Missouri lets you pass down real estate without dragging your family through probate. All it takes is a beneficiary deed (sometimes called a TOD deed). The law is right there in black and white—Missouri Revised Statutes §461.025. You get to pick exactly who or what gets your house or land, lock in your choice now, and still keep full control while you’re alive.
Here’s how it goes. You fill out a beneficiary deed, say who should get the property, and put it on record at the county courthouse. Nothing changes while you’re living—you can sell the place, rent it, refinance, whatever you want. If you change your mind, you can just file a new deed or yank the old one. And the people you named? They don’t have a say until you’re gone.
When that time comes, all someone needs is your death certificate—plus usually a short affidavit. No court. No probate. The deed passes your property over instantly and directly. And with no need for a judge or that slow court process, your real estate moves where you wanted it.
But don’t miss the fine print. Beneficiary deeds only work with Missouri real estate—can’t use one for things like your checking account or a vehicle. If you drop dead owing money, creditors still get their shot at the property. And if divorce happens, Missouri law cuts out ex-spouses by default unless you’re clear about something different. File more than one deed? The last one on record before you pass is the one that counts.
For it to work right, you need to clearly list who gets what, sign and notarize, and record the deed at the county before you die. Not after.
Missouri folks use this option to make things easier for their families or a favorite charity. Just remember—it doesn’t pay to rush. Pick your beneficiaries with care, pay attention to tax rules, and make sure your other estate plans line up, or you could trigger headaches you didn’t see coming. If you want to get ahead of this, Nolan Law Firm can help you get clear on what fits your family best.
