After a court decides how to handle a deceased person's estate, that decision is mostly final. But there are three exceptions. First, it can be reopened within six months of the first public notice if a will is found that was not shown to the court before. Second, it can be changed if there is a good enough reason, as set out in another law. Third, the court's finding that a person is dead is never fully final — it can always be questioned later.
473.077. s reopened, when. — If the court the facts as provided in section 473.073, its shall be , subject to the following :
(1) It may be reopened at any time, within six months from the date of the first of notice of , for the purpose of admitting a to not theretofore presented to the court except that, if a previous will has been or rejected, it may not be reopened after the time for bringing a proceeding under section 473.083;
(2) It may be or for as provided in section 472.150;
(3) The finding that the alleged is dead is not final or .
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Source & history notes
(L. 1955 p. 385 § 50, A.L. 1971 S.B. 85) (1957) A contingent debtor who was defendant in action brought by administrator held entitled to attack validity of appointment of administrator and to appeal from order denying removal of administrator. In re Dugan (A.), 309 S.W.(2d) 137. Same rule applies to appointment of guardian of minors. In re Dugan (A.), 309 S.W.2d 145.
Related Missouri laws
Certificate of probate, contents
RSMo 473.080
Proof required for probate and grant of administration
RSMo 473.073
Probate of portion of will
RSMo 473.081
Will binding, when
RSMo 473.083
Heirs, time limits to establish interest in estate
RSMo 473.070
Compromise of controversy as to probate, when binding
RSMo 473.084
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.