✍️ Sarah Mitchell
·
⚖️ Legally reviewed by James Hartley
·
Last reviewed: July 2026
Affiliate Disclosure: Law-Trust.com may earn a commission when you click links to Trust & Will on this page, at no extra cost to you. Rankings are editorially independent. This is not legal advice.
Missouri has practical, straightforward will laws and no state estate or inheritance tax — making it an excellent environment for online estate planning. Whether you're in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, or a smaller community, making a legally valid will online is achievable for most Missourians with under an hour of effort.
Two noteworthy Missouri features: the state allows holographic wills (handwritten, unwitnessed), and Missouri has a Beneficiary Deed law that lets you transfer real estate outside of probate. This guide covers everything Missouri residents need to know about making a will online.
Is an Online Will Legal in Missouri?
Yes — online wills are fully legal in Missouri when properly executed.
Under RSMo § 474.320, a valid Missouri will must be: (1) in writing; (2) signed by the testator, or by another person in the testator's presence and at the testator's direction; and (3) attested by two or more competent witnesses in the testator's presence. The testator must be at least 18 years old (§ 474.310).
Notarization is not required for a valid Missouri will. However, a self-proving affidavit is strongly recommended and most quality online services include it. The self-proving affidavit allows the will to be admitted to probate without requiring the witnesses to testify in court.
Holographic Wills in Missouri
Missouri recognizes holographic wills under RSMo § 474.320. A holographic will must be written and signed entirely in the testator's handwriting. No witnesses are required. While legally valid, holographic wills are more easily contested — particularly regarding authenticity of handwriting and capacity. A properly executed typed will from an online service provides significantly more legal protection.
Electronic Wills in Missouri
Missouri has not enacted the Uniform Electronic Wills Act as of 2026. Electronic or digital-only wills do not have a dedicated legal framework in Missouri. Your online will should be printed and physically signed with witnesses. The online service is a drafting tool; physical execution is required.
Missouri Will Requirements Checklist
✔ Missouri Legal Will Requirements (RSMo § 474.320)
- You are at least 18 years old (§ 474.310) and of sound mind
- The will is in writing (typed or printed; or holographic if entirely handwritten)
- You sign the will in the presence of your witnesses
- At least two competent witnesses sign in your presence
- Witnesses should be disinterested (not beneficiaries) — see § 474.330
- Notarization NOT required — but a self-proving affidavit is strongly recommended
- No specific form or wording required by Missouri law
Missouri's Beneficiary Deed: Transfer Real Estate Without Probate
Missouri has an excellent probate-avoidance tool for real estate: the Beneficiary Deed (also called a Transfer-on-Death Deed), authorized under RSMo § 461.025.
With a Missouri Beneficiary Deed, you can:
- Name one or more beneficiaries to inherit your real estate upon your death
- Retain full ownership and control during your lifetime — including the right to sell, mortgage, or change the deed
- Transfer the property entirely outside of probate at death
- Revoke or change the beneficiary at any time by recording a new deed or revocation with the county recorder
The Beneficiary Deed must be recorded with the recorder of deeds in the county where the property is located before your death. It takes effect at death. This is a powerful complement to your will — while your will handles personal property, executor appointment, and guardianship of minor children, a Beneficiary Deed handles real estate transfer efficiently.
Missouri Probate: How It Works
Missouri probate is handled by the Circuit Court, Probate Division, in the county where the deceased resided. Missouri's probate process involves:
- Filing the will and a petition for letters testamentary
- Publication of notice to creditors — Missouri creditors have 6 months from first publication to file claims
- Inventory and appraisal of estate assets
- Payment of debts, estate expenses, and taxes
- Final settlement and distribution to beneficiaries
Missouri Small Estate Threshold: $40,000
Missouri has a straightforward small estate option. Under RSMo § 473.097, estates with a net value of $40,000 or less (after liens and encumbrances) may qualify for the "refusal of letters" small estate procedure. This significantly simplifies asset collection without going through full probate — a major benefit for smaller estates. Note that this threshold is relatively low; larger estates or those including real property will require full probate unless the property passes through other mechanisms (Beneficiary Deed, joint tenancy, beneficiary designations).
Surviving Spouse Allowances
Missouri provides a homestead allowance and a family allowance for the surviving spouse and minor children. These are paid from the estate before general creditors and represent important protections worth understanding when planning your estate.
No Missouri State Estate or Inheritance Tax
Missouri has no state estate tax and no state inheritance tax. Missouri's estate tax was tied to the federal state death tax credit, which was eliminated in 2005 when federal law changed. The state tax automatically expired. Only the federal estate tax applies, with a 2026 exemption of $13.61 million per individual.
Best Online Will Services for Missouri Residents
Best overall for Missouri — comprehensive documents, living trust option
Will plan from
$199
Missouri RSMo Compliant
Self-Proving Affidavit
Healthcare Directive
Durable POA
Free Updates
Trust & Will is our top pick for Missouri residents. It generates RSMo § 474-compliant documents, includes a self-proving affidavit, and provides a clean guided experience. For those wanting to avoid probate, the Trust Plan ($299) adds a revocable living trust — which, combined with a Beneficiary Deed for real estate, can allow an estate to bypass Missouri probate almost entirely.
✅ Pros
- Missouri-compliant documents
- Self-proving affidavit included
- Living trust available
- Free lifetime updates
❌ Cons
- Higher price than budget options
- Beneficiary Deed not included
Start Your Missouri Will at Trust & Will →
Good for Missouri residents wanting attorney access
Will plan from
$99
MO-Compliant
Attorney Network
Business Docs
LegalZoom is a solid choice for Missouri residents who want attorney access — useful in Kansas City or St. Louis where business ownership is common and estate plans may be more complex.
✅ Pros
- Attorney access available
- MO-compliant documents
- Business docs
❌ Cons
- Upsells throughout
- Extra fees for updates
Visit LegalZoom →
Subscription with unlimited Missouri document access
From
$39.99/mo
MO Templates
Attorney Q&A
Cancel Anytime
Rocket Lawyer provides Missouri-compliant will templates plus attorney Q&A. A good fit for Missouri residents needing multiple documents or wanting ongoing access to legal guidance.
✅ Pros
- Unlimited docs
- Attorney Q&A
- Cancel anytime
❌ Cons
- Monthly subscription
- Less guided flow
Visit Rocket Lawyer →
Budget option for simple Missouri estates
From
$9.95/mo
Low Cost
MO Templates
Fast
LawDepot is the most affordable option for Missouri residents with straightforward estates. Less depth than Trust & Will but legally sound for basic situations within Missouri's $40,000 small estate range.
✅ Pros
- Very affordable
- Quick process
- MO-compliant
❌ Cons
- Subscription required
- Less comprehensive guidance
Visit LawDepot →
Missouri Service Comparison
| Service | Price | Best For | Missouri Notes |
|---|
| Trust & Will (Will Plan) | $199 | Best overall | RSMo-compliant, affidavit, advance directive |
| Trust & Will (Trust Plan) | $299 | Avoid probate | Living trust + pour-over will for MO |
| LegalZoom | $99+ | Attorney access | MO-compliant + attorney subscription |
| Rocket Lawyer | $39.99/mo | Multiple docs | Unlimited MO templates + Q&A |
| LawDepot | $9.95/mo | Budget/simple | MO-compliant basic will |
| MO Attorney | $800–$1,800 | Complex estates | Beneficiary Deed + custom planning |
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online will legal in Missouri?
Yes. Online wills are fully legal in Missouri under RSMo § 474.320 if they are in writing, signed by the testator (age 18+), and attested by two competent witnesses in the testator's presence. Notarization is not required, though a self-proving affidavit is strongly recommended.
How many witnesses does a Missouri will require?
Missouri requires at least two competent witnesses who must sign in the testator's presence (RSMo § 474.320). Disinterested witnesses (non-beneficiaries) are strongly recommended. Under § 474.330, a devise to a witness may be subject to complications if they are not one of two or more witnesses.
Are holographic wills valid in Missouri?
Yes, under RSMo § 474.320. A holographic will must be written and signed entirely in the testator's handwriting — no witnesses required. However, they are more easily contested. A properly executed typed will from an online service is always the safer choice.
Does Missouri have a state estate tax?
No. Missouri has no state estate tax and no state inheritance tax. Missouri's estate tax expired when the federal state death tax credit was eliminated in 2005. Only the federal estate tax applies, with a 2026 exemption of $13.61 million.
What is Missouri's small estate threshold?
Missouri's small estate threshold is $40,000 net value (after liens and encumbrances) under RSMo § 473.097. Estates at or below this threshold may qualify for the simplified "refusal of letters" procedure, avoiding full probate. Most larger estates or those with real property require full Circuit Court probate.
What court handles probate in Missouri?
Missouri probate is handled by the Circuit Court, Probate Division, in the county where the deceased resided. Creditors have 6 months from first publication to file claims. The process includes filing the will, qualifying the personal representative, inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing to beneficiaries.
Does Missouri have a Transfer-on-Death Deed for real estate?
Yes. Missouri's Beneficiary Deed (Transfer-on-Death Deed) under RSMo § 461.025 lets you transfer real property to a named beneficiary at death, completely bypassing probate. You retain full control during lifetime, and the deed must be recorded with the county recorder before death. It can be revoked at any time.
How much does an online will cost in Missouri?
Online will services for Missouri residents cost $89–$199 for a complete will package. Trust & Will's will plan is $199 and includes will, power of attorney, and advance directive. Missouri estate planning attorneys typically charge $800–$1,800.