Probate can be an expensive and time-consuming process—and in Missouri, the law sets minimum fees that can significantly reduce what your loved ones receive from your estate.
Unless you have a proper estate plan in place, Missouri law requires that both the personal representative (executor) and the attorney be compensated according to a statutory fee schedule outlined in RSMo § 473.153. These fees are calculated based on the total value of your probate estate, including real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, and personal belongings.
Here’s what that means in real dollars:
For a $300,000 probate estate, the combined statutory fees for the personal representative and attorney can reach approximately $18,000.
For a $500,000 estate, those fees can climb to around $30,000—and that’s before court costs, publication fees, and any potential disputes.
For a $1,000,000 estate, those fees are over $53,000.00.
These fees are likely unless your assets are transferred outside of probate through careful planning. Without a plan, the State decides how your estate is handled—and your family pays the price.
The good news? Hannam Law can help you avoid probate entirely or minimize its impact through effective tools like living trusts, beneficiary deeds, and transfer-on-death designations.
Don’t leave your legacy at the mercy of the probate court.
For personal guidance on creating your estate plan, click here.