Here’s something that should get your attention: Missouri is about to join the modern world of estate planning. The Show Me State just passed groundbreaking legislation that will make electronic wills legal starting August 28, 2025. Until then, you’re stuck with the old paper-and-ink routine.
But here’s what should motivate you to stop procrastinating: without a will, Missouri’s government decides who gets your stuff. And state bureaucrats don’t know that you wanted your Ozark cabin to go to your fishing-obsessed son, not your daughter who thinks “roughing it” means staying at a Hampton Inn.
Creating a will puts you in control and protects your family from unnecessary legal battles and confusion.
Missouri Will Laws (What You Need to Know)
Missouri’s will requirements come from Missouri Revised Statutes, Title 31, Chapter 474. Here’s what matters: Missouri is about to become one of the most progressive states for estate planning, with electronic wills becoming legal on August 28, 2025, thanks to the Missouri Uniform Electronic Wills and Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act.
Until then, Missouri residents can create wills online but must print and sign them on paper.
What This Actually Costs
Here’s the honest money breakdown:
- Traditional attorney route: $200 to $600 for simple estates (can reach thousands for complex ones)
- Online platforms: Around $200–$300 for comprehensive packages
- DIY approach: Cheapest upfront, risky if you mess up legal requirements
Most people with straightforward situations don’t need expensive attorneys unless they have complicated business structures or family drama requiring special legal handling.
Missouri Will Requirements (The Make-or-Break Rules)
Your will must satisfy these requirements or it becomes worthless paper:
Current Requirements (Until August 2025)
✓ Must be in writing
✓ You must be 18+ and of sound mind and memory
✓ You must sign before two competent witnesses
✓ Both witnesses must sign in your presence
Coming August 28, 2025
✓ Electronic wills will be fully legal
✓ Digital signatures accepted
✓ Remote witnessing allowed
✓ Can remain completely digital from start to finish
Can You Create Your Own Will? (Yes, But Be Smart)
Missouri allows you to create your own will without a lawyer. But one mistake in legal language or a missed requirement can make your wishes unenforceable or cause unintended consequences.
If you’re going DIY, use a reliable online platform that knows Missouri’s specific requirements. Don’t try to wing it on your own.
Do You Need a Lawyer? (Usually Not)
Missouri doesn’t require attorneys for will creation. You might want one if:
- Your estate includes complex business interests
- You need sophisticated tax planning
- You have contentious family situations
- You want advanced trust structures
For most families with straightforward wishes, online will creation handles everything at a fraction of attorney costs.
Step-by-Step Missouri Will Creation
Here’s the process that actually works:
- Choose a trusted online platform
- Draft your will using guided questions
- Review everything carefully
- Sign before two witnesses
- Get witness signatures (they must sign in your presence)
- Add notarization (optional but smart)
- Store securely in a safe place with family access
Notarization: Not Required But Smart
Missouri doesn’t require notarization, but it’s cheap insurance. Here’s why:
- Without notary: Court may need to track down witnesses
- With notary: Your will becomes “self-proving” and speeds up probate
Starting August 2025, Missouri will allow remote online notarization for electronic wills.
Missouri Witness Requirements (Important Details)
Your witnesses must be:
- Competent adults
- Present when you sign
- Able to sign in your presence
Critical Missouri Rule
If you use a beneficiary as a witness, they don’t lose their inheritance entirely, but they can’t receive more than they would’ve gotten if you died without a will.
This can reduce someone’s inheritance, so use neutral witnesses.
Special Missouri Considerations
- Divorce impact: Automatically revokes anything in your will that benefits your ex-spouse
- No-contest clauses: Can discourage people from challenging your will
- Assets you can’t control: Life insurance, retirement accounts, and jointly owned property pass outside your will
What Goes in Your Missouri Will
Your will should include:
- Asset inventory – what you own
- Beneficiary list – who inherits
- Specific gifts – to individuals or causes
- Executor nomination – who handles your estate
- Guardian selection – for minor children or pets
- Property manager – for dependent children
- Final arrangements – burial or cremation preferences
- Personal messages – for loved ones
The Coming Electronic Will Revolution
Starting August 28, 2025, Missouri will offer:
- Traditional wills: Create online, print, and sign on paper
- Electronic wills: Stay 100% digital from start to finish
Both will be legally valid. Electronic wills offer more convenience while traditional wills may feel more familiar.
Common Missouri Will Mistakes
Witness Problems
- Using beneficiaries as witnesses
- Not having witnesses present during signing
- Using incompetent witnesses
Legal Requirement Issues
- Missing or incorrect signatures
- Poor handwriting or unclear instructions
Life Changes Ignored
- Not updating after divorce
- Not revising after major asset changes
- Forgetting new children or grandchildren
Content Mistakes
- Trying to distribute assets that pass outside the will
- Using vague or confusing language
- Forgetting key roles like executor or guardian
Storage Issues
- Family can’t find the will
- No backup copies
- Weak digital security
Why Missouri’s New Law Matters
Missouri recognized families needed modern options and passed legislation to help. Starting in August 2025, the state will allow:
- Fully legal electronic wills
- Remote witnessing
- Digital signatures
- Faster, more secure processes
Take Action Today
Every day without a will is a day Missouri’s default inheritance laws decide your family’s future.
Don’t let your loved ones end up in court guessing what you wanted. Missouri is about to make things easier than ever—get ready to take advantage.
Get Started Now
Whether you go traditional today or wait for electronic options in August 2025, the key is following Missouri’s rules carefully. Protect your loved ones in 30 minutes or less.
This information is educational only and not legal advice. Complex situations may require professional legal guidance.