When a loved one passes away in Missouri, families often must choose how to open a full probate estate: Independent (unsupervised) administration or Supervised administration. The right choice can save time, money, and stress—especially for families in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County. 

For informational purposes only; not legal advice. Consult an attorney about your specific situation. 

•  Independent administration (unsupervised): The personal representative (“PR”) handles most steps without asking the court for approval each time. It’s generally faster and less expensive when everyone cooperates. (§ 473.780 RSMo,; § 473.787 RSMo) (Missouri Revisor of Statutes) 
• Supervised administration: The court oversees key decisions, reviews annual reports, and must approve major actions. This adds structure and protection when there are disputes or trust issues.  

 How Each Option Works 

 Independent probate (the “streamlined” route) 

• Who can use it: 
  If the will authorizes independent administration or all heirs/devisees consent and the will doesn’t prohibit it. (§ 473.780 RSMo) (Missouri Revisor of Statutes) 

• Court involvement: Limited. The required notice to creditors must state the PR “may administer the estate independently” unless the court later orders supervision. (§ 473.783 RSMo) (Missouri Revisor of Statutes) 

• Duties & attorney help: The PR still must follow Missouri probate rules and must  work with an attorney on inventories, claims, taxes, distributions, and closing the estate. (§ 473.787 RSMo) (Missouri Revisor of Statutes) 

• Bond: Often required for personal and real property (unless waived by the will).  

• Typical timeline: About 8–12 months for many estates, assuming no major disputes.  

Supervised probate (the “extra oversight” route) 

• When it’s used: If the will doesn’t permit independent administration and heirs won’t all consent—or if conflicts make court oversight prudent.  

• Court involvement: The court approves significant actions and audits accountings; this can add time and legal work but also reduces risk for the PR.  

• Bond: Typically required for personal property (unless the will waives it).  

• Typical timeline: About 10–14 months, depending on complexity. 

Key Missouri rules that apply to both paths 

• Deadline to present the will & open a full estate: 
  A will must be presented for probate within the statute’s timeframes, including within one year of death if no letters were previously issued. (§ 473.050) (Missouri Revisor of Statutes)

Practical takeaway: Waiting can limit your options to simplified procedures only.  

• Publish and mail notice of letters: 
  The clerk publishes notice once a week for four consecutive weeks and mails notice to heirs/devisees. (§ 473.033 RSMo) (Missouri Revisor of Statutes) 

• Creditor claim window: 
  Most claims must be filed within six months after first publication of notice of letters (with a shorter window for mailed notice). (§ 473.360 RSMo) (Missouri Revisor of Statutes) 

• Inventory due date: 
  The PR must file an inventory within 30 days after letters (unless the court grants more time). (§ 473.233 RSMo) (Missouri Revisor of Statutes) 

Pros & Cons At a glance 

Independent administration 

• Pros: Fewer hearings, faster, lower attorneys’ fees on average.  

• Cons: Less built-in court protection; if problems arise, the court can convert to supervised and even remove the PR for losses to the estate. (§ 473.833 RSMo) (Missouri Revisor of Statutes) 

Supervised administration 

• Pros: Court approval at each step can deter disputes and protect the PR from liability.  

• Cons: More time, more paperwork, and typically higher fees.  

 Closing the estate 

In independent cases, a PR can often finish administration after six months and ten days from first publication of letters, by filing a “statement of account,” if all statutory notices, claims, and taxes are properly handled. (§ 473.840 RSMo)  (Missouri Revisor of Statutes) 

 How to choose the right path in St. Louis 

Use this quick decision guide: 

1. Check the will. Does it authorize independent administration? If yes—and there’s no serious conflict—independent is usually the efficient choice. (§ 473.780 RSMo) (Missouri Revisor of Statutes) 
2. Gauge family consensus. If the will is silent, all heirs/devisees can consent to go independent. (§ 473.780 RSMo.) (Missouri Revisor of Statutes) 
3. Assess risk. Expect disputes, complex assets, or mistrust? Supervised may provide needed guardrails and protection.  
4. Mind the clock. Present the will and apply for letters within one year of death to keep full-estate options open. (§ 473.050 RSMo) (Missouri Revisor of Statutes) 
5. Plan the checklist. Publication, inventory within 30 days, claims review, tax filings, accountings, and distributions apply to either route. (§ 473.033, 473.233, 473.360 RSMo) (Missouri Revisor of Statutes)  

Summary & next steps 

• Independent administration is usually faster and more economical when the will allows it or all parties consent.  

• Supervised administration adds court oversight that can help in contested or high-risk estates.  

• Watch key deadlines: present the will/apply for letters within one year; publish notice; file inventory in 30 days; and manage creditor claims within six months of first publication. (Missouri Revisor of Statutes) 

 Next Steps for St. Louis Families
Gather the will, death certificate, and a list of assets/debts; then call probate attorney John Fritz at Fritz Law LLC about whether independent or supervised administration fits your goals and family dynamics.  

 We can help 

Fritz Law LLC guides St. Louis families through either path—from filings to final distribution—so you can focus on what matters most. Contact us to discuss your options today.