Losing a loved one is never easy. On top of the emotional toll, there are important legal and financial steps that must be handled properly. If you’re wondering what to do when a loved one passes away in Missouri, this guide will walk you through the essential steps—especially when it comes to probate court and estate administration.

At Fritz Law LLC, we help families in St. Louis navigate the probate process with clarity and confidence.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Death

1. Obtain a Legal Pronouncement of Death

The first step is to have a medical professional officially declare the death. This typically happens at a hospital, hospice facility, or through emergency responders if the death occurs at home.

2. Notify Close Family and Friends

Inform immediate family members and close friends. This is also the time to begin coordinating funeral or memorial arrangements.

3. Secure the Deceased’s Property

Make sure the deceased’s home, vehicles, and valuables are protected. This includes:

• Locking doors and windows.
• Safeguarding important documents.
• Arranging care for pets.

Important Administrative Tasks

4. Order Certified Death Certificates

You will need multiple certified copies of the death certificate to handle legal and financial matters such as:

• Closing bank accounts.
• Filing insurance claims.
• Transferring assets

5. Locate the Will or Estate Plan

Check if the deceased left a will, trust, or other estate planning documents. These documents determine how assets are distributed and who is responsible for managing the estate.

If no will exists, the estate will be handled according to Missouri intestacy laws.

Understanding Probate in Missouri

6. Determine If Probate Is Necessary

Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. In Missouri, probate may be required if:

• The deceased owned assets solely in their name.
• There are no designated beneficiaries.
• The estate exceeds certain thresholds.

Small estates (generally under $40,000) may qualify for simplified procedures.

7. File the Necessary Documents in the Proper Probate Court

To begin probate, a petition must be filed in the appropriate Missouri probate court. The court will:

• Issue an order (Small Estate Affidavit / Refusal of Letters / Determination of Heirship) or appoint a personal representative (executor).
• Grant authority to manage the estate assets.

8. Notify Creditors and Pay Debts

The estate may have to notify creditors and settle outstanding debts before distributing assets to beneficiaries, depending on what probate route is pursued. For Full Estates, creditors must timely file claims against the estate and show up to a hearing to prove-up said claims. For a Small Estate Affidavit, all known debts must be paid before property is distributed to the heirs.

Managing and Distributing the Estate

9. Inventory Assets

For a Full Estate, the personal representative must identify and value all estate assets, including:

• Real estate
• Bank accounts
• Investments
• Personal property

10. Distribute Assets to Heirs

After debts/claims and taxes are handled, the remaining assets are distributed according to the will or Missouri law.

Why You Should Hire a Probate Attorney

Handling probate on your own can be overwhelming, especially during a difficult time. A probate attorney can help:

• Ensure all legal requirements are met
• Avoid costly mistakes
• Speed up the probate process
• Handle disputes among heirs

At Fritz Law LLC, we focus exclusively on probate matters in St. Louis, helping families every step of the way.

When to Contact a Probate Attorney

You should speak with a probate attorney if:

• You are unsure whether probate is required
• There is a will
• The estate includes real estate or personal property without beneficiaries

The earlier you get legal guidance, the smoother the process will be.

Get Help with Probate in St. Louis, MO

If you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one and need guidance on what to do when someone dies in Missouri, Fritz Law LLC is here to help. Our team provides compassionate and experienced legal support tailored to your situation.