Understanding Probate Administration in St. Louis Key Takeaways Probate administration in St. Louis is the court-supervised process of settling an estate after someone passes away. The Missouri probate process involves validating a will, paying debts, and distributing assets. Full probate can take anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the estate’s complexity. When a loved one passes away, their estate often must go through probate before assets can be transferred to heirs. Probate is the legal process that ensures debts are paid, taxes are settled, and remaining property is distributed according to the decedent’s will or Missouri law. If you are facing probate administration in St. Louis, it’s important to understand how the system works, what steps are required, and why professional legal guidance makes the process smoother. For general background on probate across the U.S., see the American Bar Association’s overview of the probate process. What Is Full Probate Administration? In Missouri, full probate administration is the most comprehensive type of probate. It applies when an estate’s value exceeds the small estate threshold and requires full court supervision. During this process, the court appoints a personal representative (also called an executor or administrator) who manages the estate under judicial oversight. Learn more about probate legal services here. Steps in the Missouri Probate Process The Missouri probate process follows a structured series of steps: File a Petition – The personal representative files a petition with the probate court in the county where the decedent lived. Appoint a Personal Representative