Quick answer: the deadline that matters most upfront is applying for letters within one year of death — a date that can't be extended by agreement. Once administration opens, the six-month creditor window under RSMo § 473.360 sets the pace, with claims absolutely barred one year after death regardless. See the full Missouri probate timeline calculator for your specific estimate.
The core deadlines, in order
| Deadline | Missouri rule | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for letters | Within 1 year of death, cannot be extended by agreement | RSMo 473.050, 473.070 |
| Publish notice of letters | Once/week for 4 consecutive weeks | RSMo 473.033 |
| File inventory | Within 30 days of letters (unless extended) | RSMo 473.233 |
| Creditor claim window | 6 months from first publication, or 2 months from mailed notice, whichever later | RSMo 473.360 |
| PR need not pay claims before | 6 months from first publication | RSMo 473.433 |
| Absolute claim bar | 1 year from date of death, no exceptions | RSMo 473.444 |
| Earliest independent-admin closing filing | 6 months and 10 days after first publication | RSMo 473.843 |
Why the one-year letters deadline is the highest-stakes date
A creditor-friendly "whichever is later" rule
Missouri's creditor claim rule under RSMo § 473.360 is notably protective of creditors who received direct mailed notice: rather than capping their claim period at a fixed number of months regardless, the statute gives them the later of six months from first publication or two months from when notice was mailed or served. A creditor notified late in the six-month window still gets a genuine two months to respond.
A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.