When a will is officially accepted or rejected by the court, the court attaches a certificate to it. That certificate lists the names of the witnesses and what they said. If the court does not have the actual written will, the court writes down what was in it. Any will with this certificate attached, or a court record of it, can be used as evidence in court without needing extra proof.
473.080. , contents — evidence. — The certificate of probate or rejection granted under section 473.047 shall be attached to each written which is in the of the court. Such shall set forth the names of the witnesses examined together with their . If for any reason a written will is not in the custody of the court, the court shall find the contents thereof, and the admitting the will to shall state the contents and a certificate shall be annexed as above provided. Every will as herein provided, or the thereof, or a of the record, may be in the courts in this state without further .
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Source & history notes
(L. 1955 p. 385 § 51)
Related Missouri laws
Probate of portion of will
RSMo 473.081
Proceedings reopened, when
RSMo 473.077
Will binding, when
RSMo 473.083
Compromise of controversy as to probate, when binding
RSMo 473.084
Court approval of compromise, procedure for securing
RSMo 473.085
Proof required for probate and grant of administration
RSMo 473.073
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.