What are the steps involved in the probate process?

Probate is the legal process used to settle the estate of someone who has passed away. In Missouri, the probate process can take anywhere from six months to a year or more to complete. Here are the steps involved in the probate process in Missouri: 1. File the Probate Petition: The probate process begins by filing the probate petition in the county in which the decedent lived. The probate petition will list the assets of the estate as well as who the executor of the estate will be. 2. Notify Heirs and Creditors: The executor is required to notify the heirs and creditors of the estate. The notice is typically done through a newspaper advertisement. 3. Collect Assets: Next, the executor must collect all of the assets of the estate. This includes collecting any bank accounts, investments, real estate, personal property, and insurance policies. 4. Pay Debts and Taxes: The executor is responsible for paying any debts and taxes that are due. This includes any final income taxes or estate taxes. 5. Distribute Assets: Finally, the executor is responsible for distributing the assets to the beneficiaries according to the decedent’s will or, if there is no will, according to the Missouri intestacy laws. Once all of these steps are complete, the executor will need to file a Final Report in court and the probate process will be complete.

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What are the steps involved in the probate process?

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