Where do I file for probate in Monroe County?

File at the Monroe County Circuit Court, Probate Division, located at 300 N. Main St., Paris, MO 65275.

How much does probate cost in Monroe County?

Filing fees generally range from $150 to $200 to open an estate. Publication costs are additional. Missouri also has a statutory fee schedule for attorney and executor fees based on the estate value.

Can I avoid probate in Monroe County with a small estate?

Yes, if the estate is valued at $40,000 or less, you may file a Small Estate Affidavit after 30 days have passed since the death.

How long does probate take in Monroe County?

Formal probate takes at least 6 months due to the creditor claim period, but typically averages 9 to 12 months for simple estates.

Do I need an attorney for probate in Monroe County?

While not strictly required by law for all procedures, Missouri courts strongly recommend hiring an attorney for formal probate. Corporate entities (like a corporate personal representative) must be represented by counsel.

Monroe County Probate Guide: Courts, Fees & Process (2026)

Overview

Monroe County is located in Missouri with a population of approximately 8,890. The Monroe County Circuit Court, Probate Division handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.

Missouri probate is governed by Chapters 472–475 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. The process begins with filing a Petition for Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Petition for Letters of Administration (if there is no will) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.

Simplified Procedures:

Small Estate Affidavit: Available if the value of the entire estate, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed $40,000. This procedure requires a 30-day waiting period after death before the affidavit can be filed.
Refusal of Letters: Available for surviving spouses or unmarried minor children if the estate value is not greater than the exempt property and statutory allowance.

Statutory Fees:

Missouri law sets a statutory fee schedule for attorneys and personal representatives based on the value of the estate:

5% on the first $5,000
4% on the next $20,000
3% on the next $75,000
2.75% on the next $300,000
2.5% on the next $600,000
2% on amounts over $1,000,000

This guide provides an informational overview of the Monroe County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.

Courthouse Information

Monroe County Circuit Court, Probate Division

Probate matters in Monroe County are handled at the Monroe County Courthouse.

Address: 300 N. Main St., Paris, MO 65275

Phone: (877) 433-3061 ext. 425 (Circuit Clerk)

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

The Probate Division is part of the 10th Judicial Circuit of Missouri. The Circuit Clerk's office accepts filings and can answer procedural questions but cannot provide legal advice.

Parking and Access

Street parking is generally available around the courthouse square in Paris. The building is accessible to the public during business hours.

Filing Process

Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary

Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:

Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $40,000 or less, you may be able to file a small estate affidavit after 30 days.
Refusal of Letters: A surviving spouse or unmarried minor child may petition the court to refuse letters if the estate is small (typically under $15,000-$20,000 depending on statutory allowances).
Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.

Step 2: File the Petition

If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Letters Testamentary or Petition for Letters of Administration with the Monroe County Circuit Court. Include:

The original will and codicils (if any)
Certified death certificate
Filing fee (typically a deposit of approximately $150–$200)
List of heirs and beneficiaries with addresses

Missouri courts utilize the Case.net system, and attorneys are generally required to e-file. Pro se litigants may file in paper at the clerk's office.

Step 3: Provide Notice

After filing, you must:

Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Monroe County, such as the Monroe County Appeal, once a week for four consecutive weeks.

Step 4: Attend the Hearing

The court may schedule a hearing to admit the will and appoint the personal representative. Upon approval, the clerk issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, giving the representative authority to act.

Step 5: Administer the Estate

After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:

Publish notice to creditors (if not already done) — creditors have 6 months from the date of first publication to file claims.
Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 30 days of appointment.
Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses.
File federal and state tax returns as needed.
Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
File a Statement of Account and petition for final settlement and discharge.

Local Requirements

Monroe County-Specific Procedures

E-Filing: Attorneys are mandated to e-file through the Missouri e-filing system. Self-represented litigants may file paper documents.
Bond Requirements: A bond is typically required for the personal representative unless the will waives it or all heirs consent to waive it.
Publication: Notice to creditors is typically published in the Monroe County Appeal.
Local Rules: Monroe County is part of the 10th Judicial Circuit; check with the clerk for any specific local court rules regarding hearing schedules or document formatting.

Timeline & Fees

Filing Fees (Monroe County)

Opening a Decedent's Estate: approximately $150–$200 (deposit)
Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $65–$85
Will Contest: approximately $100–$150
Publication costs: approximately $100–$200 (paid directly to the newspaper)
Certified copies: approximately $1.50–$3.00 per page/certification

Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the Circuit Clerk at (877) 433-3061 ext. 425 for the most current fee schedule.

Payment Methods

The court typically accepts cash, money orders, or cashier's checks. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.

Estimated Timelines

Small Estate: Can be settled in roughly 30–60 days (after the initial 30-day waiting period).
Simple Formal Estate: 9–12 months (minimum 6 months for creditor claims).
Complex or Contested Estates: 12 months to several years.

The 6-month creditor claim period is a statutory minimum for formal administration.

Local Resources

Monroe County Court Resources

Court Website: https://monroecountymo.gov/circuit-clerk/
Missouri Case.net: https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet
Missouri Probate Forms: https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=662

Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals

The Missouri Bar: (573) 635-4128 — https://mobar.org
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri: (314) 534-4200 — https://lsem.org

Publication

Monroe County Appeal: (660) 327-4192 — Newspaper of general circulation in Paris, MO.

Probate in Monroe County, Missouri: 2026 Guide