In light of the time, expense and general unpopularity of the probate process, nonprobate transfers are often implemented to circumvent “traditional” estate administration (e.g., small estate affidavits, Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration). A “nonprobate transfer” is when a transfer of property takes effect upon the death of the owner pursuant to a beneficiary designation. Section 461.005(7),…
Legal Articles
Nonprobate Transfers in Missouri
Not all property owned by a decedent at death is subject to Missouri’s probate laws. The Nonprobate Transfers Law of Missouri liberally grants individuals the ability to transfer property from one generation to the next without the interference of the probate court. The key question is: when is a transfer classified as a nonprobate transfer…