Wondering if a probate case has been filed in Missouri? Learn how to check for probate proceedings in St. Louis and when to contact a probate attorney. 

If a loved one has recently passed away in Missouri, you may be wondering: How do I find out if any proceedings have been filed in probate? Knowing whether a probate case has been opened is crucial if you’re an heir, creditor, or interested party. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you check for probate filings in St. Louis, MO. 

What Is Probate? 

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is administered. This can include validating a will (if there is one), appointing a personal representative, settling debts, and distributing assets to heirs. In Missouri, most estates must go through probate unless the decedent used tools like joint ownership, trusts or transfer-on-death beneficiary designations to avoid it. 

Step 1: Identify the Correct County 

In Missouri, probate cases are filed in the probate division of the Circuit Court in the county where the deceased person was domiciled (permanently lived) at the time of death. If your loved one lived in St. Louis City or St. Louis County, you’ll need to search in that specific jurisdiction. 

Step 2: Search Online Probate Records 

Both St. Louis City and St. Louis County have online case search systems where you can look up probate filings: 

• Missouri’s Case.net – https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet 

• Select “Litigant Name Search” 

• Choose the proper County as the jurisdiction 

• Enter the decedent’s name 

If a probate case has been filed, you should see the case number and details such as the filing date, estate type, and appointed personal representative. 

Step 3: Contact the Probate Court Clerk 

If you’re unable to find the information online, you can call or visit the probate division of the local court directly: 

• St. Louis County Probate Division 
  105 South Central Avenue 
  Clayton, MO 63105 
  Phone: (314) 615-2629 
• St. Louis City Probate Division 
  Civil Courts Building 
  10 N. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63101 
  Phone: (314) 622-4433 

The clerk can confirm whether a case has been filed and provide guidance on how to obtain copies of court documents. 

Step 4: Speak with a St. Louis Probate Attorney 

Probate can be complex, especially if disputes arise or there are multiple heirs. If you’re unsure about your rights or responsibilities in a probate matter—or if you think a probate case should be filed but hasn’t been yet—it’s wise to speak with an experienced St. Louis probate lawyer. 

 Common Reasons to Search for a Probate Filing: 

• You’re named in the will and want to confirm it has been filed 

• You believe you’re an heir but haven’t been contacted 

• You need to make a claim against the estate 

• You’re concerned someone may be mismanaging the estate 

• You’re unsure if the deceased had a will 

 We’re Here to Help 

At Fritz Law LLC we help clients across St. Louis navigate the probate process with confidence and clarity. If you need help locating a probate filing or aren’t sure what steps to take after a loved one passes away, contact us today for a free consultation.