Attorney compensation
Missouri provides minimum compensation equal to the statutory percentage schedule, with additional reasonable compensation possible when the work warrants it.
Missouri probate costs and timeline
Missouri sets minimum compensation for Personal Representatives and estate attorneys. Court costs, publication, bond, appraisals, tax work, property expenses, and disputes can add to the total. Time depends on more than the six month creditor period.
Get an estate specific estimate. A percentage chart cannot show whether the house must be sold, claims will be disputed, tax returns are missing, or family conflict will increase the work.
The direct answer
Missouri law provides minimum compensation schedules for a Personal Representative and the attorney who performs services for the estate. The calculation is based on the value of personal property administered and proceeds of real property sold under court order, using statutory percentage tiers.
The estate also may pay filing fees, publication, certified copies, bond, appraisals, accounting or tax work, insurance, repairs, storage, sale expenses, and other necessary administration costs.
A focused estate often needs longer than the six month creditor claim period because property, claims, taxes, accounting, distribution, and closing still must be completed. Real estate, missing records, disputes, litigation, and tax problems can extend the timeline.
What creates probate cost?
A reliable estimate identifies each category and the facts that can change it.
Missouri provides minimum compensation equal to the statutory percentage schedule, with additional reasonable compensation possible when the work warrants it.
The will may address compensation. Otherwise Missouri’s statutory schedule applies, subject to the court and the work performed.
Filing, notices, certified copies, publication, and other court related charges vary by county and case.
Bond premiums, appraisals, accountants, tax professionals, investigators, and other specialists may be needed.
Insurance, mortgage payments, taxes, utilities, repairs, storage, cleanup, and sale costs can continue during administration.
Contested wills, creditor litigation, missing property, family conflict, and court hearings add work and expense.
The statutory percentage schedule
The percentage is not applied as one rate to the entire estate. Each rate applies only to the value within that tier.
| First $5,000 | 5% |
|---|---|
| Next $20,000 | 4% |
| Next $75,000 | 3% |
| Next $300,000 | 2.75% |
| Next $600,000 | 2.5% |
| Value above $1,000,000 | 2% |
How to read the schedule: Each percentage applies only to the amount within that tier. The statute separately addresses compensation for the Personal Representative and the estate attorney and controls which property is included in the calculation.
The probate timeline
File the will and application, address appointment and bond, and obtain letters.
Publish notice, send required information, identify property, and complete the inventory.
Protect assets, handle real estate, collect funds, and review creditor claims.
Complete tax work, resolve claims, prepare accounting, and determine the proper shares.
Make authorized distributions, file final documents, and close the administration.
What makes probate take longer?
An estate does not become faster because the family calls it simple. The property and legal work must actually be complete.
Title, repairs, valuation, listing, offers, liens, approval, closing, and net proceeds add steps.
Accounts, tax returns, business documents, beneficiary records, and proof of expenses must be found or reconstructed.
The estate may need investigation, negotiation, an objection, discovery, or a court decision.
Past returns, final income tax, estate income tax, and tax notices can prevent final distribution.
Conflict over control, property, value, occupancy, sale, reimbursement, or distribution can stop progress.
Property may need to be sold before claims, expenses, taxes, and distributions can be completed.
Get a useful estimate
A meaningful review identifies probate property, likely work, expected expenses, known problems, and the steps required before closing.
Jones Elder Law’s Probate Resolution Program™ is designed for full probate administration from opening through distribution and closing.
Bring these records so cost, timing, and likely trouble spots can be reviewed together.
Frequently asked questions
Missouri law provides minimum attorney compensation using percentage tiers applied to the statutory property base. Additional reasonable compensation can be allowed when the services justify it.
Missouri law provides Personal Representative compensation unless the will controls or the representative renounces the will’s provision. The court can reduce or deny compensation for failure to perform duties.
No. The statute refers to personal property administered and proceeds of real property sold under court order. Nonprobate assets should not automatically be included.
Not automatically. The creditor period must expire, but property, valid claims, expenses, taxes, accounting, distribution, and closing filings also must be complete.
The answer depends on the estate. Real estate carrying costs, professional fees, bond, tax work, litigation, repairs, and long delay can be substantial. Early organization helps prevent avoidable expense.
Often. Preserve records, protect property, appoint a reliable Personal Representative, respond promptly, avoid premature transfers, resolve practical issues early, and keep complete financial records.
Review the Probate Cost and Timeline
Tell us what probate property exists, whether a house must be sold, what problems are known, and whether the estate has been opened.
2085 Bluestone Drive, Suite 204
St. Charles, Missouri 63303
Serving St. Charles County, St. Louis County, and families throughout Missouri.