Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Missouri

For an estate of less than $25,000. that had a will, do I need to file with probate in the state of Missouri? The only thing that did not have someone else's name on it is a series EE savings bond for $10,000.


Asked on 1/14/13, 8:20 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Smith LawSmith

Generally, nobody is required to open an estate for a decedent. It might be wise to file the Will with the Circuit court where the decedent was domiciled, in case someone else wants to open a testamentary estate. If you are a natural decendant, you can opt to not open an estate, wait a year and one day after the death of the ancestor, and file a Motion to Determine Heirship. That action (or opening an estate) may be required in order to get the EE bond trasnferred to an heir, rather than to the state.

Good luck

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Answered on 1/31/13, 11:24 am


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