Missouri · Probate administration

Missouri Probate Creditor Deadlines and Small-Estate Rules

Missouri creditor claims are barred unless filed within six months after the first published notice of letters, or, if notice was actually mailed to or served on the creditor, within two months after mailing or service, whichever occurs later. The six-month and two-month periods do not extend the separate limitation period that would bar claims one year after death.

3 rules checked against governing sourcesSources checked through Jul 3, 2026Inspect the coverage gate

Answer first, sources attached

Three administration rules to check first

Creditor timing, notice procedure, and simplified-estate eligibility are state-specific. These source-linked rules are a starting point for the administration plan.

Claims deadline

Creditor claim period

Missouri creditor claims are barred unless filed within six months after the first published notice of letters, or, if notice was actually mailed to or served on the creditor, within two months after mailing or service, whichever occurs later. The six-month and two-month periods do not extend the separate limitation period that would bar claims one year after death.

Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 473.360, 473.033.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

Procedure threshold

Small-estate procedure

Missouri's small-estate affidavit procedure may be used when the estate consists of personal property, real property, or both, and the value of the entire estate less liens, debt, and encumbrances does not exceed $40,000. Thirty days must have elapsed since death, and no letters, administration, or refusal of letters may be pending or granted except as provided by statute.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 473.097.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

Publication and service

Notice to creditors

As soon as Missouri letters testamentary or of administration are issued, the clerk must publish notice of the personal representative's appointment, including notice to creditors, once a week for four consecutive weeks. The clerk mails a copy to heirs and devisees shown in the court records, the personal representative may mail or serve creditor copies, and proof of publication and mailing must be filed within ten days after publication is completed.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 473.033.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

What changes the answer

The statewide rule is the starting point

  • Date and type of appointmentLetters, qualification, and the form of administration can change the trigger.
  • Known versus unknown creditorsPublication and direct notice may create different duties and deadlines.
  • Property included in the thresholdExempt property, real estate, and nonprobate assets may be treated differently.
  • Local court procedureForms, publication practice, hearing calendars, and closing requirements can be county-specific.

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This page reports source-linked state rules and review dates. It does not calculate a deadline, determine eligibility, select a procedure, value a claim, or apply law to an individual situation. Verify the cited authority, local procedure, and current law before relying on a rule.