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Iron County, MO Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Iron County detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Iron County |
| Courthouse address | Iron County Courthouse, 250 South Main Street, Suite 220, Ironton, MO 63650 |
| Mailing address | P.O. Box 42, Ironton, MO 63650 |
| Phone | (573) 546-2511 |
| Fax | (573) 546-6006 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No lunch closure or filing cutoff is published. |
| Court cost | Iron County does not publish a local probate cost schedule. State components include $115 when original letters are applied for in a decedent's estate, plus $50 for each additional $50,000 of final inventory value above $50,000 up to $500,000, capped at $565, all effective September 1, 2023 under Court Operating Rule 21.01. State components also include $35 for a small estate affidavit, refusal of letters, determination of heirship, or admitting a will, effective September 1, 2023 under Court Operating Rule 21.01. Ask the probate division for the current Iron County total before filing. |
| Local forms | No Iron County local probate packet, cover sheet or checklist is published. Use Missouri Courts probate forms. |
| E-filing status | Attorneys use the Missouri eFiling System. Self-represented parties are not required to e-file, and 42nd Circuit Local Rule 72.1 directs them to file original pleadings and documents with the clerk of the probate division. Original wills and original corporate surety bonds must reach the probate division on paper within 15 days after any electronic submission. |
| Case search | Case.net covers Iron County probate cases. Public probate case information is available for cases pending as of, or filed after, April 9, 2001. |
| Remote appearance | The 42nd Circuit does not publish a probate remote appearance rule. Ask the clerk before assuming a hearing can be handled remotely. |
| Website | https://ironcountymo.gov/circuit-court |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you choose a probate path in Iron County, list the assets, debts, title documents, beneficiary designations and any will. Missouri venue usually turns on the decedent's domicile, and the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Iron County is the local filing office when Iron County is the proper venue (RSMo 473.010).
Asset discovery matters because Missouri has different routes for full administration, refusal of letters and small estate affidavits. Sunset's 2,300-institution asset discovery helps families find accounts and policies before an estate settlement plan is built around incomplete information.
Which court handles jurisdiction
The Iron County courthouse in Ironton serves probate matters venued in Iron County. Iron County shares the 42nd Judicial Circuit with Crawford, Dent, Reynolds and Wayne counties, but those counties do not share one probate counter. File an Iron County estate in Ironton, not at another 42nd Circuit courthouse.
Missouri's venue rule directs that a will be probated and letters granted in the county where the decedent was domiciled. If the decedent had no Missouri domicile, venue can be in a county where the decedent left property, with special treatment for Missouri real estate (RSMo 473.010). The court is the Probate Division of the Circuit Court, because Missouri probate business is heard in that division of the circuit court (Mo. Const. art. V, § 27; RSMo 472.020).
The jurisdiction process
- Identify whether Iron County is the right venue. Start with the decedent's domicile and any Iron County real estate, then separate probate assets from nonprobate transfers before starting the estate settlement (RSMo 473.010).
- Choose the filing path. A full estate administration asks for letters testamentary or letters of administration. A small estate affidavit may fit if the entire estate, net of liens, debts and encumbrances, does not exceed $40,000, effective August 28, 2002 (RSMo 473.097). A refusal of letters may fit for a surviving spouse, unmarried minor children, or a creditor under the Missouri rules for that order (RSMo 473.090).
- Prepare the probate forms. Iron County does not publish a local probate packet, so use the Missouri Courts probate forms that match the path, plus the confidential probate case information sheet when required. If there is an original will, deliver the original paper will to the probate division.
- File with the Iron County probate division in Ironton. The county publishes one circuit clerk's office that keeps Civil, Criminal, Probate, Domestic and Juvenile case records, so use the Iron County Courthouse address or the P.O. Box listed above for the clerk of the probate division (RSMo 472.010(4)).
- Handle e-filing and originals correctly. Attorneys file through the Missouri eFiling System. Self-represented parties are not required to e-file, and 42nd Circuit Local Rule 72.1 directs self-represented parties to file original pleadings and documents with the clerk of the probate division. Original wills and original corporate surety bonds must be filed physically with the probate division within 15 days after any electronic submission.
- Pay the court cost. Iron County does not publish a local probate cost total. State components under Court Operating Rule 21.01 include $115 when original letters are applied for, plus $50 for each additional $50,000 of final inventory value above $50,000 up to $500,000, capped at $565, all effective September 1, 2023. Ask the Iron County Probate Division for the current local total before filing.
- Complete required notice. In a full administration, the clerk publishes notice of letters once a week for four consecutive weeks (RSMo 473.033). Creditors have the later of six months from first publication or two months from mailed or served notice, and Missouri also has a one-year bar from the date of death (RSMo 473.360; RSMo 473.444).
- Attend any required hearing. Iron County's probate docket is carried at the county level by the associate circuit judge's office. The 42nd Circuit does not publish a probate remote appearance rule, so ask the clerk before planning to appear by video or phone.
- Use the authority document. After appointment, the personal representative uses letters testamentary or letters of administration to work with banks, buyers and other institutions. A non-attorney personal representative cannot appear in court except through an attorney, although the personal representative may prepare and file inventories and settlements (RSMo 473.153.7).
- Administer and close the estate. Inventory, creditor claims, sale authority, distributions and closing papers depend on whether the estate is supervised or independently administered. Keep copies of filings and court orders for the estate settlement file.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Iron County
Iron County does not publish a local probate forms packet, cover sheet or checklist. Use the Missouri Courts probate forms page and file the completed paperwork with the clerk of the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Iron County.
| Form or packet | Use in Iron County |
|---|---|
| FI-50 Confidential Case Filing Information Sheet, probate and non-domestic relations, updated July 2025 | Case-opening information sheet for probate and related matters. |
| PR 10 Statement of Reimbursable Attorney Fees, updated March 28, 2023 | Attorney fee reimbursement statement when that issue is part of the estate administration. |
| PR 16 Affidavit to Establish Title of Distributee, Small Estate, Intestate | Small estate affidavit for an intestate estate when the Missouri small estate statute fits (RSMo 473.097). |
| PR 22 Exhibit A | Property listing exhibit used with several probate forms. |
| PR 23 Application of Creditor for Refusal of Letters, updated May 2023 | Creditor path for refusal of letters (RSMo 473.090). |
| PR 25 Application of Unmarried Minor Children for Refusal of Letters, updated May 2023 | Refusal of letters path for unmarried minor children (RSMo 473.090). |
| PR 26 Exhibit B | Heir information exhibit. |
| PR 28 Petition for Determination of Heirship | Heirship route when Missouri's requirements for that proceeding are met (RSMo 473.663). |
| PR 30 Application to Amend Order Refusing Letters, updated May 2023 | Request to amend a refusal order. |
| PR 33 Application of Surviving Spouse for Refusal of Letters, updated May 2023 | Surviving spouse path for refusal of letters (RSMo 473.090). |
| PR 75 Election of Surviving Spouse, updated April 5, 2022 | Surviving spouse election form when that issue applies. |
Local nuance
Iron County-specific considerations
| Local point | What it means |
|---|---|
| Five-county circuit, local courthouse | Iron County is in the 42nd Judicial Circuit with Crawford, Dent, Reynolds and Wayne counties, but Iron County probate filings go to the Ironton courthouse. |
| One local counter | Iron County publishes one circuit clerk's office that keeps probate case records. Use the statutory term clerk of the probate division, but expect to work through the circuit clerk's office in Ironton. |
| Local Rule 72.1 | Self-represented parties file original probate pleadings and documents with the clerk of the probate division. Original wills and original corporate surety bonds must be delivered on paper within 15 days after any electronic submission. |
| Older probate case access | Case.net covers public Iron County probate case information for cases pending as of, or filed after, April 9, 2001. Older matters are handled through the courthouse rather than a separate online probate index. |
Recent updates
Scenarios
| Situation | Local path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse w/ co-owned home | First confirm how the Iron County home was titled. If it passed by survivorship or a recorded beneficiary deed, that property may not need probate. If assets remain in the decedent's name, the spouse may need a refusal of letters, small estate affidavit, or full administration depending on the facts (RSMo 473.090; RSMo 473.097). | Sunset helps identify accounts, deeds and beneficiary designations before the family chooses a probate path. |
| Out-of-state adult child w/ small estate | Call the Iron County clerk before sending papers to P.O. Box 42. A small estate affidavit may be available after 30 days if the entire estate, net of liens, debts and encumbrances, does not exceed $40,000, effective August 28, 2002 (RSMo 473.097). The clerk's certificate is the document institutions usually need. | Sunset can assemble the asset list, generate a probate packet and help coordinate with local counsel if the facts move beyond a small estate. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | If the Iron County home remains in the child's name and must be sold, full administration may be needed so a personal representative can obtain letters and sale authority. A non-attorney personal representative cannot appear in court except through an attorney (RSMo 473.153.7). | Sunset supports the estate settlement by organizing debts, title information, forms and the attorney connection. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Iron County Circuit Clerk | Local courthouse page for the office that keeps Iron County probate records, with address, phone and hours. | https://ironcountymo.gov/circuit-court |
| Case.net | Missouri public case search for Iron County probate case information. | https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/ |
| Missouri Courts probate forms | Statewide probate forms, including small estate, refusal of letters, heirship and spouse election forms. | https://www.courts.mo.gov/ |
| Missouri Revisor of Statutes | Official text of Missouri probate statutes and the Missouri Constitution. | https://revisor.mo.gov/ |
| The Missouri Bar probate guide | Consumer probate guide published by The Missouri Bar. | https://missourilawyershelp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Probate-Guide-Updated-2024.pdf |
| Legal Services of Southern Missouri | Free civil legal aid program serving Iron County for eligible low-income Missourians. Toll-free intake: 800-444-4863. | https://www.lsmo.org/page/951/offices |
When to hire an attorney
A lawyer often makes sense in an Iron County full administration, especially when letters are needed, real estate must be sold, heirs disagree, creditor claims are expected, or a hearing is required. Missouri law says a personal representative who is not a lawyer cannot appear in court except through an attorney, although the personal representative may prepare and file inventories and settlements (RSMo 473.153.7). Sunset connects families to a vetted local probate attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches across more than 2,300 institutions to help identify bank accounts, investment accounts, insurance policies and other assets that affect the Iron County probate path.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset uses the facts you provide to help assemble the estate settlement paperwork, organize supporting documents and keep the Iron County filing steps clear.
Find a local probate attorney. When a full administration or court appearance is needed, Sunset connects families with a vetted Missouri probate attorney who can handle the court-facing work.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset to understand the estate settlement, organize documents and get matched with probate support at no cost.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Iron County?
File with the clerk of the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Iron County at the Iron County Courthouse in Ironton. The published street address is 250 South Main Street, Suite 220, Ironton, MO 63650, and the mailing address is P.O. Box 42, Ironton, MO 63650.
Is Iron County probate handled by a separate office?
Iron County publishes one circuit clerk's office that keeps Civil, Criminal, Probate, Domestic and Juvenile case records. Use the statutory name clerk of the probate division, but the local counter is the circuit clerk's office in the Iron County Courthouse.
Can I e-file an Iron County probate case?
Attorneys use the Missouri eFiling System. Self-represented parties are not required to e-file, and 42nd Circuit Local Rule 72.1 directs self-represented parties to file original pleadings and documents with the clerk of the probate division. Original wills and original corporate surety bonds must be delivered on paper within 15 days after any electronic submission.
What court cost should I expect in Iron County probate?
Iron County does not publish a local probate cost total. State components include $115 when original letters are applied for in a decedent's estate, plus $50 for each additional $50,000 of final inventory value above $50,000 up to $500,000, capped at $565, all effective September 1, 2023 under Court Operating Rule 21.01. State components also include $35 for a small estate affidavit, refusal of letters, determination of heirship, or admitting a will, effective September 1, 2023 under Court Operating Rule 21.01. Ask the Iron County Probate Division for the current local total.
Does Iron County have local probate forms?
No Iron County local probate packet, cover sheet or checklist is published. Use the Missouri Courts probate forms page and choose the forms for the path you are filing, such as small estate, refusal of letters, determination of heirship, or full administration.
Can I look up an Iron County probate case online?
Yes. Case.net includes Iron County probate case information for public cases pending as of, or filed after, April 9, 2001. Older probate matters may require contact with the courthouse.
Do I have to travel to Ironton for an Iron County probate hearing?
The 42nd Circuit does not publish a probate remote appearance rule. If a hearing is set, ask the clerk whether the judge will allow any remote participation before making travel plans.
How soon can a small estate be filed in Iron County?
Missouri's small estate affidavit can be filed more than 30 days after death if the statutory requirements fit. The entire estate, net of liens, debts and encumbrances, must not exceed $40,000, effective August 28, 2002 (RSMo 473.097).
Shaped by the families we've helped
Thank you to the thousands of families who have trusted Sunset to help settle their loved ones' estates. This page is shaped by the questions they actually asked and the obstacles they actually hit — and that hard-won experience is what keeps it accurate, current, and genuinely useful to the families who come next.