Supervised Probate Administration

Decedent estates in probate are either administered independently and without court supervision or supervised and with court supervision. While the preferred option is often independent administration, sometimes supervised administration is compelled or advisable.

As the name suggests, a supervised administration requires the personal representative to seek the probate court’s approval of accountings/settlements, attorney fee payments, and numerous other matters directly affecting the estate.

For example, an order is required for most sales of property, Section 473.457, RSMo, and the partial distribution of an estate to heirs/legatees. Section 473.613, RSMo. The personal representative must prepare the final settlement with receipts and vouchers which substantiate all disbursements. Section 473.543, RSMo. And, unlike an independent estate, the personal representative can only close the estate after the court has reviewed and approved the final settlement. Section 473.583, RSMo.

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