Fritz Law LLC

Fritz Law LLC Fritz Law LLC is a St. Louis law firm that focuses on Probate and Estate Administration.

When a loved one passes away, families often have enough to deal with emotionally without having to figure out a complic...
09/03/2026

When a loved one passes away, families often have enough to deal with emotionally without having to figure out a complicated legal process at the same time.

If the estate needs full probate in Jefferson County, Missouri, the personal representative may have to:

• File documents with the probate court
• Identify and protect the estate’s assets
• Prepare an inventory
• Notify creditors and handle claims
• Pay debts in the proper order
• Keep detailed financial records
• Communicate with heirs and beneficiaries
• Deal with real estate and other property
• Complete the final settlement of the estate

There are deadlines to meet and legal requirements to follow. If something is overlooked, the probate process can take longer and become more expensive.

And because the personal representative has legal responsibilities, mistakes can sometimes lead to personal liability.

You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

Fritz Law LLC helps families and personal representatives navigate full probate in Jefferson County, Missouri and understand what needs to happen at each stage of the process.

If you’re facing probate, contact Fritz Law LLC to discuss your situation.

*This information is for general purposes only and is not legal advice.*

How Do You Start Probate in St. Charles County, Missouri?When a loved one passes away, there are already so many things ...
09/02/2026

How Do You Start Probate in St. Charles County, Missouri?

When a loved one passes away, there are already so many things to handle. Figuring out what to do with their property and finances can make an already difficult time even harder.

If probate is required, the process generally begins with filing the appropriate documents with the St. Charles County Circuit Court – Probate Division.

From there, a full estate may involve:

• Appointing a personal representative
• Filing the original will, if one exists
• Notifying heirs and creditors
• Creating an inventory of estate assets
• Addressing debts and taxes
• Distributing property to beneficiaries or heirs

Missouri also has different probate options. Some smaller estates may qualify for a Small Estate Affidavit, while larger or more complicated estates may require Independent or Supervised Administration.

And not everything necessarily goes through probate. Property held in a trust, jointly owned assets, and accounts with beneficiary designations may pass directly to the appropriate person.

The key is figuring out what applies to your particular situation before taking the next step.

At Fritz Law LLC, we help families in St. Charles County and throughout Missouri navigate the probate process and understand what needs to happen next.

If you’re not sure where to begin, we’re here to help.

*This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.*

When a loved one passes away, the last thing a family wants is to feel overwhelmed by paperwork and court procedures.For...
09/01/2026

When a loved one passes away, the last thing a family wants is to feel overwhelmed by paperwork and court procedures.

Fortunately, not every Missouri estate requires a full probate administration.

For qualifying estates, a Small Estate Affidavit may provide a simpler way to transfer assets.

In Missouri, this option may be available when the value of the probate estate is $40,000 or less, along with other requirements. Generally, at least 30 days must have passed since the death, there cannot be a pending application for a personal representative, and the estate’s debts and taxes must be addressed.

The process generally includes gathering information about the estate, preparing the affidavit, filing it with the appropriate probate court, and then transferring the assets to the proper heirs or beneficiaries.

A Small Estate Affidavit can save time and expense compared with a full probate case—but it isn’t right for every estate. There are specific requirements that must be met, and courts may have their own filing procedures.

If you’re handling an estate in Missouri, understanding which probate option fits the situation is an important first step.

**For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice.**

This is a question many families face at an already difficult time.When a person dies without a valid will, they are con...
08/31/2026

This is a question many families face at an already difficult time.

When a person dies without a valid will, they are considered intestate, and Missouri law determines who is entitled to inherit their probate property.

But figuring out who inherits isn't always straightforward.

For example, the distribution can depend on whether the person left a spouse, children, children from another relationship, or other relatives. If there is no surviving spouse or children, Missouri law provides rules for determining whether parents, siblings, or descendants of siblings inherit.

And not every asset necessarily has to go through probate.

A jointly owned home, an account with a beneficiary designation, or property held in a trust may pass outside the probate process.

For assets that do require probate, Missouri has several possible paths depending on the circumstances. These may include:

• Full probate administration
• Small estate affidavit for qualifying estates of $40,000 or less
• Determination of heirship in certain situations
• Refusal of letters when the legal requirements are satisfied

One thing families should not overlook: deadlines.

Certain probate proceedings generally must be started within one year after death. If that deadline is missed, the family may have fewer options for handling the estate.

If a loved one passed away without a will, it can help to gather the death certificate, property records, bank information, vehicle titles, information about debts, and the names of potential heirs before deciding what to do next.

For families in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County, a Missouri probate attorney can help determine whether probate is necessary and which process may fit the estate.

*For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Each estate is different.*

Not every Missouri probate estate has to be handled the same way.When a loved one passes away, families may need to deci...
08/25/2026

Not every Missouri probate estate has to be handled the same way.

When a loved one passes away, families may need to decide between independent administration and supervised administration.

With Independent administration, the personal representative generally has more freedom to handle the estate without going to court for approval at every step. If the will permits it or all heirs and devisees consent, this can often be the more streamlined option.

With Supervised administration, the probate court plays a larger role in overseeing the estate. While that can mean more paperwork and time, it can also provide additional structure when family members disagree or the estate is more complicated.

So which one is right?

It depends on the will, the family situation, the assets involved, and whether there are potential disputes.

There are also important Missouri deadlines to keep in mind. For example, the will generally needs to be presented and a full estate opened within the applicable statutory timeframe, and the personal representative has deadlines for filing the inventory and addressing creditor claims.

If you're handling an estate in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, or Jefferson County, don't wait until a deadline becomes a problem.

Fritz Law LLC helps families understand their probate options and guides them through the process.

*For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.*

What Probate Option Is Right for Your Missouri Estate?After losing a loved one, dealing with the legal and financial det...
08/24/2026

What Probate Option Is Right for Your Missouri Estate?

After losing a loved one, dealing with the legal and financial details can feel like a lot to take on.

One important thing to know is that Missouri probate does not look the same for every estate.

Depending on the circumstances, an estate may qualify for:

• Full probate administration
• A Small Estate Affidavit
• Refusal of Letters
• Determination of Heirship

The appropriate process can depend on the value of the estate, whether there is a will, whether there is a surviving spouse or minor children, and whether the estate has debts or other complications.

Understanding which option applies can help you avoid unnecessary steps and move the estate forward properly.

If you have questions about a probate matter in St. Louis or elsewhere in Missouri, Fritz Law LLC can help you understand your options.

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice.*

When someone passes away, family members often aren’t sure whether a probate case has been opened—or where to look for t...
08/21/2026

When someone passes away, family members often aren’t sure whether a probate case has been opened—or where to look for that information.

In Missouri, probate cases are generally filed in the county where the deceased person lived.

If the person lived in St. Louis City or St. Louis County, you can start by searching Missouri Case.net using the person’s name and selecting the appropriate jurisdiction.

If you don’t find anything online, you can also contact the local Probate Division to ask whether a case has been filed and how to obtain court documents.

Checking for a probate filing can be especially important if:

• You were named in the will
• You believe you may be an heir
• You need to make a claim against the estate
• You’re concerned about how the estate is being handled
• You’re unsure whether the deceased left a will

If you’re not sure what to do after finding a probate case—or you believe a case should have been opened but hasn’t been—a probate attorney can help you understand the next steps.

Fritz Law LLC helps families throughout St. Louis navigate Missouri probate matters.

**For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice.**

Losing a loved one is difficult enough. Then comes the responsibility of handling their estate.If probate is required, f...
08/20/2026

Losing a loved one is difficult enough. Then comes the responsibility of handling their estate.

If probate is required, families may have to deal with court filings, deadlines, property, debts, taxes, and distributing assets to the proper heirs or beneficiaries.

But here’s something many people don’t realize: there isn’t just one way to handle probate in Missouri.

Depending on the size of the estate and the circumstances, different options may be available, including:

• Small Estate Affidavit
• Independent Administration
• Supervised Administration
• Determination of Heirship
• Refusal of Letters

Knowing which process applies to your situation can help prevent unnecessary delays and complications.

We put together a complete guide explaining the different probate options and what families should know when navigating the process in Missouri.

👉 Read the full guide here: https://www.fritzlawstl.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-probate-in-missouri/

Fritz Law LLC helps families throughout St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson County, and Missouri with probate and estate administration.



*For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Every estate is different.*

Probate is a game of chess, not checkers.Even before the game starts, you have to make a number of very strategic decisi...
08/19/2026

Probate is a game of chess, not checkers.

Even before the game starts, you have to make a number of very strategic decisions.

Do I open a Full Estate and allow potential creditors to file claims against the estate that could deplete the assets?

Do I wait until after the 1-year anniversary of death to file any probate documents (to try and avoid potential claims)?

Will my client receive more assets if I file a Spousal Refusal of Letters instead of a Small Estate Affidavit?

Is there a potential Medicaid claim against the estate? And if so, do I forego opening a Full Estate and instead file a Determination of Heirship?

There are a number of very important factors to take into consideration when deciding which probate document(s) to file and the timing of the filing.

When hiring a probate lawyer, don't hire someone who knows how to play checkers.

Hire a chess player and maximize the value of your loved one's estate.

When you’re appointed personal representative of an estate, there’s a lot more involved than simply distributing propert...
08/18/2026

When you’re appointed personal representative of an estate, there’s a lot more involved than simply distributing property to family members.

Personal representatives are responsible for managing the estate and making sure the proper legal and financial steps are followed.

Here are five challenges they commonly face:

1. Following Missouri probate requirements
There are specific requirements for filing the Will, opening the estate, reporting assets, and determining whether a bond is required.

2. Identifying and valuing assets
Finding bank accounts, real estate, investments, personal belongings, and other property can sometimes be harder than expected. Assets may also need to be professionally valued.

3. Dealing with debts and creditor claims
Valid debts and claims must be addressed before the estate can be properly distributed.

4. Handling taxes
The decedent’s final income tax returns may need to be filed, and some larger estates may have federal estate tax obligations.

5. Resolving disputes
Disagreements over a Will, assets, creditor claims, or distributions can lead to delays and, in some cases, litigation.

Serving as a personal representative can be overwhelming, particularly when you’re also dealing with the loss of someone you love. Getting the right guidance early can help you understand your responsibilities and avoid common problems.

If you’re handling a probate estate in Missouri and have questions about the process, an experienced probate attorney can help.

For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.

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8909 Ladue Road
St. Louis, MO
63124

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