Where do I file for probate in St. Louis city, MO?

Probate petitions for estates in St. Louis city are filed at the St. Louis city Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in St. Louis city?

Probate filing fees in St. Louis city, Missouri vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in St. Louis city?

While not always legally required in Missouri, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Missouri, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The St. Louis city Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

St. Louis city Probate Court, Missouri

Q: How long does probate take in Missouri?

Probate in Missouri typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Court Location & Contact

Address

10 North Tucker Boulevard St. Louis, Missouri 63101

Phone

314-622-4238

Fax

314-622-4498

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

St. Louis city, Missouri

Fee Type	Amount
Application for Probate Will	$100.50
Application for Letters of Administration, Independent or Supervised Administration	$195.50
Application for Letters Testamentary, Independent or Supervised Administration	$230.50
Application for Refusal of Letters, Creditor, Spousal or Minor	$100.50
Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate, without a Will	$100.50
Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate and Application for Probate of Will (2 separate applications required)	$135.50
Depositing a will during testator's lifetime	$3.00

Judges & Officers

JM

Jill M. Hanley (Probate Court Commissioner)

KB

Kevin B. Anderson (Probate Court Deputy Commissioner)

PE

Patrick E. Richmond

KJ

Karma Johnson

MJ

Michael J. Colona

RM

Rochelle M. Woodiest

BA

Brooke A. Hurst

NC

Nicole Colbert-Botchway

MR

Michael R. Dauphin

Court Documents & Links

Local Rulesrules

Probate Guide

Probate in St. Louis city, Missouri

The St. Louis city Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in St. Louis city, MO, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Missouri, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Missouri?

Probate is generally required when:

The deceased owned real estate solely in their name
The estate contains assets above Missouri's small estate threshold
There are disputes among heirs or creditors
Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in St. Louis city

Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate
File a petition with the St. Louis city Probate Court to open probate
Notify heirs and creditors as required by Missouri law
Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities
Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds
Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws
Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Missouri, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Missouri does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with St. Louis city Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the St. Louis city Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Additional Notes

The Probate Division is located on the 10th floor of the Civil Courts Building. You can obtain probate case information by mail or fax. To access historical Probate Court records, use the Missouri State Archives County and Municipal Records Database. These records are not searchable by name or subject but can be browsed by county (St. Louis City), office (Probate Court), record type, and date.

St. Louis city