Quick answer: Missouri probate is on the expensive side because the statutory fee scale is charged twice — once for the executor and once for the attorney — and an attorney is usually required. On a $500,000 estate that's about $14,050 + $14,050 = $28,000 in fees, plus court costs. Get your own figure with the Missouri probate cost calculator.
The costs, line by line
1. Executor fee — the statutory scale
Under RSMo § 473.153, the minimum executor fee is a sliding scale on personal property administered plus proceeds of real estate sold under court order:
- 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
- 2% above $1,000,000
2. Attorney fee — the same scale, again
Missouri's twist: § 473.153 also governs the attorney's fee, so the same percentages are charged a second time. On a $500,000 estate that's another $14,050. See Missouri probate attorney fees.
3. An attorney is usually required
Under RSMo § 473.787, a non-attorney personal representative must be represented by counsel for a full estate. So the second scale isn't optional for most estates — it's built into how Missouri probate works.
4. Court filing & other costs
County filing fees are modest — commonly $150–$300. Add publication, certified Letters, and a bond premium unless the will waives it. Details in our Missouri filing fees guide.
Worked examples by estate size
Executor and attorney each at the statutory scale, plus a mid-range county filing fee, bond and notice:
| Estate value | Executor (scale) | Attorney (scale) | Filing + bond + notice | Approx. total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $3,300 | $3,300 | $985 | ≈ $7,585 |
| $500,000 | $14,050 | $14,050 | $2,985 | ≈ $31,085 |
| $1,000,000 | $26,550 | $26,550 | $5,485 | ≈ $58,585 |
Filing + bond + notice = $225 filing + 0.5% bond + $110 notice + $150 misc. If the executor waives their fee, subtract that column. Run your own numbers in the calculator.
How to reduce Missouri probate costs
- Use the small estate affidavit for an estate up to $40,000 (RSMo § 473.097) — it avoids the double scale.
- Executor waives the fee if a family member and heir — that removes one full scale.
- A living trust avoids probate entirely, which in Missouri means avoiding two fee scales.