Where do I file for probate in Platte County?

File at the Platte County Circuit Clerk's Office, Probate Division, located at 328 Main St., Suite 5-CH, Platte City, MO 64079. Attorneys must file electronically via Case.net.

How much does probate cost in Platte County?

Filing fees are approximately $148.50 for a full estate and $70.50 for a small estate affidavit. Publication costs add another $125-$200. Attorney fees are statutory (percentage-based) unless otherwise agreed.

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

Yes. If the estate is valued at $40,000 or less, you can file a Small Estate Affidavit 30 days after the death to transfer assets without full probate administration.

How long does probate take in Platte County?

Formal probate takes a minimum of 6 months due to the creditor claim period. Most simple estates are closed within 9-12 months.

Do I need an attorney for probate in Platte County?

While not strictly required for all procedures, Missouri law generally requires an attorney for full estate administration because the personal representative is representing the interests of others. Small estate affidavits can sometimes be handled pro se, but legal counsel is highly recommended.

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

Overview

Platte County is located in Missouri with a population of approximately 113,207. The Platte 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 Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo) Chapters 472 through 475. The process begins with filing an Application for Letters (Testamentary or of Administration) 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.

Small Estate Affidavit: Missouri offers a simplified procedure for estates valued at $40,000 or less (excluding liens and encumbrances). If the estate qualifies, successors can file an Affidavit to Establish Title of Distributee after 30 days have passed since the death, avoiding full probate administration.

Statutory Fees: Missouri law sets a minimum fee schedule for attorneys and personal representatives based on the value of the estate's personal property and proceeds from real estate sold:

* 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 Platte 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

Platte County Circuit Court, Probate Division

Probate matters in Platte County are handled at the Platte County Circuit Clerk's Office.

Address: 328 Main St., Suite 5-CH, Platte City, MO 64079

Phone: (816) 858-2232 (Probate Division)

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

The Probate Division is part of the 6th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk's Office is located in the Platte County Courthouse.

Parking and Access

Public parking is available in designated lots around the courthouse square and along the streets in downtown Platte City. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the building; cell phones may be restricted or require silencing.

Filing Process

Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary

Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:

Small Estate Affidavit: If the net estate is valued at $40,000 or less, you may file an affidavit 30 days after death to collect assets without full administration.
Refusal of Letters: A surviving spouse or unmarried minor children may petition to refuse letters if the estate value does not exceed the statutory allowance (approx. $20,000 plus exempt property).
Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.

Step 2: File the Petition

If formal probate is needed, file an Application for Letters with the Platte County Probate Division. Include:

Application for Letters Testamentary (with Will) or Administration (without Will)
Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
Certified death certificate
Filing fee (approximately $150 for full estates)
Corporate surety bond (unless waived by the Will or all distributees)

Note: Missouri requires mandatory e-filing for attorneys via the Case.net system. Self-represented litigants may file in paper but are encouraged to check local rules.

Step 3: Provide Notice

After filing, you must:

Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Platte County (e.g., The Platte County Citizen or The Landmark) for four consecutive weeks.
Mail notice to all heirs, beneficiaries, and known creditors.

Step 4: Attend the Hearing

The court may schedule a hearing to admit the will and appoint the personal representative. Once approved, the clerk issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, granting authority to act on behalf of the estate.

Step 5: Administer the Estate

After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:

Publish notice to creditors (creditors have 6 months to file claims)
File an Inventory and Appraisement of all estate assets within 30 days of appointment
Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses
File federal and state tax returns
Distribute assets to beneficiaries after the claim period expires
File a Final Settlement and petition for discharge

Local Requirements

Platte County-Specific Procedures

E-Filing: Platte County is an e-filing court. Attorneys must file documents electronically through the Missouri Case.net system.
Bond Requirements: A corporate surety bond is generally required for personal representatives unless the Will explicitly waives it or all heirs/beneficiaries consent to a waiver and the court approves.
Local Rules: The 6th Judicial Circuit has specific local rules regarding probate settlements and guardian reports.
Publication: Notice of Letters must be published in an approved county newspaper such as The Platte County Citizen, The Landmark, or The Weston Chronicle.

Consult the court clerk or a local attorney for the most current procedural requirements.

Timeline & Fees

Filing Fees (Platte County)

Full Estate (Supervised/Independent): approximately $148.50
Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $70.50
Will Admit Only: approximately $70.50
Publication costs: approximately $125-$200 (paid directly to the newspaper)
Certified copies: ~$1.50 per page + certification fee

Note: Fees are subject to change. Check with the Circuit Clerk for the current fee schedule.

Payment Methods

The court accepts cash, cashier's checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (with a convenience fee). Personal checks may not be accepted for new case filings.

Estimated Timelines

Small Estate: Can be settled in roughly 30-60 days (30-day waiting period required before filing).
Simple Estates: 6-9 months (minimum 6-month creditor claim period).
Complex Estates: 12 months or longer depending on asset sales, tax audits, or litigation.

Local Resources

Platte County Court Resources

Court Website: https://www.co.platte.mo.us/circuit-clerk
Case Search (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 Aid of Western Missouri: (816) 474-6750 — Provides assistance to low-income residents.

Publication

The Platte County Citizen: (816) 858-5154 — Legal notices
The Landmark: (816) 858-0363 — Legal notices

Probate in Platte County, Missouri: 2026 Guide