Estate Planning Laws in Missouri.

A will must be in writing, signed by the testator, and attested by two or more competent witnesses who subscribe in the presence of the testator.

Missouri generally requires witnessed wills; holographic wills are not independently valid unless they satisfy the attestation requirements, but wills executed in states that recognize holographic wills may be enforced here.

Comprehensive trust code governing creation, modification, termination, and administration of trusts, including duties of trustees and rights of beneficiaries.

Personal property estates valued at $40,000 or less may be transferred by affidavit 30 days after death, bypassing formal probate.

Missouri allows owners of real estate to name beneficiaries via a recorded Beneficiary Deed, transferring title automatically at death without probate. The deed is revocable during life.

A surviving spouse may renounce the will and take one-third (if there are descendants) or one-half (if no descendants) of the decedent's estate.

Missouri permits durable powers of attorney for health care decisions, authorizing agents to make medical decisions when the principal is incapacitated.