---
type: Concept
title: Changing a Successor Trustee (Missouri)
description: In Missouri you change a successor trustee with a written, signed amendment that follows the trust's own rules, then notify everyone and update records.
resource: https://nemolegal.com/how-to-change-a-successor-trustee-in-adair-county-missouri/
tags: [successor-trustee, trust-amendment, missouri, adair-county]
timestamp: 2026-06-22
jurisdiction: Missouri
author: Patrick Nolan
---

# Summary

A successor trustee steps in when the original trustee dies, resigns, or can no longer serve, keeping the trust running. To change one in Missouri, the grantor of a revocable trust signs a written amendment that names the new trustee and removes the old, following the trust's own amendment rules. After signing, you notify the trustees and asset holders and update county records if the trust holds real property.

# Quotable Q&A

**Q: How do I change a successor trustee in Missouri?**
A: If the trust is revocable and you are the grantor and still competent, you draft a written amendment that names the new successor trustee, removes the old one, and is signed and dated following the trust's own amendment paragraph. You cannot just cross out a name. Then notify the outgoing and incoming trustees, the bank or asset holders, and, if real property is involved, the county recorder.

**Q: Can a successor trustee be changed if the trust is irrevocable?**
A: Not easily. Changing a trustee in an irrevocable trust usually requires the consent of all beneficiaries or a court order, depending on the trust's terms. If the document is silent on the procedure, Missouri's Uniform Trust Code fills the gap, but it does not make it simple. This is a situation where a Missouri trust lawyer is worth involving.

**Q: Does a trustee change in Missouri need to be notarized or recorded?**
A: Missouri does not require an amendment to be notarized, but notarizing helps it stand up to later scrutiny, and some trusts require witness signatures, so follow the document's own rules. If the trust holds real property, update public records through a certificate of trust or affidavit at the county recorder so banks and others recognize the new trustee. Store the original trust and every amendment together.

# Step by step

First, determine whether the trust is revocable or irrevocable, because that sets who holds the power. Put the change in writing, naming the new trustee and removing the old, with the trust's full legal name and execution date. Make it official by signing, dating, and following any notarization or witness requirements the trust imposes. Notify the outgoing and incoming trustees and any bank, credit union, or asset holder. If the trust holds real property in the county, record a certificate of trust or affidavit so the new trustee's authority is on public record. Keep all documents together. Call a lawyer if the trust is irrevocable, unclear about amendments, likely to draw family pushback, or holds land, mineral rights, or other tricky assets.

# Decision rule

If the trust is revocable and you are the competent grantor, then make the change with a written, signed amendment that follows the trust's rules, then notify everyone and update county records for any real property; if the trust is irrevocable or unclear, then get a Missouri trust lawyer.

# Related

- [Overview](/okf/trusts-probate-avoidance/overview.md)
- [Revocable Living Trusts](/okf/trusts-probate-avoidance/revocable-living-trust.md)
- [Trust Amendment or Restatement](/okf/trusts-probate-avoidance/trust-amendment-or-restatement.md)
- [Irrevocable Trusts](/okf/trusts-probate-avoidance/irrevocable-trust.md)
- [Contesting a Trust](/okf/trusts-probate-avoidance/contesting-a-trust.md)
- [Missouri Uniform Trust Code (Chapter 456)](/okf/authorities/missouri/rsmo-456-trust-code.md)
- [Firm](/okf/firm.md)