Executor Duties in Missouri: A Complete Guide

Missouri calls the executor the "personal representative." Missouri is one of the few states that sets a statutory minimum for executor commissions on a sliding scale, which makes the compensation question more predictable than in most states — though it's a floor, not a fixed fee. This guide walks through every duty.

How to Get Appointed Personal Representative in Missouri

1. File the application: File an Application for Letters Testamentary (with a will) or Letters of Administration (without a will) in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of the county where the deceased was domiciled. Bring the original will and a certified death certificate.
2. Attend the hearing: Typically scheduled 2–4 weeks after filing.
3. Receive Letters Testamentary: If appointed, the court issues Letters Testamentary and (if requested and appropriate) authorizes independent administration.

Independent vs. Supervised Administration

Missouri offers two paths. With independent administration, you can pay debts, sell real estate, distribute assets, and close the estate without seeking court approval for each step — though you still must file an inventory, an annual statement, and a Statement of Account at closing. With supervised administration, every significant action requires court approval.

Missouri's Statutory Executor Commissions

Missouri fixes a statutory minimum for executor commissions under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 473.153, on a sliding scale:

• 5% of the first $5,000
• 4% of the next $20,000
• 3% of the next $75,000
• 2.75% of the next $300,000
• 2.5% of the next $600,000
• 2% of everything above $1 million

Examples: a $200,000 estate generates approximately $5,800. A $500,000 estate generates approximately $13,800. A $1 million estate generates approximately $24,300. This is a floor — if the court finds reasonable compensation for the actual work performed is higher, it must allow additional compensation, and you don't need to show "extraordinary services" to qualify.

Does Missouri Require a Bond?

Missouri generally requires a bond for personal representatives. The bond is waived if (a) the will explicitly waives it, or (b) the court determines a bond is unnecessary. Most modern Missouri wills include a bond waiver. Without a waiver, bond premiums typically run $5–$10 per $1,000 of coverage per year.

Core Duties as Personal Representative in Missouri

1. File the Application for Letters and obtain Letters Testamentary
2. Notify heirs and beneficiaries of the appointment
3. Open an estate bank account using the estate's EIN
4. File an Inventory of estate assets within 30 days (or as required by the court)
5. Publish the Notice to Creditors in a county newspaper
6. Send direct notice to known creditors
7. Wait the 6-month creditor period (from first publication) before final distribution
8. Pay valid creditor claims, final income taxes, and any estate taxes
9. Manage estate assets prudently throughout administration
10. File the annual Statement of Account if administration extends past the first year
11. Distribute remaining assets per the will (or Missouri intestacy rules)
12. File the final Statement of Account (independent) or Final Settlement (supervised)

Out-of-State Personal Representatives

Missouri allows non-resident personal representatives. The court typically requires designation of a Missouri resident as agent for service of process — a minor formality often handled by the estate's attorney or a corporate fiduciary. This is not a significant barrier for non-resident family members.

How to Close the Estate in Missouri

In independent administration, close the estate by filing a Statement of Account showing all receipts, disbursements, and distributions. If no interested party objects, the court enters an order discharging you. In supervised administration, file a Final Settlement, and the court enters an order approving distribution and discharging you.