When someone dies and a person is in charge of handling their estate (called a personal representative), they have to let people know before wrapping everything up. They must publish a notice in a newspaper once a week for four weeks, at least 29 days before they plan to file the final paperwork. They also have to mail that same notice to any heirs or people named in the will at least 15 days before that date. Anyone who wants to object to the final paperwork has to do so in writing within 20 days of when it gets filed. Before the court approves the final settlement, proof that all this was done has to be turned in.
473.587. Notice of . — When an is in a condition to be closed before his final settlement and , the shall give, or cause to be given, at least twenty-nine days' notice by in the manner provided by section 472.100 stating (1) that he file final settlement and petition for distribution on a date certain or as continued by the court, and (2) that objections to the final settlement or petition for distribution shall be in writing and filed within twenty days from the date the final settlement is filed. The notice shall be published once a week for four weeks, the last publication to be at least seven days prior to the date specified therein for filing of the . At least fifteen days before the date specified in the the personal representative shall give, or cause to be given, the same notice by ordinary mail to each and then interested in the estate whose name and address is disclosed by the court records, and who has not, in writing, such notice. Prior to the approval of the final settlement, as provided in section 472.110 and any written waivers shall be filed.
Tap any gold-underlined word to see what it means.
Source & history notes
(L. 1955 p. 385 § 207, A.L. 1957 p. 829, A.L. 1980 S.B. 637, A.L. 1981 S.B. 117) Effective 6-10-81 (1962) Administrator was guilty of breach of trust and properly removed where estate was grossly mismanaged and could have been settled in 2 years but was delayed for 7 years, during which time only 3 settlements were filed though no extension of time was obtained. Credits were properly disallowed for expenses caused by administrator's mismanagement and delay. In re Alexander's Estate (Mo.), 360 S.W.2d 92.
Related Missouri laws
Objections to settlement, when filed
RSMo 473.590
Petition for final settlement and distribution
RSMo 473.583
Credit for uncollectible debts shown in inventory
RSMo 473.593
Proceedings on scire facias
RSMo 473.580
Scire facias against sureties, when
RSMo 473.577
Conclusiveness of order approving final settlement
RSMo 473.597
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.