Someone Just Died. Here’s What to Do Next in Missouri.

When a loved one passes away, families are often overwhelmed by grief, uncertainty, and unanswered questions. It can feel like everything happens at once: emotional decisions, practical responsibilities, and legal concerns you never expected to face.

That’s why Jones Elder Law created the Probate Resolution Program, a guided, attorney-led process designed to help Missouri families move forward with clarity, confidence, and support after a death.

Families often search for help using phrases like “Missouri probate attorney,” “probate lawyer near me,” and “how probate works in Missouri.” If your family is preparing to begin probate, the right legal guidance early can help you avoid delays, confusion, and unnecessary stress.

In Missouri, many estates must go through a legal process called probate, and that process must be handled by a licensed attorney. Getting clear legal guidance early can help your family avoid confusion, delays, and unnecessary stress.

Jones Elder Law helps Missouri families understand what comes next and move forward with clarity, confidence, and support.

Request a Probate Triage Call

Early guidance can help prevent delays, confusion, and unnecessary stress.

This page is designed to help Missouri families understand what happens after a death
and what steps may be required before an estate can be settled.

Here, you will learn:

What families often need to handle first
Whether probate is required in Missouri
Why Missouri law requires an attorney for probate
How Jones Elder Law helps guide families forward

Serving Missouri Families with Probate Guidance and Estate Administration • Licensed Missouri Attorneys • Clear, Compassionate Support

You Are Not Expected to Know What to Do

After a death, families are often expected to make important decisions while they are still processing their loss. Emotions are high, energy is low, and the weight of responsibility can feel overwhelming.

Most people have never gone through probate before. They don’t know what documents are needed, what the court expects, or what Missouri law requires. That is completely normal.

Missouri law requires that probate cases be handled by a licensed attorney. You are not supposed to navigate this process on your own. Getting professional guidance early helps bring clarity during a difficult time and ensures your family does not have to guess what comes next.

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A Clear, Supportive Path Forward

When you contact Jones Elder Law, the goal is not to pressure you. The goal is to give you clarity.

Our Probate Resolution Program is designed to guide Missouri families step-by-step through the probate process, from the first conversation through final distribution. It provides structure, legal guidance, and peace of mind during a difficult time.

Many families wait because they feel unsure about what to do next. But waiting often increases stress, confusion, and uncertainty. A short conversation can help you understand what Missouri law requires and what steps come next, so you don’t have to keep guessing.

1. We take the time to listen

We want to understand what has happened, what document you may have, and what questions your family has.

2. We explain how Missouri probate law applies to your situation

We walk through whether probate is required, what the court process looks like, and what steps will come next.

3. If Probate is necessary

Through our Probate Resolution Program, we guide your family through the filing process, prepare the necessary court documents, and explain every step of the estate administration process. Early guidance helps prevent avoidable delays and keeps the process moving forward with clarity and confidence.

Request a Probate Triage Call

Most families feel more confident after the first conversation.

What Families Often Need to Handle First

In the first days after a death, families usually focus on immediate needs rather than legal issues. These early steps help bring stability during an emotional time.

Many families begin by notifying close relatives and loved ones, making funeral or memorial arrangements, and obtaining certified copies of the death certificate. Securing the deceased person’s home, vehicle, and personal property is also important to protect assets.

Some families also start looking for important documents, such as wills, insurance policies, or financial statements. This can feel overwhelming, and it is okay if not everything is located right away.

Legal questions can be addressed once these immediate needs are handled.

In the first week, most families are not trying to “solve everything.” They are trying to stabilize the situation and avoid mistakes that create problems later. A simple checklist can help you move forward without feeling overwhelmed.

Arrange services and notify close family members
Obtain certified copies of the death certificate
Secure the home, vehicles, and personal property
Locate estate planning documents if they exist (will, trust, beneficiary designations)
Identify major assets in broad categories (home, bank accounts, retirement accounts)
Identify known debts and recurring bills
Avoid distributing property until you understand what Missouri law requires

Once these first steps are handled, families often begin asking what Missouri law requires next.

If you’re unsure where to start, that is normal. When probate is required in Missouri, it must be handled by a licensed attorney, and early guidance can prevent confusion later.

Every Estate Is Different

Some assets transfer automatically, such as jointly owned property or accounts with named beneficiaries. Other assets, especially those titled only in the deceased person’s name, require probate before they can be transferred.

Whether probate is required depends on how assets are titled, whether a valid will exists, the type and value of property, and Missouri court requirements. This is not something families should guess about.

A probate attorney can review the situation and explain what Missouri law requires so your family can move forward with confidence instead of uncertainty.

Not Sure If Probate Is Required?

Most families are not sure whether probate is required, and it’s risky to guess. Whether probate is needed depends on how assets are titled, whether a valid will exists, and what must be transferred through the court.

A short conversation can often clarify what applies to your family and what step comes next. If probate is required, Missouri law requires the case to be handled by a licensed attorney, and we can guide you from filing through final distribution.

Schedule a Missouri Probate Guidance Consultation

Call Jones Elder Law Now

It’s Normal to Feel Uncertain

After a death, families often feel unsure about what comes next. Questions may include:

Do we have to go to court?
Who is in charge of the estate?
What happens if there is no will?
How long does this process take?
What happens to debts and bills?

Understanding how probate works can help answer many of these questions.

These questions are normal. Probate law can feel confusing, especially during a time of grief. Clear legal guidance helps families understand their responsibilities, avoid mistakes, and move forward with confidence.

Missouri Requires an Attorney for Probate

In Missouri, probate cases must be handled by a licensed attorney. This requirement exists to ensure that court procedures are followed correctly and that estates are administered according to the law.

A probate attorney does more than file paperwork. They explain the process, prepare court documents, guide families through legal requirements, and help ensure the estate is handled properly.

Without legal guidance, families may feel lost, unsure, or worried about making mistakes. Having an attorney involved early helps prevent delays, confusion, and unnecessary stress.

Understanding what Missouri law requires can make the process feel more manageable.

How Jones Elder Law Helps

At Jones Elder Law, we understand that probate is not just a legal process; it is a personal one.

Families come to us during emotional, uncertain times. Our role is to provide calm, clear, guidance so you do not have to navigate the legal system alone.

That is why we developed the Probate Resolution Program a guided, attorney-led system designed to help Missouri families move through probate with clarity, confidence, and compassionate support.

You do not have to navigate court procedures, deadlines, or legal documents on your own. Our Probate Resolution Program provides structured support from the first call through final estate distribution.

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Serving Families Across St. Charles County and Surrounding Areas

Jones Elder Law provides Estate planning, Medicaid crisis planning, asset protection, and Probate Guidance and administration services to families across St. Charles County, St. Louis County, and surrounding areas.

Our firm regularly works with families in St. Charles, St. Peters, O’Fallon, Wentzville, Cottleville, Lake St. Louis, and throughout the greater St. Louis metropolitan area.

Many Probate matters can be handled remotely by phone or secure video consultation, allowing us to assist families quickly, even when in-person meetings are not immediately possible.

If you are unsure whether we serve your area, please contact our office and we will be happy to confirm availability.

Helpful Information for Your First Call

You do not need everything prepared to contact us. If available, the following can help provide clearer guidance:

A copy of the death certificate
Any wills or estate planning documents
A general list of assets
Known debts or medical bills
Names of close family members

If you do not have these yet, that is completely fine. We will guide you through the process step by step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we have to act immediately after a death?

There is usually no urgent legal deadline in the first few days after a death. Families should focus on immediate needs such as funeral arrangements, notifying loved ones, and taking care of personal matters. A probate attorney can explain when legal steps should begin and what timing makes sense for your specific situation.

Can we handle this without a lawyer?

In Missouri, probate cases must be handled by alicensed attorney. This requirement exists to ensure the court process isfollowed correctly and that estates are administered according to the law.Having an attorney helps protect your family from legal mistakes, misseddeadlines, and unnecessary complications.

What if we do not know whether a will exists?

If a will cannot be located, Missouri’s intestacy laws may apply, meaning the law determines who inherits the estate. A probate attorney can explain how this process works and what it means for your family. Legal guidance helps ensure the correct steps are taken and reduces confusion during an already difficult time.

How long does probate usually take?

The length of probate depends on the size of the estate, the court’s schedule, and whether any issues arise. Some cases move smoothly, while others take longer due to missing documents or legal complications. Early legal guidance helps prevent unnecessary delays and keeps the process moving forward efficiently.

What happens after the first call?

After your first call, you will have a clearer understanding of your situation and what Missouri law requires. If you choose to move forward, our firm will guide you through the probate process from filing through completion and distribution. You will never be left wondering what comes next.

Still have questions?
Request a Probate Triage Call

We help Missouri Families every day.

Start the Probate Resolution Program

The right guidance can bring clarity during a difficult time.

Thank you — we’ve received your information. A member of the Jones Elder Law team will review your situation and contact you promptly. If your situation is urgent, please call our office now.

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A short conversation can help you understand what Missouri law requires and how our Probate Resolution Program can guide your family forward.

Start the Probate Resolution Program

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