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Missouri Probate and Estate Forms

Missouri probate is opened in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court in the county where the decedent was domiciled, or the City of St. Louis. The Missouri Courts (Office of State Courts Administrator) publish a set of statewide 'PR' probate forms, mostly for the small estate and refusal of letters transfer paths. The application for letters, the inventory and appraisement, and the settlement filings used in full administration are prescribed by statute and issued by each circuit's Probate Division rather than as a single statewide numbered form.

Missouri Probate Forms by Situation

Start with the Missouri Courts Probate Forms page for the statewide PR forms (for example 'PR 16' or 'PR 17'), then contact the Probate Division of the Circuit Court for the county or the City of St. Louis for the application for letters, inventory, and settlement forms used in full administration.

Find Forms By Your Situation

Official Resources

Start with the Missouri Courts Probate Forms page for the statewide PR forms (for example 'PR 16' or 'PR 17'), then contact the Probate Division of the Circuit Court for the county or the City of St. Louis for the application for letters, inventory, and settlement forms used in full administration.

Missouri Courts - Probate Forms (Office of State Courts Administrator)

Official statewide probate forms library (the 'PR' series) for small estate affidavits, refusal of letters, determination of heirship, and the surviving spouse's election.

Missouri Courts - Court Forms

Official Missouri Judiciary court forms index, including the probate forms section.

Missouri Courts - Local Courts (Circuit Court Directory)

Directory of Missouri circuit courts; use it to find the Probate Division that opens and supervises the estate.

Important Notes

  • -Probate is opened in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court in the county where the decedent was domiciled, or the City of St. Louis; Missouri has no separate statewide probate court.
  • -The statewide 'PR' forms cover the small estate, refusal of letters, determination of heirship, and the surviving spouse's election; the application for letters, inventory, and settlement used in full administration are local Probate Division forms whose content is prescribed by RSMo Chapter 473.
  • -The small estate affidavit (PR 16 / PR 17) applies only when the entire estate, less liens, debts, and encumbrances, does not exceed $40,000 and at least 30 days have elapsed since death.
  • -Form numbers and local instructions should be verified before filing; the county Probate Division may require additional local documentation.
  • -Do not distribute estate assets before the personal representative is appointed, creditor claims are addressed, and any spousal or family rights are understood.

Sources: Missouri Courts - Probate Forms (Office of State Courts Administrator) | Missouri Courts - Court Forms index

Not sure which Missouri forms you need?

Answer a few questions to sort the likely filing path before you pick forms or contact the Circuit Court probate division.

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You've seen what probate involves. Here's how to spare your own family.

A few simple steps (naming beneficiaries, a transfer-on-death deed where your state allows it, or a living trust) can keep your estate out of court.

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How to Use Missouri Probate FormsWhy the filing path comes before the form number

The form finder groups records such as Letters and Full Administration, Small Estate Affidavit (RSMo 473.097), Refusal of Letters (RSMo 473.090), Heirship and Surviving Spouse Rights so you can start with the likely procedure rather than one isolated form number.

Use source links such as Missouri Courts - Probate Forms (Office of State Courts Administrator), Missouri Courts - Court Forms, Missouri Courts - Local Courts (Circuit Court Directory) to locate official forms and verify which documents belong in the packet.

Missouri Form Prep ChecksCounty packet rules and the records to gather before filing

Choose the filing path

Common filing paths in this data include Apply for letters, then file the inventory and settlement, Small estate affidavit, Refusal of letters, Determination of heirship or a recorded beneficiary deed. Match the estate facts to the correct path before preparing forms.

Verify the county packet

Check the county Circuit Court probate division or local filing-office instructions for coversheets, copy rules, appointments, fees, and filing methods.

Pull supporting records first

Collect the original will if one exists, certified death certificates, asset values, deed or title records, heir and beneficiary details, and creditor information before filling out the packet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get Missouri probate forms?
Start with Missouri Courts - Probate Forms (Office of State Courts Administrator), Missouri Courts - Court Forms, Missouri Courts - Local Courts (Circuit Court Directory). Then verify local county instructions before you file, because packet rules, copy requirements, fees, and filing methods can vary.
How do I know which Missouri probate form I need?
Start with the filing path, not the form number. The right packet depends on will status, asset type and value, creditor issues, heirs or beneficiaries, and whether a simplified procedure fits.
Can I file Missouri probate forms without an attorney?
Some paths may allow self-filing, but the answer still depends on the estate, the county office, disputes, real estate, creditors, and tax facts. Verify the county rules and get legal help when rights or strategy are unclear.
What should I gather before filling out Missouri probate forms?
Gather the original will if one exists, certified death certificates, asset and debt lists, deed or title records, beneficiary records, and names and addresses for heirs or beneficiaries.
Missouri Official Forms and SourcesOfficial references used for this page

Information current as of July 17, 2026

Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Missouri can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.

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