Quick answer: Missouri probate court filing fees are set by each county's Probate Division and typically run $150–$300. They are a small part of the total — in Missouri, the statutory fee scale (charged for both executor and attorney) dominates the cost.
Why Missouri filing fees vary by county
Missouri probate is filed with the Probate Division of the Circuit Court in the county where the person lived. Each of the state's 115 counties (plus the City of St. Louis) sets its own filing and service charges, so St. Louis City and County, Jackson County (Kansas City), St. Charles and Greene County (Springfield) differ. The statutory fee scale under RSMo § 473.153 is the same statewide — only the court filing fee moves.
| County (main city) | Typical filing fee |
|---|---|
| St. Louis County | ~$250–$300 |
| St. Louis City | ~$250–$300 |
| Jackson (Kansas City) | ~$225–$275 |
| St. Charles | ~$200–$250 |
| Greene (Springfield) | ~$175–$225 |
| Other Missouri counties | $150–$300 |
Typical ranges; each county sets its own schedule. Confirm the exact fee with the county Probate Division before filing.
Other court-related costs
- Notice to creditors — publication in a local newspaper; roughly $80–$150. The estate stays open at least 6 months for creditor claims.
- Certified Letters Testamentary / of Administration — needed by banks and title; a few dollars each.
- Surety bond — Missouri generally requires one unless the will waives it; the premium runs ~0.5% of the estate per year.
- Small estate affidavit filing — a modest court fee (often around $30–$230), far below full probate.
Where the filing fee sits in the total
The filing fee is minor in Missouri — the two statutory fee scales (executor and attorney) are what make Missouri probate expensive. See the whole picture in the Missouri probate cost breakdown, learn about attorney fees, or estimate your total with the Missouri probate cost calculator.