Outline your last wishes in Missouri: Missouri Last Will and Testament
What is a Missouri Last Will and Testament?
The person making a Will is called the "testator," and the individuals or organizations appointed to handle the testator's estate after death are called "executors." Designed for residents of Missouri, this Last Will and Testament can be used in St. Louis County, Clay County, Jefferson County, and in all other parts of the state. Any Missouri Will from Rocket Lawyer can be tailored to address your particular circumstances. Making this document provides proof of your preferences.
When to use a Missouri Last Will and Testament:
- You wish to give someone broad authorization to act for you if you are absent or incapable.
- You wish to give someone power to handle certain financial or legal issues in your absence or if you become ill.
- You wish to authorize someone to act on your behalf if case you become legally incompetent or incapacitated.
Sample Missouri Last Will and Testament
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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
OF
I, , of , , revoke my former Wills and Codicils and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament.
ARTICLE
IDENTIFICATION OF FAMILY
ARTICLE
PAYMENT OF DEBTS AND EXPENSES
I direct that my just debts, funeral expenses and expenses of last illness be first paid from my estate.
ARTICLE
DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY
% - my spouse, . If my spouse does not survive me, this share shall be distributed
% - my Trustee, to be retained, managed and distributed under the provisions of Article IV (Trust for Children).
% - my children in equal shares. If a child of mine does not survive me, such deceased child's share shall be distributed in equal shares to the children of such deceased child who survived me by right of representation. If a child of mine does not survive me and has no children who survive me, such deceased child's share shall be distributed in equal shares to my other children, if any, or to their respective children by right of representation. If no child of mine survives me, and if none of my deceased children are survived by children, this share shall be distributed State of Commonwealth of , relating to the succession of separate property that is not attributable to a predeceased spouseState of Commonwealth of , relating to the succession of separate property that is not attributable to a predeceased spouse
. my spouse, . If my spouse does not survive me, my residuary estate shall be distributed to , , . If such beneficiary does not survive me, my residuary estate shall be distributed to my heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision.my spouse's heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if my spouse had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision. the following beneficiaries in the percentages as shown:. my children in equal shares. If a child of mine does not survive me, such deceased child's share shall be distributed in equal shares to the children of such deceased child who survive me, by right of representation. If a child of mine does not survive me and has no children who survive me, such deceased child's share shall be distributed in equal shares to my other children, if any, or to their respective children by right of representation. If no child of mine survives me, and if none of my deceased children are survived by children, my residuary estate shall be distributed to my heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the State of , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision., relating to the succession of separate property that is not attributable to a predeceased spousemy Trustee, to be retained, managed and distributed under the provisions of the Article titled "Trust for Children". my heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision., , . If such beneficiary does not survive me, my residuary estate shall be distributed to State of Commonwealth of , relating to the succession of separate property that is not attributable to a predeceased spousethe following beneficiaries in the percentages as shown:. , , . If such beneficiary does not survive me, my residuary estate shall be distributed to State of Commonwealth of , relating to the succession of separate property that is not attributable to a predeceased spousemy heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision.my heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision. the following beneficiaries in the percentages as shown:The custodian (whether trustee or guardian) of my children's assets may transfer all or part of the custodial property to a qualified minors trust without court order provided that the trust meets the requirements of Internal Revenue Code section 2503(C).
The shares shall be distributed to my surviving children (and/or surviving descendants, in the case of a deceased child, by right of representation) and this Trust shall then terminate.
to the following beneficiaries in the percentages as shown: to my heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision.to my spouse's heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if my spouse had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision.
% to my heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision.
% to my spouse's heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if my spouse had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision.
E. Nomination of Trustee. I nominate , of , , as the Trustee, If such person or entity does not serve for any reason, I nominate with bond. without bond. with bond. without bond. the remaining nominee shall serve as sole Successor Trustee, I nominate , of , , to be the replacement Co-Successor Trustee, If such person or entity does not serve for any reason, I nominate with bond.without bond.with bond.without bond.
E. Nomination of Trustee. I nominate , of , , and , of , , as Co-Trustees (the "Trustee"), If one of the above nominees does not serve for any reason, with bond. without bond. with bond. without bond. If such person or entity does not serve for any reason, I nominate with bond. without bond. with bond. without bond. the remaining nominee shall serve as sole Successor Trustee, I nominate , of , , to be the replacement Co-Successor Trustee, If such person or entity does not serve for any reason, I nominate with bond.without bond.with bond.without bond.
is designated as the successor Trustee and , of , are designated as successor Co-Trustees (the "Trustee"). Accounting. The Trustee shall provide an accounting to the Beneficiary (or Beneficiaries) on at least a(n) basis. If a beneficiary has a "disability", the Trustee shall provide the accounting to a guardian or conservator of the beneficiary, if any.
without bond. with bond except that no bond shall be required of any qualified successor corporate Trustee. with bond. , with the following requests:.
. that they take possession of and care for all my animals and search for good homes for them
. that until homes are found for my animals, the animals be placed in foster homes rather than in cages at the shelter
. that if it is necessary to keep some of the animals in cages while making arrangements to fend permanent homes, in no event should any animal stay more than a total of 2 weeks in a cage
. that each animal should receive appropriate veterinary care, as needed
. that after attempts have been made for 3 months to place an animal, that , presently residing at , , , be contacted if it is not possible to place an animal so that he can assist with finding a home for the animal
. that the shelter make every effort to assure that none of my animals are ever used for medical research or product testing or painful experimentation under any circumstances
. that, after placement, shelter personnel make follow-up visits to assure that my animals are receiving proper care in their new homes
. that they take possession of and care for all my animals for the remainder of the animals' lives
.
If is in existence at the time of my death and is able to accept my animals, I give to . and
ARTICLE
NOMINATION OF
I nominate , of , , Dependent Independent to serve as my , and , of , , as Co-s (the ""), to serve with bond. to serve without bond, surety, or other security. If one of the above nominees does not serve for any reason, the remaining nominee shall serve as sole If one (or both) of the above nominees does not serve for any reason, I nominate , of , , as replacement Co- (or sole ), to serve with bond. to serve without bond, surety, or other security.
ARTICLE
Independent shall have all powers and authority granted by law or necessary or appropriate for proper administration. in addition to other powers and authority granted by law or necessary or appropriate for proper administration, shall have the following rights, powers, and authority without order of court and without notice to anyone: to identify, gather, value, secure, manage and distribute assets, to maintain records, to settle and wind up business affairs, to pay just debts, to file necessary tax returns, to redirect mail, to cancel services, to establish trusts, and to carry out my wishes as set forth in this Will.
. Hold Trust Assets as a Single Fund. To hold the assets of the trust, shares, or portions of the trust created by this instrument as a single fund for joint investment and management, without the need for physical segregation, dividing the income proportionately among them. Segregation of the various trust shares need only be made on the books of the Trustee for accounting purposes.
. Compensation. To receive reasonable compensation for their services under this Will and be exonerated from and to pay all reasonable expenses and charges of the estate and trust.
. Loans to Beneficiaries. To make loans to any trust beneficiary for the purpose of providing the beneficiary with the funds necessary to take advantage of exceptional business opportunities or to provide for the needs of the beneficiaries and their families.
. Methods of Distribution. To make payments to or for the benefit of any beneficiary (specifically including any beneficiary under any legal disability) in any of the following ways: (a) directly to the beneficiary; (b) directly for the maintenance, welfare and education of the beneficiary; (c) to the legal or natural guardian of the beneficiary; or (d) to anyone who at the time shall have custody and care of the person of the beneficiary. The or Trustee shall not be obliged to see to the application of the funds so paid, but the receipt of the person to whom the funds were paid shall be full acquittance of the or Trustee.
. Independent Administration. My shall have the right to administer my estate using "informal", "unsupervised", or "independent" probate or equivalent legislation designed to operate without unnecessary intervention by the probate court.
. Compensation. Receive reasonable compensation for their services under this Will and be exonerated from and to pay all reasonable expenses and charges of the estate.
ARTICLE
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
. Paragraph Titles and Gender. The titles given to the paragraphs of this Will are inserted for reference purposes only and are not to be considered as forming a part of this Will in interpreting its provisions. All words used in this Will in any gender shall extend to and include all genders, and any singular words shall include the plural expression, and vice versa, specifically including "child" and "children", when the context or facts so require, and any pronouns shall be taken to refer to the person or persons intended regardless of gender or number.
predeceased my spouse, and notwithstanding any other provision of this Will, my spouse (or my spouse's estate as the case may be) shall receive the distribution to which my spouse would otherwise be entitled to receive without regard to a survivorship requirement, if any.survived the death of my spouse.Independent
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have subscribed my name below, this _____ day of _____________________, _______.
| Testator Signature: | ___________________________________ |
and in the sight and presence of each other,
STATE OF COMMONWEALTH OF ; and subscribed and sworn to before me by and , witnesses
Name of Sole Digital Executor: , City: , State:
Name of Co-Digital Executor: , City: , State:
Name of Co-Digital Executor: , City: , State:
should initial on the bottom margin of each page of the Will. This is done to prevent the substitution of pages. must sign each page of the Will, as required by the Louisiana Civil Code, Article 1577. must sign the pages in the presence of a notary public and at least two competent witnesses.
The Self-Proving Affidavit
The self-proving affidavit ("Proof of Will" in some states) is a document which should be signed in front of a notary public and attached to the end of the Will. The affidavit recites that the requisite formalities were observed in signing the Will.
Although attaching the affidavit has nothing to do with the legality of the Will itself, it can speed the admission of the Will to probate after the death of the Will writer because it eliminates the need to have a witness appear at the probate proceeding to testify that the formalities in signing the Will were followed. The witnesses may not be available later when they are needed. A self-proved Will may be admitted to probate without additional witnesses or affidavits, but it is still subject to contest on such grounds as undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity, or prior revocation.
three two or a notary public. and a notary public. . In, witnesses to a will are not required to be disinterested, but if they are "interested", there is a rebuttable presumption that the witness received the will's benefit through fraud or other undue influence, unless there are two additional disinterested witnesses. If the interested witness can not rebut that presumption, they can not take more than they would have taken if no will had existed at all, if anything. The signature of an interested witness will count towards satisfying 's requirement that non-handwritten wills have two witnesses. . Many states require only two witnesses, but the signature of a third witness provides some protection against the possibility that one of the witness' signatures will be invalid for some reason. For example, a person should not be a witness if that person is a beneficiary under the Will. In most states, if a beneficiary's signature is counted in order to satisfy the minimum number of witnesses, then the Will is not necessarily invalidated, but that "interested witness" may not receive a share of the estate any larger than if the Will writer had died without a will. . Vermont requires three witnesses. The signature of a third witness provides some protection against the possibility that one of the witness' signature will be invalid for some reason. For example, a person should not be a witness if that person is a beneficiary under the Will. In most states, if a beneficiary's signature is counted in order to satisfy the minimum number of witnesses, then the Will is not necessarily invalidated, but that "interested witness" may not receive a share of the estate any larger than if the Will writer had died without a will.
Missouri Last Will and Testament FAQs
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How do I write a Will in Missouri?
It's very easy to document your wishes using a free Missouri Last Will and Testament template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make your Will - Answer a few questions, and we will do the rest
- Send and share - Go over your wishes with a lawyer, if needed
- Sign and make it legal - Mandatory or not, having two disinterested witnesses is ideal
This route will often end up being much less time-consuming than hiring a traditional attorney. If needed, you may prepare this Last Will and Testament on behalf of an elderly parent, a spouse, or another family member, and then help that person sign it when ready. Please note that for a Will to be accepted as legally valid, the testator must be mentally competent at the time of signing. If the testator is already incapacitated and unable to make their own decisions, a court-appointed conservatorship generally will be necessary. When managing such a situation, it is important for you to connect with an attorney .
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Who should write a Will?
Every person over 18 years old ought to have a Last Will and Testament. While it can be painful to think about, your loved ones will need to know your preferences in relation to guardianship (when applicable), your assets, and/or property, if you pass away. Typical occasions where you may find it useful to make or update your Will include:
- You have become a parent
- Your marital status has changed
- You own or recently sold/bought real estate
- You are aging or dealing with ongoing health issues
Regardless of whether this Missouri Last Will and Testament has been generated as part of a long-term plan or made as a result of a recent change in your life, notarization and/or witnesses are highly recommended for protecting your document if its authenticity is challenged.
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Should I work with a lawyer to review my Will in Missouri?
Writing a Will is usually straightforward; however, you or your executor(s) may still need legal advice. Getting another set of eyes on your document may take longer than you would expect if you attempt to do it by yourself. Another approach would be via attorney services at Rocket Lawyer. Rocket Lawyer members can request guidance from an attorney with relevant experience or pose other legal questions. As always, you can be confident that Rocket Lawyer is here by your side.
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On average, how much would it traditionally cost for me to make a Will in Missouri?
The cost of hiring and working with a law firm to produce a Last Will and Testament can total between $200 and $1,000, depending on where you are. Unlike many other websites you may come across, Rocket Lawyer offers much more than a Last Will and Testament template. If you ever need support from a lawyer, your Rocket Lawyer membership offers up to 40% in savings when you hire an Rocket Lawyer network attorney.
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What should I do after I write a Missouri Last Will and Testament?
With a membership, you can make edits, save it as a Word document or PDF file, or print it out. To turn this Missouri Last Will into a true legal document, you will need to sign it. Make sure to keep the original signed document in a safe location. It is important that your loved ones know where to find it after you pass away.
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Does a Last Will and Testament need to be notarized or witnessed in Missouri?
The specifications and restrictions governing Wills are different by state; however, in Missouri, your Will needs to be signed by two witnesses. As a general principle, witnesses should be mentally competent individuals of sound mind. If one of the two witnesses is also named as a beneficiary, then any inheritance or gift designated for that witness is considered void. This issue may be avoided by having more than one disinterested witness sign the document. Furthermore, it is highly encouraged that your Will be signed by a notary public to emphasize its validity.
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Does a Last Will and Testament need to be filed in Missouri?
A Will does not have to be filed with the county until the testator has passed away. In the state of Missouri, the Will must be filed with the probate court within 30 days after the death of the testator. Filing the document (in addition to any specific forms requested by the county) initiates the probate process.
