At the Piatchek Law Firm, our attorneys are always looking for the simplest and most efficient way to get assets through probate. This requires experience and knowledge of the different methods of probate, including an important set of procedures collectively referred to as “refusal of letters of administration.”
Generally, if a person passes away with assets titled into their own name but leaves a surviving spouse, surviving minor children, other dependents, or creditors, those surviving persons may be able to claim certain amounts of property through the refusal of letters process. During this process, the probate court refuses to appoint a personal representative and does not open a regular probate estate administration, yet title owned by the deceased person may still pass to a spouse, child, dependent, or creditor.
Refusal of Letters in Favor of a Surviving Spouse
The surviving spouse, minor child, or creditor can essentially claim the amounts they would be entitled to get under Missouri law without having to go through the formal process of probate administration. The following is an example of how a refusal of letters might work:
John Doe passes away, and the only asset still in his name is a truck worth approximately $9,000. Typically, a surviving spouse is entitled to the first $20,000 of an estate under Missouri probate law. Thus, John Doe’s surviving spouse may be able to obtain the title to the truck through a “refusal of letters to a surviving spouse” because the truck is worth less than $20,000.
Refusal of Letters in Favor of a Creditor
The following example shows how a creditor might use a refusal of letters proceeding:
John Doe’s brother, James Doe, paid for John Doe’s funeral and last expenses, and the amount totaled $9,000 or more. Now, James may be able to obtain title to the truck through a “refusal of letters in favor of a creditor,” because James is now a creditor of the estate since he paid bills for the estate (and thus, the estate owes him money). As a creditor owed more than $9,000, James is eligible to receive the first $9,000 of the estate if anything needs to go through probate.
Refusal of Letters in Favor of a Surviving Minor Child
Similar procedures are available if the decedent was survived by minor children. To learn more, discuss your specific situation with an attorney.
Finally, note that members of John Doe’s family may also be able to take title through the “small estate” process discussed elsewhere on our website.
As you can see, there are often multiple ways to send assets though probate, with each process involving different consequences and implications. Because each case is different, the decision of which probate procedure to utilize in a given case should be made by an experienced and knowledgeable attorney.
To discuss the refusal of letters process and your specific probate case with an attorney today, please call our offices directly at 417-882-5858. We can set up an initial consultation to discuss your situation.
Probate Law
- Probate Law Overview
- Different Types of Probate Estates
- Typical Probates Estate Administration
- Small Estates ($40,000 Or Less)
- Refusal of Letters of Administration
- Determination of Heirship Proceeding
- Affidavit of Heirship (Real Estate Only)
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Estates
- Ancillary Probate
- FAQ: How Do I Avoid Probate?
