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Missouri Probate vs Living Trust Calculator

Compare what Missouri probate would actually cost your estate — charged twice under the statutory scale — against the typical cost of a living trust.

Probate side: RSMo 473.153 FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Your Missouri estate

Enter your estate value — we'll estimate Missouri probate cost and compare it to a typical trust setup cost.

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Estimated Missouri probate cost vs trust setup
Probate (estimated)
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Living trust setup
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Missouri probate cost vs living trust cost

The probate side of this comparison reuses the same approach as the Missouri Probate Cost Calculator: the statutory fee scale under RSMo 473.153 (5% of the first $5,000, down to 2% above $1,000,000) is charged twice against the same estate — once for the executor, once for the attorney. On a $500,000 estate that's roughly $14,050 each, about $28,000 combined before court costs. This double charge is genuinely unusual — most states use a reasonable-fee standard for one or both roles. The trust side is market data, not a statutory figure: Missouri attorneys typically charge roughly $1,250–$5,355 for a revocable living trust. See the full breakdown in Missouri Living Trust Setup Cost.

Missouri probate vs living trust — frequently asked questions

Is a living trust worth it in Missouri?

Often, yes, because Missouri is one of the few states that charges its statutory fee scale twice — once for the executor and again for the attorney — under RSMo § 473.153. That double charge makes Missouri probate costlier than many states at the same estate value, which strengthens the trust's cost case.

How much does Missouri probate cost compared to a living trust?

On a $500,000 estate, Missouri's statutory scale under RSMo § 473.153 runs about $14,050 for the executor and another $14,050 for the attorney — roughly $28,000 combined before court costs. A Missouri living trust typically costs roughly $1,250–$5,355 to set up with an attorney.

Why does Missouri probate cost more than states with a reasonable-fee standard?

Because RSMo § 473.153 sets a statutory percentage schedule rather than a "reasonable compensation" standard, and applies that same schedule to both the executor and the attorney. States using a reasonable-fee standard for one or both roles often land lower on comparable estates.

Missouri living trust tools & guides

Missouri Living Trust Setup CostThe market-rate breakdown Is a Living Trust Worth It in Missouri?A decision framework Missouri Living Trust Funding MistakesWhy trusts still fail to avoid probate Missouri Probate Cost CalculatorThe full double-scale breakdown Missouri Probate Timeline CalculatorHow long probate would take

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal or financial advice. Probate-side figures are based on Missouri statute (RSMo 473.153). Trust-side figures are illustrative market rates, not a legal or statutory amount, and vary by attorney and estate complexity. Confirm current figures with a licensed Missouri estate planning attorney before acting.