ProbateUS
Probate Court

Clay County

Missouri

816-407-3900

Phone

816-407-3900

Probate Records

Search Portal →

Court Location & Contact

Address

11 South Water Street, Liberty, MO 64068

Search Probate RecordsVisit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

Clay County, Missouri

Fee TypeAmount
Testate (Attorney responsible for all publications)$210.50
Intestate (Attorney responsible for all publications)$170.50
Affidavit (no Will being admitted to probate), $65.50—
Affidavit and admitted Will (filed at same time)$100.50

Judges & Officers

CJ
Circuit Judge Steven B. Whittington
CJ
Circuit Judge James E. Kallaher
CJ
County Judge Raymond Forbess, Jr.
CJ
Circuit Judge Angela M. Cox
CJ
Circuit Judge Gary L. Wilkinson
CJ
County Judge Hector Murcia-Bustos
CJ
Circuit Judge Kristina K. Mobley
JS
Judge Shane T. Alexander
JD
Judge David P. Chamberlain

Probate Forms Library

59 fillable forms — scroll to browse

AffidavitcountyDownload
Application And Order To Release Earned Interest From Restricted DepositcountyDownload
Application And Order To Release Securities From Restricted DepositcountyDownload
Application And Order To Transfer Restricted FundscountyDownload
Application For Allowance Of Compensation (Attorney, PR, GDN, Or Cons.)countyDownload
Application for Appointment of Guardian and/or ConservatorcountyDownload
Application For Approval Of Final Order Of DistributioncountyDownload
Application For Approval Of Final Settlement And For Order Closing Estate Assets ExhaustedcountyDownload
Application For Approval Of Final Settlement And Proposed Order Of Distribution (Closing Disabled Now Deceased Through Conservatorship Estate)countyDownload
Application For Approval Of Final Settlement And Proposed Order Of Distribution (Closing Disabled Now Deceased, Dist. To A P.R.)countyDownload
Application For Approval Of Settlement And Dispensing With Future SettlementscountyDownload
Application For Determining Heirship (also need Form 564 and 573)countyDownload
Application For Letters Of AdministrationcountyDownload
Application For Order Of Complete Settlement And Judicial Closing Of Estate (independent administration)countyDownload
4.07 — Confidential Filing Information Sheet - PROBATEcountyDownload
1041 — Accumulation Distribution for Certain Complex TrustsfederalDownload
1041-T — Allocation of Estimated Tax Payments to BeneficiariesfederalDownload
1041 — Alternative Minimum Tax — Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
Application For Burial BenefitsfederalDownload
SSA-4 — Application for Child's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
SF 2800 — Application for Death Benefits (CSRS)federalDownload
SF 3104 — Application for Death Benefits (FERS)federalDownload
Application For DIC, Survivors Pension And/Or Accrued BenefitsfederalDownload
SS-4 — Application for Employer Identification NumberfederalDownload
706 — Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate TaxesfederalDownload
SSA-10 — Application for Widow's or Widower's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
1041 — Beneficiary's Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.federalDownload
1041 — Capital Gains and Losses (Estates and Trusts)federalDownload
706-CE — Certification of Payment of Foreign Death TaxfederalDownload
FE6 — Claim for Death Benefits (FEGLI)federalDownload
VA40-1330 — Claim For Standard Government Headstone Or MarkerfederalDownload
SF 2818 — Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage as AnnuitantfederalDownload
FE7 — Designation Of Beneficiary (FEGLI)federalDownload
SF 2823 — Designation Of Beneficiary Federal Employees' Group Life InsurancefederalDownload
FS 5336 — Disposition of Treasury Securities Belonging to a Decedent's Estate Being Settled Without AdministrationfederalDownload
8855 — Election To Treat a Qualified Revocable Trust as Part of an EstatefederalDownload
1041 — Estimated Income Tax for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
706 — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (Form 706)federalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for DistributionsfederalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for TerminationsfederalDownload
8971 — Information Regarding Beneficiaries Acquiring Property From a DecedentfederalDownload
56 — Notice Concerning Fiduciary RelationshipfederalDownload
706-GS — Notification of Distribution From a Generation-Skipping TrustfederalDownload
1041-V — Payment Voucher (Estate or Trust)federalDownload
I-360 — Petition For Amerasian, Widow(er), Or Special ImmigrantfederalDownload
2848 — Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativefederalDownload
FS 1455 — Request By Owner or Person Entitled to Payment for Reissue of United States Savings BondsfederalDownload
706 HAS — Request for Discharge From Personal Liability Under IRC 2204 or 6905federalDownload
4810 — Request For Prompt Assessment Under Internal Revenue Code Section 6501(d)federalDownload
FS 1522 — Special Form of Request for Payment of United States Savings and Retirement SecuritiesfederalDownload
SSA-721 — Statement of Death by Funeral DirectorfederalDownload
1310 — Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased TaxpayerfederalDownload
706-NA — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Nonresident Not a Citizen of the U.S.federalDownload
706-QDT — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Qualified Domestic TrustsfederalDownload
1041 U — U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
1041-A — U.S. Information Return Trust Accumulation of Charitable AmountsfederalDownload
706-A — United States Additional Estate Tax ReturnfederalDownload
706 UNITED — United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload
709 — United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload

Probate Guide

Probate in Clay County, Missouri

The Clay County Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in Clay County, MO, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Missouri, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Missouri?

Probate is generally required when:

  • The deceased owned real estate solely in their name

  • The estate contains assets above Missouri's small estate threshold

  • There are disputes among heirs or creditors

  • Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in Clay County

  1. Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate

  2. File a petition with the Clay County Probate Court to open probate

  3. Notify heirs and creditors as required by Missouri law

  4. Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities

  5. Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds

  6. Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws

  7. Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Missouri, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Missouri does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with Clay County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Clay County Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Additional Notes

The Probate Division of the 7th Judicial Circuit has statutory authority over the estates of deceased persons and incapacitated or disabled adults and minors, which may include a Guardianship or Conservatorship. The Probate Division also adjudicates cases involving wills and trusts, the estates of deceased persons who did not have a will and cases involving a civil commitment to treatment facilities of persons who are mentally ill or who have substance abuse problems. The Probate Division is located in the James Rooney Justice Center and is the proper place to file matters properly under the authority of the Probate Division.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

FAQ

Where do I file for probate in Clay County, MO?

Probate petitions for estates in Clay County are filed at the Clay County Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in Clay County?

Probate filing fees in Clay County, Missouri vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

How long does probate take in Missouri?

Probate in Missouri typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Can I avoid probate?

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Clay County?

While not always legally required in Missouri, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Missouri, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The Clay County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

Closest to this court, Missouri

Robert (Bob) Kirkland

KIRKLAND HOCHSTETLER PLLC

Liberty · < 1 mi

Employee BenefitsTestamentary Planning+1

Daniel Wheeler

Kembell Woods & Martinsen LLP

Liberty · < 1 mi

Buford (Bunk) Farrington

Humphrey, Farrington & McClain, P.C.

Independence · 11 mi

Scott Blakesley

Spencer Fane LLP

Kansas City · 13 mi

B. John (John) Readey

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Kansas City · 13 mi

See more attorneys near Clay County →

Related Resources

Missouri Probate Guide →All Missouri Courts →Financial Institutions →