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Missouri Last Will and Testament

A Missouri Last Will and Testament (a "Will") is a legal document that sets forth your preferences in relation to property distribution after death, including who will inherit your personal belongings, your money, or your home.

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.

It's very easy to document your wishes using a free Missouri Last Will and Testament template from Rocket Lawyer:

1. Make your Will - Answer a few questions, and we will do the rest
2. Send and share - Go over your wishes with a lawyer, if needed
3. 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.

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.

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.

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 On Call attorney.

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.

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.

See legal references for a Will in Missouri: § 474.32

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.