Fritz Law LLC

Fritz Law LLC Fritz Law LLC is a St. Louis law firm that focuses on Probate and Estate Administration.

Yes. In many Missouri probate matters, timing matters a lot.Certain filings — including an Application to Probate a Will...
05/29/2026

Yes. In many Missouri probate matters, timing matters a lot.

Certain filings — including an Application to Probate a Will and petitions for letters of administration — generally must be filed within one year of the date of death.

If that deadline is missed, a family may not be able to open a full formal probate estate. Depending on the facts, other options may still be available, such as a Small Estate Affidavit, Spousal Refusal of Letters, or Determination of Heirship.

The right path depends on the assets, whether there was a Will, how much time has passed, and who is entitled to inherit.

If someone close to you has passed away, it is worth getting guidance early so deadlines do not quietly limit your options.

Fritz Law LLC helps families in Missouri navigate probate with clarity and care.

*For informational purposes only; not legal advice. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.

The right probate path depends on the estate value, timing, asset type, and family situation.➜ Full Probate Administrati...
05/28/2026

The right probate path depends on the estate value, timing, asset type, and family situation.

➜ Full Probate Administration
If the probate estate is over $40,000, timing matters. When probate starts within one year of death, the estate may use independent or supervised administration.

➜ Small Estate Affidavit
Missouri allows a simplified small estate process when the value of the entire estate, less liens, debt, and encumbrances, does not exceed $40,000, and at least 30 days have passed since death.

This process is often faster and less expensive than full probate, but the affidavit must still address debts, taxes, assets, and the people entitled to receive property.

➜ Determination of Heirship
If the estate is over $40,000, no full estate was opened within one year of death, and no will was admitted to probate, a Determination of Heirship may be needed. This court process identifies the lawful heirs and allows estate property to be transferred.

The petition cannot be filed until one year after death, must be set for hearing, and requires notice to interested parties.

➜ Refusal of Letters
Missouri law also allows the probate court, in certain situations, to refuse to grant letters. This may apply when the estate is not greater than the amount allowed by law as exempt property and allowances to the surviving spouse or unmarried minor children.

A probate attorney can help determine whether probate is required, which probate option fits the estate, who the legal heirs are, and what filings are needed in the proper Missouri probate court. A local probate attorney like John P. Fritz, can help choose the right probate path, ensure filings are timely and accurate, minimize delays, and protect the rights of an executor or heir. Contact Fritz Law LLC today!

Missouri law sets the order of inheritance when a person dies without a will. The outcome depends on the person’s family...
05/27/2026

Missouri law sets the order of inheritance when a person dies without a will. The outcome depends on the person’s family situation.

║ Surviving Spouse and No Children
When the decedent leaves a surviving spouse but no surviving “issue,” the spouse receives the entire intestate estate. “Issue” means children or other lineal descendants.

║ Surviving Spouse and Children of That Same Marriage
A different rule applies when the decedent leaves a spouse and children who are also the surviving spouse’s children. In that situation, the spouse receives the first $20,000 plus one-half of the remaining intestate estate. The children receive the balance in equal parts.

║ Surviving Spouse and at Least One Child From Another Relationship
The spouse’s share changes when at least one surviving child or descendant is not also the surviving spouse’s child or descendant. In that case, the surviving spouse receives one-half of the intestate estate and the other one-half of the estate passes to the decedent’s children in equal parts.

║ No Surviving Spouse But Kids
If there is no surviving spouse, but the decedent had children, the estate passes to the decedent’s children in equal parts, with an deceased child’s share passing down to their descendants in equal parts.

║ No Surviving Spouse and No Kids
When there is no surviving spouse and there are no children (or descendants), Missouri law states that probate assets are distributed to parents and siblings in equal parts, with an deceased sibling share passing down to their descendants in equal parts. Finally, full-blooded siblings receive twice as much as any half-blooded sibling.

For families dealing with intestate succession in St. Louis, legal guidance can be especially helpful when there is no will, multiple heirs, real estate, or uncertainty about deadlines. Contact Fritz Law LLC today!

When someone dies without a valid will, intestate succession in Missouri decides who inherits their probate assets. Miss...
05/26/2026

When someone dies without a valid will, intestate succession in Missouri decides who inherits their probate assets. Missouri law creates the inheritance plan. The probate court may also need to confirm heirs, address debts, and authorize transfers of property.

What Does “Intestate” Mean in Missouri?

A person dies intestate when they pass away without a will. Missouri statutes define “heirs” as the people, including a surviving spouse, who are entitled to receive real and personal property under the intestate succession statutes when a person dies intestate.

In plain English: if there is no valid will, Missouri law creates the inheritance plan.

Which Assets Go Through Intestate Probate?

Not every asset automatically goes through probate. Probate generally applies to assets owned solely by the deceased person, such as individual bank accounts, personal property, or real estate owned only in the decedent’s name. Assets with a beneficiary designation, joint ownership, or trust ownership may pass outside probate.

Examples of probate assets may include:

► A house titled only in the deceased person’s name
► A bank account with no joint owner or payable-on-death beneficiary
► A vehicle titled only to the deceased person
► Personal property with no beneficiary designation

A local probate attorney like John P. Fritz, can help choose the right probate path, ensure filings are timely and accurate, minimize delays, and protect the rights of an executor or heir. Contact us today!

Receiving feedback like this means a great deal to our team. At Fritz Law LLC, we focus exclusively on probate and estat...
05/22/2026

Receiving feedback like this means a great deal to our team. At Fritz Law LLC, we focus exclusively on probate and estate administration matters, helping families throughout St. Louis, Missouri navigate the legal process with confidence and support.

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress of probate complications. Our goal is to provide clear guidance, responsive communication, and efficient legal representation every step of the way.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with probate or estate administration in Missouri, we invite you to contact our office to learn how we can help.

Missouri probate runs on deadlines. Missing one can limit your options—or close the door entirely.⇢ Will presentment: 6 ...
05/21/2026

Missouri probate runs on deadlines. Missing one can limit your options—or close the door entirely.

⇢ Will presentment: 6 months after first publication of letters (or 30 days after a contest begins, whichever is later), or 1 year from death if there was no publication.

⇢ Apply for letters: Within 1 year of death.

⇢ Inventory: Within 30 days after letters (unless court extends).

⇢ Creditor claims: 6 months from first publication (or 2 months from mailed notice, whichever later).

⇢ Absolute bar: 1 year from death.

⇢ Small estate affidavit: Wait 30 days; cap $40,000; publication required if property > $15,000.

⇢ Refusal of Letters: Available anytime if eligibility met.

⇢ Determination of Heirship: After 1 year with no administration and no timely-presented will.

Have questions about a deadline? Contact Fritz Law LLC for a focused timeline review and a step-by-step filing plan tailored to your Missouri probate matter.

The timeline depends on the estate’s complexity:↳ Small Estate Affidavit: 60–90 days↳ Independent Administration: 9–12 m...
05/20/2026

The timeline depends on the estate’s complexity:

↳ Small Estate Affidavit: 60–90 days
↳ Independent Administration: 9–12 months
↳ Supervised Administration: 10–14 months

More complex estates or disputes can extend this timeline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Starting probate can be confusing, especially during a difficult time. Common mistakes include:

↳ Filing in the wrong jurisdiction
↳ Missing deadlines (like filing a will within one year)
↳ Choosing the wrong probate process
↳ Failing to properly notify creditors
↳ Paying the debts where claim(s) have not been properly filed
↳ Mismanaging estate assets

Working with a probate attorney helps prevent costly delays. Contact probate attorney John P. Fritz of Fritz Law LLC today to schedule a consultation and get the help you need to move forward with confidence.

Yes. Missouri offers simplified probate options for certain estates:》Small Estate AffidavitIf the estate is valued under...
05/19/2026

Yes. Missouri offers simplified probate options for certain estates:

》Small Estate Affidavit

If the estate is valued under a certain threshold (currently $40,000), heirs may be able to use a small estate affidavit, which can significantly shorten the process—sometimes to just a few months.

》Independent Administration

Missouri also allows for independent administration, which reduces court supervision and can help move the process along more quickly.

How to Speed Up the Probate Process

While some delays are unavoidable (like the 6-month creditor period), there are ways to keep probate moving efficiently:

➞ Work with an experienced probate attorney
➞ Gather all financial documents early
➞ Communicate clearly with beneficiaries
➞ Respond promptly to court requests

If you’re facing probate in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, having the right legal guidance can make all the difference. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get clear answers about your situation.

While many estates follow the general timeline above, several factors can either speed up or delay probate in Missouri:S...
05/18/2026

While many estates follow the general timeline above, several factors can either speed up or delay probate in Missouri:

Simple vs. Complex Estates
➜ Small, straightforward estates may close closer to the 10-month mark
➜ Larger estates with multiple assets can take a year or more

➤ Disputes Among Heirs
Will contests or disagreements between beneficiaries can significantly delay the process.

➤ Missing or Unclear Documents
If there is no will or key information is missing, probate can take longer.

➤ Real Estate Sales
Selling property during probate can extend the timeline, especially if the market is slow.

➤ Court Backlogs
Some counties may have busier courts, which can affect scheduling and approvals. For example, the St. Louis County Probate court takes approx. 30-60 days to simply review your initial probate documents once you file them.

At Fritz Law LLC in St. Louis, we help families navigate the probate process efficiently and with compassion.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get clear answers about your situation.

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8909 Ladue Road
St. Louis, MO
63124

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