St. Louis Missouri Probate & Estate Administration Attorney Lawyer
Probate | Estate Administration | Personal Representative | Executor
The probate and estate administration process can be tedious, time-consuming, and costly. If you are the administrator (or executor) of an estate, you face substantial legal and financial responsibilities. At the Law Offices of Stephen J. Hoffmann we work with you and your family to navigate through the process in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Contact Us today for a free consultation.
Generally speaking, the main purpose of the probate process is to:
- Ensure the assets of a decedent are distributed to the rightful heirs at law and/or the beneficiaries under the will
- Ensure the decedent’s debts are paid
- Settle any disputes arising out of the probate process
The following topics are discussed in detail:
- Commonly asked Probate & Estate Administration Questions
- Full Administration (estates valued at over $40,000)
- Other Probate Procedures (estates valued at under $40,000)
- Petition to Determine Heirship (estates filed over a year after decedent’s death)
- Attorney & Personal Representative Statutory Fees
- Time & Expenses of Probate
- Ways to Avoid Probate
- Probate Litigation, Will Contest, and Trust Contest
Commonly asked Probate & Estate Administration Questions
For answers to commonly asked Probate & Estate Administration Questions please click HERE.
Full Administration (estates valued at over $40,000)
If the decedent leaves assets valued at more than $40,000, the decedent’s estate will be subject to what is known as a “full administration” in the Probate Division… read more
Other Probate Procedures (estates valued at under $40,000)
Missouri has a simplified probate process for small estates that meet certain qualifications. This process allows you to cut down on the time and costs of probate… read more
Petition to Determine Heirship (estates filed over a year after decedent’s death)
If a probate proceeding was not filed within one year after decedent’s death, and it is later discovered that decedent held assets to which beneficiaries are entitled, the statutes permit filing a “petition to determine heirship.” read more
Attorney & Personal Representative Statutory Fees
Only attorneys are authorized to represent a personal representative (or executor) in a decedent’s estate. RSMO 473.153 sets forth a fee schedule for the personal representative and the attorney… read more
Time & Expenses of Probate
Probating an estate can be time-consuming and costly, taking anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete. Will contests can increase the duration of the process. Probate can also be expensive, with any probate costs and expenses coming out of the estate’s funds… read more
Ways to Avoid Probate
There are several methods to avoid the probate process. Some of these methods include making beneficiary designations on accounts such as payable-on-death (POD) accounts, creating a joint ownership with right to survival, and placing property in a revocable living trust… read more
Probate Litigation, Will Contest, Trust Contest
The loss of a loved one can be a terrible burden. A dispute over their estate can add unnecessary stress to your life. At the Law Offices of Stephen J. Hoffmann, we can help. We assist in a wide range of probate litigation issues including trust contests, will contests… read more
If you need help navigating through the probate and estate administration process or avoiding probate entirely, Contact Us at the Law Offices of Stephen J. Hoffmann.