Uncontested
A will exists, heirs agree, and the assets are straightforward.
Typically Includes
- Filing the petition
- Notifying heirs and creditors
- Inventory and appraisal
- Final distribution
Probate AttorneyYou Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone.
Probate is the court process that validates a will — or applies Missouri law if there isn't one — pays valid debts, and distributes what's left.
Deborah Smiley is a Missouri probate attorney and a CFP® — a Certified Financial Planner — so the financial side gets handled as carefully as the legal side.
Free 30-minute consultationNo obligation
30 Years
Practicing law
11 Years
In wealth management, alongside her law practice
CFP®
Certified Financial Planner
AEP®
Accredited Estate Planner
What it does
What Probate Actually Does
Six steps, in order, from validating a will to closing the estate.
Confirms the will is legally valid, or if there isn't one, applies Missouri's intestacy law to determine who inherits.
Names a personal representative — the executor named in the will, or an administrator the court appoints if there isn't one.
Locates and values everything the deceased owned solely in their name.
Valid debts and claims against the estate are identified and paid before anyone inherits.
Final income and estate tax obligations are addressed before distribution.
Remaining assets go to heirs or beneficiaries, and the estate is formally closed with the court.
Deborah Smiley is a Missouri probate attorney and a CFP® — a Certified Financial Planner — so the financial side gets handled as carefully as the legal side.
What it doesn't do
What Probate Doesn't Do
Said plainly, so you know what else to expect.
Assets with a named beneficiary, held jointly, or already in a trust generally pass outside of probate entirely.
Learn about Trust Administration →Probate filings are public record. A trust settled without court involvement generally stays private.
Learn about Trust Administration →It follows the court's schedule and legally required waiting periods, not a timeline you can set yourself.
Not sure how this applies to your situation?
Call 636-214-0546What we watch for
How We Help
Being named personal representative doesn't mean you're expected to know probate law. Here's what we take off your plate.
Petitions, inventories, and notices are filed correctly and on time, so the process doesn't stall.
As personal representative, mistakes can expose you personally. We make sure you're following the process correctly.
If an heir or creditor challenges something, we handle it directly, so it doesn't become a bigger fight.
Pricing
How Probate Is Priced
Pricing depends on how many heirs are involved, what the estate owns, and whether anyone disagrees. Most matters are quoted as a flat fee or a clear hourly rate, agreed to before work begins.
Standard
Multiple heirs, or assets like real estate that need more coordination.
Typically Includes
- Real estate transfers
- Coordinating multiple heirs
- Creditor claim review
- Court accounting and closing
Contested or Complex
Will disputes, missing heirs, or a large or complicated estate.
Typically Includes
- Will contests and objections
- Locating missing heirs
- Complex asset valuation
- Litigation, if it becomes necessary
Get an exact number for your situation — the first call is free.
Call 636-214-0546The process
How We Handle Probate
What's owned, who the heirs are, and whether there's a will — in one real meeting.
1
We map the estate
What's owned, who the heirs are, and whether there's a will — in one real meeting.
2
We open probate
File the petition and get you appointed as personal representative.
3
We handle debts, taxes, and claims
So creditors and deadlines don't become your problem to manage alone.
4
We distribute and close the estate
Assets transferred, final accounting filed, and the case closed with the court.
Your attorney
Why Families Trust Deborah With This
Deborah Smiley
JD · CFP® · AEP®Deborah has practiced law in Missouri for 30 years. For 11 of those years, she also worked in wealth management — a combination that matters here too, since probate often involves real financial accounts and asset values, not just legal filings.
She's a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) and an AEP® (Accredited Estate Planner) — credentials very few estate attorneys hold together.
30 yrsPracticing law in Missouri
11 yrsIn wealth management, alongside her law practice
CFP®Certified Financial Planner
AEP®Accredited Estate Planner
Past ChairProbate & Trust Committee, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
Ready to talk through your plan?
Call 636-214-0546Client Reviews
Deb has been a great partner over the years and takes great care of my referrals/clients for their planning needs.
Harvey
I met Deb and I thought I had all my estate and business planning affairs in order; then she asked me questions that made me realize I had a lot more planning to do.
Jamie
Deb and I have been collaborative partners for almost 20 years. She has taken great care of my clients.
Paul
I have known Deb for years and she has given me peace of mind with my estate planning needs.
Carol
Deb has been instrumental in helping my family with their estate planning needs. We are grateful for her.
David
Deb has been very helpful with my and my family's estate and business planning.
Kelly
When we first moved here, I didn't realize how many legal revisions and details were needed. I heard Deb speak at a luncheon and was so impressed with her legal knowledge. Deb has been very helpful with my family's estate planning. She gave us peace of mind.
Jenny
Deb, thank you so much, we really appreciate all of your work and concern.
Bob and Myra
Deb was very responsive and helpful.
Chris
Deb was so helpful and even came to our house.
Missy and Ray
Deb was very responsive, helpful and intelligent.
John and Julie
Deb has been a great partner over the years and takes great care of my referrals/clients for their planning needs.
Harvey
I met Deb and I thought I had all my estate and business planning affairs in order; then she asked me questions that made me realize I had a lot more planning to do.
Jamie
Deb and I have been collaborative partners for almost 20 years. She has taken great care of my clients.
Paul
I have known Deb for years and she has given me peace of mind with my estate planning needs.
Carol
Deb has been instrumental in helping my family with their estate planning needs. We are grateful for her.
David
Deb has been very helpful with my and my family's estate and business planning.
Kelly
When we first moved here, I didn't realize how many legal revisions and details were needed. I heard Deb speak at a luncheon and was so impressed with her legal knowledge. Deb has been very helpful with my family's estate planning. She gave us peace of mind.
Jenny
Deb, thank you so much, we really appreciate all of your work and concern.
Bob and Myra
Deb was very responsive and helpful.
Chris
Deb was so helpful and even came to our house.
Missy and Ray
Deb was very responsive, helpful and intelligent.
John and Julie
Questions
Questions
The court-supervised process of validating a will, paying debts, and distributing a deceased person's assets.
No. Assets held jointly, with a named beneficiary, or already in a trust generally pass outside of probate. Only assets solely in the deceased's name typically require it.
It varies with the size and complexity of the estate. Simple, uncontested estates typically resolve faster than contested or complex ones.
Generally any competent adult — often the person named as executor in the will, or a close family member if there isn't one.
You can be, if the estate isn't handled correctly. Missed deadlines, unpaid taxes, or improper distributions can expose you personally — part of why guidance matters.
The court holds a hearing to resolve the dispute. It can add significant time and cost, which is why we try to identify potential conflicts early.
In most cases, yes — Missouri probate courts generally require the personal representative to be represented by an attorney.
It depends on the size and complexity of the estate. Call for a free 30-minute consultation and we'll give you a clear cost estimate before you commit to anything.
Ready for Help With Probate?
Call to schedule your free 30-minute consultation with Deborah — no obligation.
Call 636-214-0546Free 30-minute consultationNo obligationReal person answers