---
type: Authority
title: RSMo §473.097 (small estate)
description: Missouri's small-estate procedure, a probate shortcut that lets a small estate be collected by affidavit without full administration when it falls under the statutory limit.
resource: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=473.097
tags: [probate, small-estate, affidavit, missouri]
timestamp: 2026-06-22
jurisdiction: Missouri
author: Patrick Nolan
authority_type: statute
citation: RSMo §473.097
---

# Summary

RSMo §473.097 is Missouri's small-estate procedure. When a decedent's probate estate falls under the statutory limit, it can be collected and distributed by affidavit instead of going through full probate administration. It is one of the main ways Missouri families avoid a long probate.

# Operative text

Paraphrased: §473.097 allows a person entitled to a decedent's property to obtain it by filing a small-estate affidavit with the court when the value of the estate is at or under the statutory small-estate limit. The exact dollar limit is set by statute and stated in the firm's probate content; the affidavit procedure replaces the appointment of a personal representative. Read the full section at the official source linked above.

# Decision rule

If a decedent's probate estate falls under the Missouri small-estate limit, a small-estate affidavit under §473.097 can avoid full probate; above the limit, a regular administration is generally required.

# Related

- [Probate Shortcuts](/okf/elder-law-medicaid/probate-shortcuts.md)
- [Probate in Missouri](/okf/estate-planning/probate-in-missouri.md)
- [Will or Trust: Which You Need](/okf/estate-planning/will-or-trust.md)
- Official source: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=473.097