---
type: Concept
title: Non-Probate Transfers in Missouri
description: Missouri's Nonprobate Transfers Law lets many assets pass outside probate through TOD and POD designations and beneficiary deeds.
resource: https://nemolegal.com/missouris-non-probate-transfers-the-straight-line-around-probate/
tags: [non-probate-transfers, missouri, beneficiary-deed, tod, pod, chapter-461]
timestamp: 2026-06-18
jurisdiction: Missouri
author: Patrick Nolan
---

# Summary

Missouri's Nonprobate Transfers Law (Chapter 461) lets many assets pass directly to a named person or trust outside probate.

# The tools

- Pay-on-death (POD) designations on bank accounts
- Transfer-on-death (TOD) designations on securities and brokerage accounts
- Beneficiary deed for real estate, recorded before death, which can name a trust (RSMo §461.025)
- Transfer-on-death title for vehicles (RSMo §301.681)
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship

# Decision rule

To avoid probate broadly, fund a revocable trust now and align POD and TOD designations on accounts, securities, real estate, and vehicles so nothing is left in a sole name.

# Related

- [The Probate Process](/okf/trusts-probate-avoidance/probate-process.md)
- [Probate Shortcuts (Elder Law bundle)](/okf/elder-law-medicaid/probate-shortcuts.md)