Overview
Ste. Genevieve County is located in Missouri with a population of approximately 18,479. The Ste. Genevieve 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, Chapter 473 RSMo. The process begins with filing an Application for Letters 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.
Missouri offers a Small Estate Affidavit procedure for estates valued at $40,000 or less (excluding liens and encumbrances), available 30 days after death. Additionally, a Refusal of Letters may be available for surviving spouses or unmarried minor children if the estate value is under $20,000, or for creditors to satisfy funeral expenses.
Missouri law sets statutory minimum fees for attorneys and personal representatives based on a percentage of the estate's 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, and 2% on any amount over $1 million.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Ste. Genevieve 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
Ste. Genevieve County Circuit Court
Probate matters in Ste. Genevieve County are handled at the Ste. Genevieve County Courthouse.
Address: 55 S. 3rd Street, Room 23, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
Phone: (573) 883-2705 ext. 1 (Circuit Clerk / Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Circuit Clerk's office is located in Room 23 of the courthouse. The court operates within the 24th Judicial Circuit of Missouri.
Parking and Access
Street parking is generally available around the courthouse square in downtown Ste. Genevieve. 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 (less liens and encumbrances) and 30 days have passed since death.
- Refusal of Letters: Available for surviving spouses/minor children (estate under $20,000) or creditors for funeral costs.
- 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 Ste. Genevieve County Circuit Court. Include:
- Application for Letters of Administration or Testamentary
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (typically $150-$250 depending on estate type)
- Corporate surety bond (unless waived by will or distributees)
Attorneys are generally required to file electronically via the Missouri Case.net system.
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 Ste. Genevieve County (such as the Ste. Genevieve Herald) for four consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will review the application. If approved, the judge issues Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if no will), granting authority to the personal representative.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (creditors have 6 months from 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 final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Ste. Genevieve County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Mandatory for attorneys through the Missouri Case.net system.
- Bond requirements: A corporate surety bond is typically required for personal representatives unless waived by the will or by unanimous consent of all distributees.
- Local court rules: The court operates under the rules of the 24th Judicial Circuit.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Ste. Genevieve County, such as the Ste. Genevieve Herald, for four consecutive weeks.
Always check with the Circuit Clerk's office for the most current local forms and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Ste. Genevieve County)
- Opening an Estate: approximately $150-$250
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $75-$100
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $20 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Sheriff's Service: Fees vary based on location and mileage
Missouri statutes (RSMo 473.153) set minimum compensation for attorneys and personal representatives based on a percentage of the estate value (e.g., 5% on the first $5,000, 4% on the next $20,000).
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, money orders, cashier's checks, and credit/debit cards (convenience fees may apply). Personal checks may not be accepted for new filings.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-12 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years
The creditor claim period in Missouri is 6 months from the date of first publication, which sets a minimum duration for formal administration.
Local Resources
Ste. Genevieve County Court Resources
- Court Website: stegencounty.gov
- Missouri Probate Forms: courts.mo.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- The Missouri Bar: (573) 635-4128 — mobar.org
- Legal Services of Eastern Missouri: (314) 534-4200 — Provides legal assistance to low-income residents.
Publication
- Ste. Genevieve Herald: (573) 883-2222 — Official newspaper for legal notices.