A probate lawyer who answers the phone himself. Doskocil Law Firm helps Fenton, St. Louis County, and St. Louis City families navigate probate court from start to finish.
Both officesBy appointment onlySpeak directly with attorney Chris Doskocil.
Fenton
476 Old Smizer Mill Rd, Ste 232 Fenton, MO 63026 Mon to Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Louis
3407 S Jefferson Ave St. Louis, MO 63118 Mon to Fri, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Probate Administration
Probate Administration for Missouri Families
Probate is the court supervised process of settling a person's estate after they pass away. A Missouri probate court confirms the will is valid (or applies the state's intestacy laws if there isn't one), makes sure debts and taxes are paid, and oversees the transfer of remaining property to heirs or beneficiaries.
Whether your loved one lived in Fenton, University City, or anywhere else in the St. Louis area, their estate typically moves through the local probate division tied to the county where they resided. As your probate attorney, I represent executors, administrators, and family members through every stage of estate administration, and I step in as a probate litigation attorney if a will contest or dispute among heirs threatens to slow things down.
Families come to me at very different points: some need help opening a case within days of a death, others are already tangled in a dispute over an existing estate. Either way, my role is the same: give you clear answers and move the estate toward closing as efficiently as Missouri law allows. Settling a loved one's estate while grieving is hard enough without a confusing court process on top of it, which is why I handle the paperwork, deadlines, and court appearances so you can focus on your family.
How I Handle Probate Cases
The Probate Process, Step by Step
Every estate is different, but most probate matters I handle follow a similar path from the first phone call to the final court order. Here's what that looks like when you work with me directly.
1
Case Evaluation
We start with a direct conversation about the estate: what assets exist, whether there's a will, who the heirs are, and whether any disputes are already brewing. This first case evaluation shapes the entire strategy going forward.
2
Opening the Estate
I prepare and file the petition with the appropriate Missouri probate court, help the personal representative get appointed, and make sure all required notices go out to heirs and known creditors on time.
3
Estate Administration
This is the heart of probate administration: inventorying and valuing assets, resolving creditor claims, filing tax paperwork, and keeping the court and beneficiaries informed. I handle the filings so the personal representative isn't left guessing at deadlines.
4
Distribution and Closing
Once debts and taxes are settled and any disputes resolved, I prepare the final accounting and petition the court to close the estate. Remaining assets are distributed to heirs or beneficiaries according to the will or Missouri's intestacy laws.
Why Choose Doskocil Law Firm
A Probate Attorney Who Answers the Phone
Probate cases move faster and with less stress when you can reach your attorney directly instead of chasing a paralegal for updates.
You Talk to Me, Not Staff
When you call about your case, you get me on the phone, not a receptionist reading from a file. I return calls the same day, often within minutes, because I believe families in the middle of probate shouldn't have to wait for basic answers.
Over 30 Years of Probate Experience
I've guided St. Louis area families through estate administration since 1989, and I hold an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a peer recognition given to attorneys with strong legal ability and ethics.
A Trial Attorney When It Matters
Most probate cases resolve without a courtroom fight, but if a will contest or a dispute among heirs requires litigation, I've spent decades as a trial attorney and won't hesitate to advocate for you in front of a judge.
What to Expect
Key Considerations During Probate Administration
Probate matters rarely follow a single script, and a few issues tend to come up more often than others. Knowing what to watch for early can save an estate months of delay.
Will validity questions: a signature dispute or missing witness can call a will's validity into question and may require a will contest attorney to sort out.
Creditor claims: Missouri law sets deadlines for creditors to file claims against an estate, and missing them can affect distribution.
Disputes among heirs: disagreements over asset division or an executor's conduct sometimes escalate into probate litigation.
Small estate options: some estates qualify for a simplified small estate process that avoids full probate administration.
Tax obligations: final income taxes and any estate tax filings need to be handled before the estate can close.
Out of state assets: property owned outside Missouri can require an additional ancillary probate proceeding.
Probate Questions and Answers
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate
Here are answers to some of the questions I hear most often from Fenton and St. Louis area families dealing with probate.
How long does probate take in Missouri?
Most straightforward estates take between six months and a year to close, though the timeline depends on the size of the estate, whether creditors file claims, and whether any heirs dispute the will. Complex or contested estates can take considerably longer.
Does every estate have to go through probate?
Not always. Assets held in a trust, jointly owned property, and accounts with a named beneficiary often pass outside of probate. An estate planning attorney can review your loved one's situation and confirm what actually needs court supervision.
What happens if someone contests the will?
A will contest asks the court to declare a will invalid due to issues like undue influence, lack of capacity, or improper execution. As a probate dispute lawyer, I represent both executors defending a will and family members challenging one, and I work to resolve these disputes as quickly as the facts allow.
What if my loved one didn't have a will?
If someone dies without a will, Missouri's intestate succession laws determine who inherits the estate, and the court appoints an administrator to distribute the property accordingly. This process still requires full probate administration, and having legal counsel makes sure nothing is overlooked.
Related Legal Services
Other Ways I Can Help Your Family
Probate often overlaps with other legal matters your family may be facing. Here are a few related services I provide to St. Louis area clients.
As a family law attorney, I provide personalized service for uncontested divorces to custody matters, helping individuals across Fenton and the greater St. Louis area.
You don't have to sort through probate paperwork or court deadlines on your own. Call today and speak directly with an attorney who will walk you through the estate administration process from start to finish, by appointment at either the Fenton or St. Louis office.
