Missouri Probate Cost Calculator & Fee Guide

Q: Why does Missouri charge the fee scale twice?

Because RSMo 473.153 governs both the personal representative's compensation and the attorney's fee. The same sliding-scale percentages are applied once for the executor and again for the lawyer, against the same estate value - a structure unique to a handful of states.

Q: Do I really need a lawyer for Missouri probate?

For a full estate, usually yes. RSMo 473.787 requires a personal representative who is not an attorney to be represented by counsel. The exception is the small estate affidavit ($40,000 or less), though St. Louis City, St. Louis County and Jackson County often require an attorney even then.

Q: How long does probate take in Missouri?

Most Missouri estates take 6 to 12 months; the estate generally must stay open at least 6 months for the creditor claim period.

How probate costs work in Missouri

Probate in Missouri runs through the Probate Division of the Circuit Court in the county where the person lived — St. Louis City and County, Jackson (Kansas City), St. Charles, Greene (Springfield), Clay, and the state's 115 counties. Missouri has two features most states don't: a statutory fee scale that applies twice (executor and attorney), and a statutory requirement to hire an attorney for most estates.

1. Executor fee — a statutory sliding scale

RSMo § 473.153: the minimum executor compensation is 5% of the first $5,000, 4% of the next $20,000, 3% of the next $75,000, 2.75% of the next $300,000, 2.5% of the next $600,000, and 2% above $1,000,000 — computed on personal property administered plus proceeds of real estate sold under court order (unsold real estate is excluded).

On a $100,000 estate that is about $3,300; on a $500,000 estate, about $14,050. The scale is a floor — the court can allow more for extraordinary services, up to a ceiling of twice the minimum or 5%, whichever is less.

2. Attorney fee — the same scale, again

This is Missouri's unusual twist: RSMo § 473.153 also governs the attorney's fee, so the same percentages are charged a second time against the same estate. On a $500,000 estate that means roughly $14,050 for the executor and another $14,050 for the attorney — about $28,000 combined before court costs.

3. Attorney is usually required by law

RSMo § 473.787: a personal representative who is not a licensed attorney must be represented by legal counsel in both independent and supervised administration. The main exception is the small estate affidavit.

4. Court filing & other costs

County court filing fees are modest — commonly $150–$300 depending on the county. Add notice-to-creditors publication, certified Letters, and a bond premium (~0.5%/year) unless the will waives the bond.

5. When probate can be skipped in Missouri

Small estate affidavit — for an estate (net of liens) of $40,000 or less, 30 days after death, with a bond (RSMo § 473.097).
Refusal of letters — for a surviving spouse within the statutory allowances (RSMo § 473.090).

A revocable living trust, joint ownership, or beneficiary/TOD designations avoid probate entirely — and, in Missouri, avoid paying the scale twice. Note: Missouri has no estate tax and no inheritance tax.

Cost component	Missouri figure	Source
Executor fee	Statutory scale (5% to 2%); ~$14,050 on $500k	RSMo § 473.153
Attorney fee	Same scale again; ~$14,050 on $500k	RSMo § 473.153
Attorney required	Yes, for most estates	RSMo § 473.787
Small estate limit	$40,000 (net of liens)	RSMo § 473.097
State estate / inheritance tax	None	Missouri DOR

Missouri probate cost — frequently asked questions

How much does probate cost in St. Louis / Kansas City?

The statutory fee scale is the same statewide. In St. Louis City and County, Jackson County (Kansas City), St. Charles or Greene County (Springfield), a $500,000 estate typically costs about $14,050 for the executor plus $14,050 for the attorney (RSMo § 473.153), plus a modest county filing fee — roughly $28,000–$30,000 all-in.

Why does Missouri charge the fee scale twice?

Because RSMo § 473.153 governs both the personal representative's compensation and the attorney's fee. The same sliding-scale percentages are applied once for the executor and again for the lawyer, against the same estate value — a structure unique to a handful of states.

Do I really need a lawyer for Missouri probate?

For a full estate, usually yes. RSMo § 473.787 requires a personal representative who is not an attorney to be represented by counsel. The exception is the small estate affidavit ($40,000 or less), though St. Louis City, St. Louis County and Jackson County often require an attorney even then.

What is the small estate limit in Missouri?

$40,000 or less (net of liens), with a 30-day wait after death and a bond, under RSMo § 473.097. Above $40,000, full probate applies.

How long does probate take in Missouri?

Most Missouri estates take 6–12 months; the estate generally must stay open at least 6 months for the creditor claim period.

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal or financial advice. Figures are based on Missouri statute (RSMo § 473.153, § 473.787, § 473.097). The fee scale is a statutory minimum computed on personal property administered plus court-ordered real estate sales; courts may allow more for extraordinary services. County filing fees, bond premiums, and publication costs vary. Confirm current figures with the county Probate Division or a licensed Missouri attorney before acting.