---
type: Concept
title: Wills and Will Requirements in Missouri
description: Missouri requires a will to be written, signed, and witnessed by two competent adults; holographic wills are not recognized.
resource: https://nemolegal.com/missouri-will-requirements/
tags: [wills, missouri, witnesses, self-proving-affidavit, holographic]
timestamp: 2026-06-18
jurisdiction: Missouri
author: Patrick Nolan
---

# Summary

A Missouri will must be in writing, signed by an adult of sound mind, and witnessed by two competent adults who sign in the testator's presence (RSMo §474.310). A will that fails any requirement is void, and the estate passes under intestate succession.

# Requirements

- Age and capacity: the testator must be 18 or older and of sound mind, evaluated at the moment of signing.
- Signature: signed at the end, or signed by another at the testator's direction and in their presence. Notarization is not required for validity.
- Witnesses: two competent adults who are ideally not beneficiaries.
- Self-proving affidavit (RSMo §474.337): notarized, it removes the need for witnesses to testify in probate later.

# What Missouri does not allow

Missouri does not recognize holographic (handwritten, unwitnessed) wills made in the state. Missouri's Electronic Wills Act permits electronic wills with remote witnesses and notary under strict conditions, but this is not yet common.

# Pour-over wills

In a trust-based plan, a pour-over will directs any asset left outside the trust into it at death.

# Decision rule

A valid Missouri will must be written, signed, and witnessed by two competent adults who are not beneficiaries, with a self-proving affidavit. Do not rely on a handwritten or unwitnessed will.

# Related

- [The Six Core Documents](/okf/estate-planning/core-documents.md)
- [Revocable Living Trusts](/okf/estate-planning/revocable-living-trust.md)