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Use This County Probate Reference Before You File

This page is built for the detailed county-level checks that generic probate guides usually miss: local filing fees, Circuit Court probate division contact details, administrative orders, e-filing rules, and hearing logistics for Crawford County.

Local Fee Schedule

Review county-specific probate filing charges before you estimate total case cost.

Court Rules and Orders

Check the local rules, judge procedures, and administrative orders that can change how a case moves.

Clerk and Filing Logistics

Confirm where to file, whether e-filing is allowed, and how hearings or notices are handled locally.

Crawford County Circuit Court probate division Guide

42nd Judicial Circuit of Missouri · Circuit Court probate division information · Updated July 2026

573-775-2149Circuit Court probate division

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Filing & Fees

Fee Schedule Signals

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Probate Filing Fees

Filing TypeFee
Small Estate Affidavit
For estates under threshold (no court filing needed)
$35

Note: Missouri probate court costs are set statewide by Missouri Court Operating Rule 21.01 (effective September 1, 2023) under RSMo 488.010 to 488.020, and are collected by the clerk of the Probate Division of the Circuit Court. Opening a decedent's estate (original letters testamentary or of administration) is a graduated court cost: $115 when the final inventory value of the real and personal property is $50,000 or less, plus $50 for each additional $50,000 of inventory value up to $500,000, capped at $565 total (COR 21.01(a)(12)); that fee includes one certified copy of the letters. Admitting a will to probate adds $35 (COR 21.01(a)(17)). Collection of a small estate by affidavit under RSMo 473.097 is $35 (COR 21.01(a)(16)(A)); refusal of letters under RSMo 473.090 is $35 (COR 21.01(a)(15)); each includes one certified copy. A statewide court-automation fund fee, a court-reporter fee, certified-copy and newspaper-publication charges, and small local surcharges apply on top, so most Missouri counties' all-in published totals run about $146.50 to open an estate without a will and about $181.50 with a will. Verify the current local court-cost deposit with the Crawford County Probate Division of the Circuit Court before filing.

Missouri probate court costs are set statewide by Missouri Court Operating Rule 21.01 (effective September 1, 2023) under RSMo 488.010 to 488.020, and are collected by the clerk of the Probate Division of the Circuit Court. Opening a decedent's estate (original letters testamentary or of administration) is a graduated court cost: $115 when the final inventory value of the real and personal property is $50,000 or less, plus $50 for each additional $50,000 of inventory value up to $500,000, capped at $565 total (COR 21.01(a)(12)); that fee includes one certified copy of the letters. Admitting a will to probate adds $35 (COR 21.01(a)(17)). Collection of a small estate by affidavit under RSMo 473.097 is $35 (COR 21.01(a)(16)(A)); refusal of letters under RSMo 473.090 is $35 (COR 21.01(a)(15)); each includes one certified copy. A statewide court-automation fund fee, a court-reporter fee, certified-copy and newspaper-publication charges, and small local surcharges apply on top, so most Missouri counties' all-in published totals run about $146.50 to open an estate without a will and about $181.50 with a will. Verify the current local court-cost deposit with the Crawford County Probate Division of the Circuit Court before filing.

Required Documents

  • Certified Death Certificate

    Order several certified copies from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, or a local health department that issues certified copies.

  • Original Will

    The original signed will, if one exists, delivered to and presented before the Probate Division of the Circuit Court for probate.

  • Application for Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration

    Filed in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of the county (or City of St. Louis) where the decedent was domiciled. The court issues letters testamentary (with a will) or letters of administration (without a will). A bond may be required unless waived by the will or by the distributees.

  • Inventory and Appraisement

    Inventory and appraisement of all estate property filed within thirty days after letters are granted, unless the court allows a longer time (RSMo 473.233).

  • Notice of Letters to Creditors (Publication)

    Notice of the granting of letters is published so that creditors may file claims within six months of first publication (RSMo 473.360).

  • Final Settlement and Distribution

    Statement of receipts and disbursements and a proposed distribution filed to close the estate (supervised administration) or a statement of account and distribution under independent administration.

  • Small Estate Affidavit

    Affidavit under RSMo 473.097 to collect estate property when the entire estate, less liens, debts, and encumbrances, does not exceed $40,000 and at least 30 days have elapsed since death. Local Probate Divisions provide their own affidavit forms; there is no single statewide form number.

E-Filing & Filing Methods

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Filing Methods: in person

Timelines & Proceedings

Deadlines & Creditor Claims

Key Deadlines

Will Deposit
Verify locally
Creditor Claims
6 months

Creditor Claims

Period Starts
first published notice of letters
Statute
RSMo 473.360; RSMo 473.444

Related Proceedings

Property Recording

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