Executor Resource

Missouri Executor Checklist

A comprehensive guide to help executors navigate the essential tasks and legal requirements when administering an estate in Missouri. Download the complete checklist for offline reference.

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Important Legal Notice

This checklist provides general guidance and should not be considered legal advice. Missouri law requires that any will found must be filed with the probate court as soon as possible, but no later than one year after death. Always consult with a qualified probate attorney for specific legal guidance regarding your situation.

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Legend:

IMPORTANT

Requires prompt action or carries significant risk

MO LAW

Governed by Missouri statute

Secure the deceased's home and property

Timeframe: Immediately

Change locks, secure valuables, and ensure property is protected from theft or damage.

Order multiple certified death certificates

IMPORTANT

Timeframe: Within 24 hours

Order at least 10-15 copies from funeral home or vital records office. You'll need these for banks, insurance, etc.

Make funeral arrangements

Timeframe: Within 24-48 hours

Coordinate with funeral home and ensure they notify Social Security Administration.

Notify immediate family and close friends

Timeframe: Within 24 hours

Contact immediate family members, close friends, and anyone who should know immediately.

Locate and file the will with probate court

IMPORTANT

MO LAW

Timeframe: ASAP, no later than 1 year

Search for will in home, safe deposit box, or with attorney. File with probate court in the county where deceased lived at death (in most cases) immediately when found.

Contact probate attorney if will is found

IMPORTANT

Timeframe: Within 3-5 days of finding will

Get legal guidance on probate process and executor duties under Missouri law.

Notify deceased's employer

Timeframe: Within 3-5 days

Inform HR department about death benefits, final paycheck, and retirement accounts.

Notify Social Security Administration

IMPORTANT

Timeframe: Within 1 week

Call 1-800-772-1213 to report death and stop benefits. Funeral home may have already done this.

Notify Medicare (if applicable)

Timeframe: Within 1 week

Call 1-800-MEDICARE to cancel coverage and return any unused Medicare cards.

Contact all banks and freeze accounts

IMPORTANT

Timeframe: Within 1-2 weeks

Notify all banks, credit unions, and financial institutions. Provide death certificate.

Notify all three credit bureaus

IMPORTANT

Timeframe: Within 2 weeks

Contact Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to report death and request deceased alert on credit report.

Notify all credit card companies (but don't pay balances)

Timeframe: Within 2 weeks

Contact all credit card companies to notify of death. In Missouri, creditors must file claims in probate court to seek payment - avoid paying decedent's bills even from estate funds unless essential (e.g., utilities in winter). Note: Mortgage companies cannot foreclose for 6 months from date of death, even if payments aren't made.

Notify investment/retirement accounts

Timeframe: Within 2 weeks

Contact brokerages, 401(k) administrators, IRA custodians, and pension funds.

Access safe deposit box (if any)

Timeframe: Within 2 weeks

Contact bank about accessing box. May need court order or death certificate depending on bank policy.

File life insurance claims

IMPORTANT

Timeframe: Within 30 days

Contact all life insurance companies. Submit claims with death certificates and policy information.

Cancel auto insurance

Timeframe: Within 30 days

Cancel policies for vehicles that won't be driven. Maintain coverage for vehicles still in use.

Cancel health insurance

Timeframe: Within 30 days

Notify insurance company and cancel coverage. Check if family members need COBRA coverage.

Update homeowners/renters insurance

Timeframe: Within 30 days

Notify insurance company of death. Ensure continued coverage for estate property.

Contact VA for veterans benefits (if applicable)

Timeframe: Within 30 days

Contact Department of Veterans Affairs for burial benefits and survivor benefits.

Create complete inventory of assets

Timeframe: Within 60 days

Document all assets including real estate, personal property, investments, and debts.

Get appraisals for valuable property

Timeframe: Within 60 days

Obtain professional appraisals for real estate, jewelry, art, and other valuable items.

Secure and transfer vehicle titles

Timeframe: Within 60 days

Contact Missouri DMV about transferring vehicle ownership. May need to go through probate.

Handle utilities and services

Timeframe: As needed

Cancel or transfer utilities, phone, internet, cable, and subscription services.

Prepare final income tax return

MO LAW

Timeframe: By April 15 of following year

File deceased's final Form 1040. May need to file estate tax returns if estate is large enough.

File estate tax return (if required)

MO LAW

Timeframe: Within 9 months of death

Required if gross estate plus adjusted taxable gifts exceed federal exemption ($12.92M in 2023).

Complete probate process (if required)

IMPORTANT

MO LAW

Timeframe: 6 months to 2+ years

Work with attorney to complete Missouri probate process if estate requires formal administration.

Handle creditor claims

MO LAW

Timeframe: Per court schedule

In Missouri, creditors typically have 6 months from probate opening to file claims.

Need Legal Assistance?

Serving as an executor can be overwhelming. Our experienced probate attorneys are here to guide you through the Missouri probate process and ensure all legal requirements are properly handled.

(314) 246-0578

This checklist is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Missouri attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Need Legal Assistance?

Serving as an executor can be overwhelming. Our experienced probate attorneys are here to guide you through the Missouri probate process and ensure all legal requirements are properly handled.

This checklist is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Missouri attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Missouri Executor Checklist

Important Legal Notice

Overwhelmed by the probate process?

Immediate Actions (First 24-48 Hours)

First Week Actions

Financial Institution Notifications

Insurance and Benefits

Property and Assets

Legal and Tax Obligations

Need Legal Assistance?

Important Legal Notice

Overwhelmed by the probate process?

Immediate Actions (First 24-48 Hours)

First Week Actions

Financial Institution Notifications

Insurance and Benefits

Property and Assets

Legal and Tax Obligations

Need Legal Assistance?