As a legal template writer with over twelve years of experience drafting estate planning documents for U.S. clients, I’ve helped thousands of Missouri residents create valid last wills and testaments without paying expensive attorney fees for simple estates. In this comprehensive guide, I’m giving you a completely free Missouri last will and testament template that meets current 2025 Missouri law requirements, along with step-by-step instructions on how to make a will in Missouri the right way.
Keyword-rich summary: This page provides a legally compliant last will and testament Missouri template in both PDF and Word format, explains how to write a will in Missouri, covers Missouri-specific rules (age, witnesses, self-proving affidavits), and helps you avoid the most common mistakes that cause wills to be thrown out in Missouri probate court.
A Missouri last will and testament is a legal document that lets you decide who receives your property after you pass away, name guardians for minor children, appoint an executor (personal representative in Missouri), and express your final wishes. In Missouri, a properly executed will goes through probate court in the county where you lived, making the process smoother and less expensive for your loved ones.
Missouri follows Revised Statutes Title XXXI, Chapter 474 (Missouri Probate Code – Intestate Succession and Wills). The core requirements have remained stable for years, but the forms must still comply with RSMo § 474.320–474.360.
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Download Missouri Last Will and Testament Template – PDF
Download Missouri Simple Will Form – Word (.docx)
Both versions include an optional self-proving affidavit that can speed up probate significantly.
Under Missouri law (RSMo § 474.320), your will is valid if:
Important 2025 note: Electronic wills (e-wills) are NOT yet recognized in Missouri unless they are printed and executed with wet signatures.
| Section | Example Text |
|---|---|
| Article 1 – Revocation | I hereby revoke all prior wills and codicils... |
| Article 2 – Marital Status | I am married to Jane Marie Doe... |
| Article 4 – Personal Representative | I nominate my brother, John Alan Smith of St. Louis County, Missouri... |
| Article 6 – Guardianship | If my spouse is unable, I appoint Sarah Lynn Johnson as guardian of my minor children... |
Missouri allows (and courts love) a notarized self-proving affidavit attached to the will. When you die, your personal representative can file the will with the affidavit and skip the step of locating witnesses – saving months and hundreds of dollars in probate. The template I provide includes this affidavit pre-written and compliant with RSMo § 474.337.
For simple estates (under $1–2 million, no complex trusts, no disabled beneficiaries, no business interests), most Missourians can safely use a properly drafted template like the one on this page. I’ve seen thousands of these DIY wills accepted without issue in Jackson, St. Louis, Greene, and Boone County probate courts.
However, you SHOULD hire an attorney if you have:
If you die without a valid Missouri last will and testament, state law decides:
Source: Missouri Revised Statutes § 474.010 (2025)
Can I handwrite a will in Missouri?
Yes – holographic (entirely handwritten) wills are valid if signed and dated, but they are heavily scrutinized and often challenged.
Does Missouri have an estate or inheritance tax in 2025?
No. Missouri repealed its estate tax years ago. Only the federal estate tax applies above the 2025 exemption.
Can I disinherit my spouse in Missouri?
No. Your spouse has a statutory right to an “elective share” (roughly one-third to one-half depending on length of marriage).
How often should I update my Missouri will?
After marriage, divorce, birth of children, death of beneficiaries, or major asset changes.
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Creating your last will and testament in Missouri doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. The free template provided here has been used successfully by thousands of Missouri residents and complies with all 2025 statutory requirements.
Download it today, fill it out your information, sign with two witnesses and a notary, and gain peace of mind knowing your loved ones will be taken care of exactly as you wish.
Disclaimer: This Missouri last will and testament template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may have unique factors, and errors can invalidate a will. Always consider consulting a licensed Missouri estate planning attorney for complex situations. Template provided “as-is” with no warranties.
Sources:
Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 474 – revisor.mo.gov
IRS Estate Tax Exemption 2025 – irs.gov