Detailed Answer
When an estate administrator in Missouri has only limited information about potential heirs, you can follow these steps under state law to locate and verify all interested parties:
- Gather All Decedent Records. Review address books, personal papers, tax records and email correspondence. Look for names, addresses and dates of birth.
- Search Public and Vital Records. Use the county recorder’s office to find property deeds and mortgages. Request certified birth, death and marriage certificates from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: https://health.mo.gov/data/vitalrecords/.
- Use Online and Genealogical Resources. Access free databases at FamilySearch.org or local historical societies. Consider subscription sites like Ancestry.com to trace family trees.
- Publish Notice to Unknown Heirs. If you cannot identify or locate an heir’s address, publish notice in a county newspaper once a week for three weeks as required by RSMo 472.160: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=472.160.
- Post a Bond for Unknown Heirs. Under RSMo 473.093, you must file a bond conditioned on accounting for distributions should unknown heirs later emerge: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=473.093.
- Engage Professional Assistance. Hire a genealogist, private investigator or heir-location service to conduct in-depth research on missing relatives.
- Verify Relationships. Obtain certified documents and collect sworn affidavits from credible witnesses who can confirm familial ties.
- Report Findings to the Court. Submit a sworn list of located heirs and supporting documentation. The court will confirm heirs under RSMo 474.015: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=474.015.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney regarding your specific situation.
Helpful Hints
- Keep detailed records of every search, communication and fee paid.
- Exhaust all public record sources before turning to published notice.
- Check federal resources such as the Social Security Death Index for additional leads.
- Join the Missouri Genealogical Society for free workshops and one-on-one research help.
- Always verify the accuracy of online information with certified documents.