Missouri Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Missouri, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Missouri guide.
- Will
- Missouri will requirements: sound-mind and age-18 capacity, a signed writing, two witnesses, self-proving affidavits, and no handwritten or oral wills. Read the guide
- Living trust
- How a Missouri revocable living trust works: create it under the Missouri Uniform Trust Code, fund it by retitling assets, and back it with a pour-over will. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- How a Missouri power of attorney works: it is not durable by default, needs set durability wording, must be notarized, and ends when the principal dies. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- How a Missouri healthcare directive works: a durable power of attorney for health care names your agent, plus a Life Support Declaration for terminal care. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what Missouri requires from an online will before you sign anything.
Missouri estate planning guides
Missouri Estate Planning Basics
Missouri estate planning basics: the will, durable power of attorney, health care directive, and living trust every adult needs, plus probate and taxes.
Missouri Will Requirements
Missouri will requirements: sound-mind and age-18 capacity, a signed writing, two witnesses, self-proving affidavits, and no handwritten or oral wills.
Missouri Power of Attorney
How a Missouri power of attorney works: it is not durable by default, needs set durability wording, must be notarized, and ends when the principal dies.
Missouri Healthcare Directive
How a Missouri healthcare directive works: a durable power of attorney for health care names your agent, plus a Life Support Declaration for terminal care.
Missouri Guardianship Planning
How Missouri guardianship and conservatorship work under RSMo Chapter 475, and how a durable power of attorney and health care directive can avoid a court case.
Missouri Revocable Living Trust
How a Missouri revocable living trust works: create it under the Missouri Uniform Trust Code, fund it by retitling assets, and back it with a pour-over will.
Missouri Trust Administration
How a Missouri successor trustee settles a revocable living trust after death: notice to beneficiaries, trust accounting, paying debts, and distribution.
Missouri Beneficiary Deed (Transfer on Death)
A Missouri beneficiary deed passes real estate to a named beneficiary outside probate under RSMo 461.025. It is revocable and must be recorded before death.
How Pet Trusts Work in Missouri
How a Missouri pet trust works under RSMo 456.4-408: set aside money for an animal's care, name a caregiver and trustee, and fund it for real costs.
Digital Assets and Estate Planning in Missouri
How to reach a deceased person's digital accounts in Missouri under RUFADAA (RSMo 472.400 to 472.490): online tools, will and POA wording, and crypto.
Not sure what you need in Missouri?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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