Probate Court
The Probate Division of the Circuit Clerk’s Office handles matters related to estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings. The Clerk’s Office is responsible for maintaining official court records, collecting fees, and assisting with procedural filings throughout the probate process.
Probate – Cynthia Lee, Circuit Clerk
Division III – Probate
(417) 256-3741
Please be advised that this Court and the Clerk’s Office are prohibited by law from responding to requests for legal advice.
You will need to direct your requests to a licensed attorney. Learn More.
Probate Division
The Probate Division handles matters related to estates, wills, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Probate Matters Include:
Administration of Estates
Wills
Guardianships for Minors
Guardianships for Incapacitated Adults
Conservatorships
Small Estate Affidavits
Refusal of Letters
Pet for Determination of Heirship
In Missouri, estates valued at $40,000 or less may qualify for a Small Estate Affidavit procedure.
Opening an Estate
To open an estate, you may need:
Application for Letters Testamentary or Administration
Original will (if applicable)
Filing fee
Additional requirements may include publication notice and inventory filings.
Forms & Resources
Click on the underlined links to download.
Court Forms
Approved probate forms are available through the Missouri Judiciary at: Missouri Courts: Probate Forms
Records Request Forms
Records request forms are available to download and complete here. After completion, forms may be submitted by mail or via email to hwl.recordsrequest@courts.mo.gov. Processing times and applicable fees may apply.
Records Request | Transcript Request| CD Audio Recording Request
Confidential Information Handout
Download Here.
DISCLAIMER: These examples are for illustration only and are not a comprehensive list. There is no exhaustive list of all information that may be confidential under state or federal law. For help, you may want to consult with an attorney.
Court Fees
Court fees are the standard costs required to file, process, or manage a case through the court system. A court fee schedule is a list outlining those fees based on the type of case or service requested.
Local Court Rules
Local Court Rules define the procedures and requirements for filing and managing cases within this circuit. Parties are encouraged to review these rules before filing to ensure compliance with court standards.