Overview
Reynolds County is located in Missouri with a population of approximately 6,000. The Reynolds 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 Title XXXI of the Missouri Revised Statutes (Chapters 470-475). 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.
Small Estate Affidavit: For estates valued at $40,000 or less (excluding liens and encumbrances), Missouri offers a simplified "Small Estate Affidavit" procedure. This can be filed 30 days after death and avoids 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.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Reynolds 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
Reynolds County Circuit Court, Probate Division
Probate matters in Reynolds County are handled at the Reynolds County Courthouse.
Address: 2319 Green St, Centerville, MO 63633 (Mailing: PO Box 76)
Phone: (573) 648-2494
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Division is part of the 42nd Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk's office typically accepts filings for the probate division.
Parking and Access
Street parking is generally available around the courthouse square in Centerville. 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 file a small estate affidavit 30 days after death.
- Refusal of Letters: For surviving spouses or unmarried minor children, the court may "refuse" letters if the estate is small (statutory allowances apply).
- 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 with the Reynolds County Probate Division. Include:
- Petition for Letters Testamentary or Administration
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $155.50)
- List of heirs and interested parties
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 Reynolds County (typically the Reynolds County Courier) for four consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish Notice to Creditors (creditors have 6 months to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 30 days of appointment
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Statement of Account and petition for discharge to close the estate
Local Requirements
Reynolds County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Method: Check with the clerk regarding mandatory e-filing versus paper filing for pro se litigants.
- Bond: A bond is typically required for personal representatives unless waived by the will or all heirs.
- Publication: Notice is typically published in the Reynolds County Courier.
- Local Rules: The 42nd Judicial Circuit may have specific local rules regarding hearing schedules and document formatting.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Reynolds County)
- Petition for Letters (Full Estate): approximately $155.50
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $68.50 - $75.00
- Will Admitted (No Letters): approximately $70.00
- Publication costs: Paid directly to the newspaper (approx. $100-$200)
- Certified copies: ~$1.50 per page + certification fee
Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the Circuit Clerk for the most current fee schedule.
Statutory Executor/Attorney Fees (Missouri)
Missouri law (RSMo 473.153) sets minimum fees based on estate value:
- 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
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 Affidavit: 30-60 days
- Independent Administration: 6-9 months (minimum 6 months for creditor claims)
- Supervised Administration: 9-12+ months
Local Resources
Reynolds County Court Resources
- Court Website: courts.mo.gov
- Case.net (Case Search): courts.mo.gov/casenet
- Missouri Probate Forms: courts.mo.gov/forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- The Missouri Bar: (573) 635-4128 — mobar.org
- Legal Services of Southern Missouri: (800) 444-4863 — lsosm.org
Publication
- Reynolds County Courier: (573) 663-2243 — Newspaper of general circulation in Ellington, MO.