Both officesBy appointment onlySpeak directly with attorney Chris Doskocil.
Fenton
476 Old Smizer Mill Rd, Ste 232 Fenton, MO 63026 Mon to Fri, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
St. Louis
3407 S Jefferson Ave St. Louis, MO 63118 Mon to Fri, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Guiding Executors and Families
What Probate Administration Involves
Probate administration is the hands-on work of settling an estate once the court opens the case. It covers everything from gathering assets and paying valid debts to filing tax returns and distributing what remains to heirs.
Chris Doskocil has guided Fenton, St. Louis County, and St. Louis City families through this process for over 40 years as a trusted probate attorney and estate administration attorney. Whether you were named personal representative in a will or appointed by the Jefferson County or St. Louis County probate court, you get personalized legal representation built around your family's situation.
Most estates move through administration without a fight. When a disagreement does surface, Chris can shift into the role of probate dispute lawyer or probate litigation attorney without you needing to find new legal counsel mid-case.
How We Handle Your Case
The Probate Administration Process, Step by Step
Every estate is different, but the path from appointment to closing an estate follows a predictable rhythm. Here is what working with our law firm looks like from the first call.
1
Legal Consultation and Case Review
We start with a straightforward conversation about the estate: what assets exist, who the heirs are, and whether a will is on file. Chris reviews the paperwork and explains what Missouri law requires before the first filing goes in.
2
Opening the Estate With the Court
Once you're ready, we file the petition to open probate and request your appointment as personal representative. Chris handles the notices, bond requirements, and letters of administration the court requires.
3
Inventory, Debts, and Asset Management
As your estate administration attorney, Chris helps you inventory property, notify creditors, and pay valid claims in the correct order. This stage also covers tax filings and keeping beneficiaries informed along the way.
4
Distribution and Closing the Estate
Once debts and taxes are settled, we prepare the final accounting and distribute assets to heirs according to the will or Missouri's intestacy laws. Chris handles the closing filings so the court discharges you from your duties as personal representative.
Why Families Choose Us
A Probate Lawyer You Can Actually Reach
Serving as a personal representative is stressful enough without wondering who will call you back. Here is what sets our approach to probate administration apart.
You Talk to the Attorney, Not Staff
When you call about your case, Chris Doskocil answers, not a paralegal fielding questions on his behalf. Same-day callbacks are the standard, often within minutes.
Decades of Missouri Probate Experience
With more than 40 years practicing and an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, Chris brings an experienced attorney's judgment to every estate, large or small.
One Attorney for the Whole Estate
If administration turns contentious, you don't have to start over with a different firm. Chris handles probate administration, probate litigation, and related estate disputes under one roof.
What to Expect
Key Considerations During Probate Administration
Missouri probate has its own timelines and requirements, and small missteps can slow down an estate or expose a personal representative to personal liability. Keep these points in mind as you move through the process.
Creditors generally have six months from the date of first publication to file claims against the estate.
A personal representative can be held personally responsible for mistakes in paying debts or distributing assets out of order.
Not every estate needs full, formal probate; smaller estates may qualify for a simplified process.
Real property titled only in the deceased's name usually must go through probate before it can be sold or transferred.
Estate and income tax filings are often required even when no formal estate tax is owed.
Clear communication with beneficiaries early on prevents many disputes before they start.
Common Questions
Probate Administration FAQs
These are questions families in Fenton and St. Louis ask most often when they're named personal representative for the first time.
How long does probate administration take in Missouri?
Most estates take six months to a year to fully administer, depending on asset complexity and whether creditors file claims. Estates with real estate, business interests, or out-of-state property often take longer.
Do I need a probate attorney if the will is clear and uncontested?
Missouri law requires a personal representative to work with an attorney in most formal probate cases. Even a clear will involves court filings, deadlines, and creditor notices that a probate lawyer handles correctly the first time.
What happens if someone contests the will during administration?
If a beneficiary challenges the will's validity or an executor's conduct, the case can shift from routine administration into probate litigation. Chris can step into the role of probate litigation attorney for the same estate without any gap in representation.
Can I be removed as personal representative during the process?
Yes. A court can remove a personal representative for mismanagement, failure to file required reports, or conflicts of interest. Working with an estate administration attorney from the start helps you meet every deadline and avoid that outcome.
Related Legal Services
Other Ways We Help St. Louis Area Families
Probate administration often overlaps with estate planning, family law, or a dispute that needs to go to court. Here are the other practice areas Chris Doskocil handles at Doskocil Law Firm.
When a dispute over property, a contract, or an estate heads to trial, our civil litigation attorney services are ready to represent you.
Explore
Where We Practice
Serving Families Across the St. Louis Area
Doskocil Law Firm handles probate administration for families throughout Fenton, St. Louis County, St. Louis City, and Jefferson County. Our office locations make it convenient to meet by appointment close to home.
You don't have to figure out probate administration alone or wait days for a call back. Reach Chris Doskocil directly to schedule a case evaluation and get a clear next step for your family's estate.
