Overview
Worth County is located in Missouri with a population of approximately 1,973. The Worth 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 the Missouri Revised Statutes, specifically Chapters 472-475. The process begins with filing a Petition for Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if 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.
Missouri offers simplified procedures for smaller estates. The Small Estate Affidavit is available if the value of the entire estate, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed $40,000. There is also a "Refusal of Letters" process for surviving spouses or unmarried minor children if the estate value is not greater than the exempt property and statutory allowance.
Statutory fees for personal representatives and attorneys are based on a percentage of the 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, and 2% on amounts over $1,000,000.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Worth 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
Worth County Circuit Court
Probate matters in Worth County are handled at the Worth County Courthouse.
Address: 23 West 3rd Street, Grant City, MO 64456
Phone: (660) 564-2210 (Circuit Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
The Probate Division is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk's office typically accepts probate filings.
Parking and Access
Street parking is generally available around the courthouse square in Grant City. 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 an affidavit 30 days after death to collect assets without full probate.
- Refusal of Letters: Available to a surviving spouse or unmarried minor children if the estate's value does not exceed the statutory allowances and 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 a Petition for Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration with the Worth County Circuit Court. Include:
- Petition for Probate of Will and/or Letters
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (typically around $150-$200)
- List of heirs and interested parties
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys in Missouri courts; pro se litigants may file in paper.
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 Worth County, such as the Grant City Times-Tribune, for four consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will review the petition. If approved, the judge issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, granting the personal representative authority to act.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish notice to creditors (claims must be filed within 6 months of first publication).
- 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 discharge to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Worth County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Attorneys are required to file electronically via the Missouri eFiling System. Self-represented litigants may file paper documents.
- Bond requirements: A bond is generally required unless waived by the will or by all distributees.
- Local court rules: The 4th Judicial Circuit may have specific local rules regarding scheduling and document formatting.
- Publication: Notice is typically published in the Grant City Times-Tribune.
Always check with the Circuit Clerk for the most current local forms and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Worth County)
- Petition for Letters: approximately $150-$200
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $65-$75
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $1.50-$5.00 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Refusal of Letters: approximately $65-$75
Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the Circuit Clerk for exact amounts.
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, money orders, or cashier's checks. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee. Personal checks are often not accepted.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Small Estate Affidavit): 1-2 months
- Average estates: 6-9 months (minimum 6 months for creditor claims)
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
The creditor claim period in Missouri is 6 months from the date of first publication of notice.
Local Resources
Worth County Court Resources
- Court Website: courts.mo.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Missouri Courts Probate Resources
- Missouri Probate Forms: State Judicial Branch Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- The Missouri Bar: (573) 635-4128 — mobar.org
- Legal Aid of Western Missouri: (816) 474-6750 — lawmo.org
- Missouri Lawyer Referral Service: missourilawyershelp.org
Publication
- Grant City Times-Tribune: (660) 564-3336 — Newspaper of general circulation in Worth County.