St. Louis, MO estate & probate attorney Alicia Albus explains how the probate process works. She points out that the probate process involves asking the court to assist in administering a person’s estate. This becomes necessary when the deceased individual did not designate beneficiaries for certain assets during their lifetime. Without a named recipient, the court must step in to oversee the distribution of those assets—either according to the person’s will or, if there is no will, under Missouri’s intestacy laws.

Through this process, the court appoints a personal representative or administrator to manage the estate. That individual is responsible for paying valid debts, taxes, and other necessary expenses before distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries. Missouri law outlines specific duties and requirements for estate representatives, and the court ensures that these obligations are met so that all parties receive what they are legally entitled to.