Missouri Probate Form PC126

Petition to Require Administration

This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Forms and requirements change frequently — verify the current version with your local probate court or an attorney.

Last updated: June 1, 2026
First page of Petition to Require Administration

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About Petition to Require Administration

To petition the court to require a person entitled to administer a decedent's estate to apply for letters testamentary or of administration, or to appoint an alternative personal representative if they fail to do so.

When you'd use it: When more than twenty days have passed since the decedent's death and no eligible person has filed an application for letters testamentary or of administration.

Where to get the official form

The official version of Petition to Require Administration is published as a PDF by the Missouri courts. We checked this link and it resolved to a form on an official court or government website — always download the current version directly from the source rather than a third-party copy:

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Source: greenecountycourts.org

Link last checked: May 31, 2026

How to file Petition to Require Administration in Missouri

  1. Step 1Confirm you have the correct formUse Petition to Require Administration (PC126) when when more than twenty days have passed since the decedent's death and no eligible person has filed an application for letters testamentary or of administration. Double-check it's the right form for your situation — Missouri probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
  2. Step 2Complete every required fieldFill out Petition to Require Administration carefully and review it for errors before filing. Probate cases can already take months — a small mistake on the form can set your timeline back further.
  3. Step 3Get it notarized or witnessed if requiredSome probate forms must be signed in front of a notary or witnesses. Check the instructions on the form itself, and arrange notarization before you file if it's required.
  4. Step 4File it with the correct courtSubmit Petition to Require Administration to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the Missouri county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).

Working through the Petition to Require Administration? SwiftProbate builds a personalized, step-by-step checklist for settling the estate — so you know which forms to file, in what order, and by when.

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Probate in Missouri

See the full Missouri probate guide for filing deadlines, small-estate options, timelines, costs, and county courthouse details.

Read the Missouri probate guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Petition to Require Administration (PC126)?
To petition the court to require a person entitled to administer a decedent's estate to apply for letters testamentary or of administration, or to appoint an alternative personal representative if they fail to do so. You'd typically use it when when more than twenty days have passed since the decedent's death and no eligible person has filed an application for letters testamentary or of administration.
Where do I file Petition to Require Administration in Missouri?
Probate forms are filed with the probate court or county clerk in the Missouri county where the deceased person lived. Our Missouri probate guide can help you find the right courthouse, filing fees, and local requirements.
Do I need a lawyer to complete Petition to Require Administration?
Many people complete probate forms themselves, especially for smaller or uncontested estates. Complex estates may benefit from professional advice. SwiftProbate is an informational tool that helps you understand and organize the process — it is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Is Petition to Require Administration available online?
Most Missouri probate forms are published as PDFs by the state courts or the county clerk. You can find the official source linked above.

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate forms and requirements vary by state, county, and individual circumstances, and change over time. Always verify the current form and instructions with your local probate court, and consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. SwiftProbate is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.