonable compensation" under RSMo Section 473.153. Common practice is 2% to 5% of the estate value, though many family members waive this fee.

Surety bonds: The court may require the personal representative to post a bond, especially if they're not a Missouri resident or if the will doesn't waive the bond requirement. Bond premiums typically run 0.5% to 1% of the estate value annually. On a $300,000 estate, that's $1,500 to $3,000 per year — and full probate often takes 6 to 12 months.

Publication Costs

Missouri requires public notice of probate proceedings:

• Full probate: Notice of Letters must be published once a week for four consecutive weeks in a local newspaper. Cost: $100 to $300 depending on the publication.
• Small estate affidavit (over $15,000): Publication once a week for two consecutive weeks. Cost: $50 to $150.

Appraisal and Valuation Costs

Real estate appraisals ($300 to $500), business valuations ($1,000 to $5,000+), and personal property inventories add to the total. The court requires a detailed inventory within 30 days of letters being granted.

Tax Preparation

If the estate generates income, a Missouri Fiduciary Income Tax Return (Form MO-1041) is required. An accountant typically charges $500 to $1,500 to prepare estate tax returns. Estates above the federal estate tax exemption ($15 million in 2026) require additional federal filing — though Missouri itself has no state estate or inheritance tax.

Total Cost Examples

"Complex" means contested wills, disputed claims, real estate in multiple counties, or business assets requiring valuation.

How to Reduce Missouri Probate Costs

Request Independent Administration

Under RSMo Section 473.153, independent administration lets the personal representative act without court approval for most transactions — selling property, paying debts, distributing assets. This dramatically reduces attorney hours because each action doesn't require a court petition, hearing, and order. Always request independent administration unless the will specifically requires supervised.

Waive the Bond

Include bond-waiver language in your will. If the will states that the personal representative serves without bond, the court typically honors this for Missouri residents. This alone saves $1,500 to $3,000 on a medium estate.

Keep the Probate Estate Under $40,000

This is the most effective cost-reduction strategy. Missouri's small estate affidavit under RSMo Section 473.097 allows estates valued at $40,000 or less to skip full probate entirely. Settlement takes 4 to 8 weeks instead of 6 to 12 months, and total costs drop to a few hundred dollars.

To get there, move assets out of your probate estate during your lifetime:

• Record a beneficiary deed on real property ($24 recording fee)
• Add POD designations to bank accounts (free at most institutions)
• Add TOD designations to investment accounts (free)
• File Form 108 to add TOD to vehicle titles ($8.50 title fee + $9 processing)

If your only remaining probate assets are personal property, household items, and a modest bank balance, the small estate path eliminates the bulk of probate costs.

Name a Resident Personal Representative

Non-resident personal representatives face additional bond requirements and may need to appoint a resident agent. Naming a Missouri resident avoids these added costs.

The Missouri Basic Estate Planning Kit includes a four-pillar probate avoidance system that coordinates beneficiary deeds, POD/TOD designations, and will provisions to keep your estate below the $40,000 threshold — potentially saving your family tens of thousands in probate costs.

See more Missouri guides →