Detailed answer — step by step

1. Confirm whether a probate case exists and get the court file

Start by contacting the probate clerk in the county where your parent lived when they died. Ask for the case number and request copies of: the petition for probate/appointment, letters testamentary or of administration, the final accounting/settlement, the court’s order approving the final accounting, and any proof of service or publication showing who was given notice.

2. Review the record to see what notice was provided

Common notice methods in Missouri probate include personal service, mailed notice to known heirs and beneficiaries, and newspaper publication for unknown heirs or creditors. The file should show who was served and how. If there is no proof that you received personal notice or that you were listed among heirs/beneficiaries, that fact matters a great deal.

3. Know the legal bases to challenge the final accounting

You can ask the court to set aside or reopen a final accounting for reasons such as:

• Lack of proper notice or lack of jurisdiction over you as an interested party (a due-process problem).
• Fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment by the personal representative (executor/administrator).
• Breach of fiduciary duty, self-dealing, or failure to provide a full, supported accounting and vouchers.
• Newly discovered evidence showing the accounting is incomplete or inaccurate.

4. Time limits and acting promptly

Missouri law requires parties to raise objections in a timely way. While exact deadlines depend on the court’s orders and the type of pleading, delays increase the likelihood a court will deny reopening unless there is strong proof of lack of notice or fraud. Don’t wait. Obtain the file and consult counsel immediately to avoid losing statutory or equitable rights.

5. What to file with the court

Depending on what the file shows, your lawyer may recommend one or more of the following pleadings:

• Petition to Reopen or Set Aside Final Settlement/Order — request the court undo its approval and allow you to litigate objections to the accounting.
• Objections/Exceptions to the Accounting — identify specific disputed entries, missing vouchers, improper fees, or transactions requiring proof.
• Motion for Temporary Relief — ask the court to preserve estate assets while the dispute is resolved (e.g., a temporary restraining order or injunction) if assets have been distributed.
• Petition to Remove Personal Representative — if the representative breached duties or engaged in misconduct.
• Motion for Discovery/Subpoenas — to require production of bank records, receipts, and supporting documents for the accounting entries.

6. Burden of proof and remedies

If the court finds you were not given required notice, it may reopen the estate or set aside the final order and require the representative to provide a full accounting and notice to all interested persons. If the representative engaged in misconduct, the court may surcharge the estate, order removal of the representative, or require repayment of improperly distributed assets. Remedies vary by case facts.

7. Grounds relying on Missouri probate law

Missouri’s probate statutes govern administration, notice, accounting, and distribution. For general reference to the laws controlling probate administration and distribution, consult Chapter 473 (probate administration) and Chapter 474 (descent and distribution) of the Revised Missouri Statutes. These chapters describe the court’s powers, duties of personal representatives, and distribution rules: RSMo Chapter 473 — Probate Administration and RSMo Chapter 474 — Descent and Distribution. Your attorney will cite specific sections that apply to your case.

8. Evidence you should gather now

• Proof of your relationship to the decedent (birth certificate, family tree, or other documents).
• Any communications (emails, letters, texts) showing you were not notified or were excluded.
• Copies of bank statements, titles, or other documents that show estate transfers or distributions you believe were improper.
• Contact information for other heirs and witnesses who can confirm lack of notice or representative misconduct.

9. If the estate assets are already distributed

A court can still reopen a final settlement when necessary to protect an heir’s rights. If distributions are complete, the court may order those funds returned to the estate if it finds the distributions were improper or the representative acted without authority. Quick action helps preserve recoverable assets.

10. Consider costs, fees, and settlement

Litigating probate disputes can cost time and money. Courts may award attorney fees against a personal representative who breaches fiduciary duties, but recovery is not guaranteed. Discuss potential costs and settlement options with your lawyer early in the process.

11. Next steps — practical checklist

1. Contact the probate court clerk and obtain the case file and the proof-of-service documents.
2. Collect evidence showing you did not receive notice and any signs of mismanagement.
3. Speak with a Missouri probate attorney experienced in estate accounting disputes.
4. File the appropriate motion or petition promptly to preserve your rights.
5. Request discovery and, if necessary, temporary court orders to preserve assets.

Helpful Hints

• Start by getting certified copies of all probate documents from the court clerk — the file often contains the proof of notice you need to evaluate your claim.
• If you live out of state, many Missouri courts will forward copies or allow electronic access — ask the clerk about electronic records.
• Look for the personal representative’s letters (letters testamentary or of administration); these documents show who had authority to act.
• Communicate carefully with family: preserve written records of any conversations about estate administration and distributions.
• Don’t accept informal explanations as a final answer — ask to see the accounting and vouchers in writing before assuming the estate was properly handled.
• Remember that probate timelines and remedies vary with facts. A consultation with a probate attorney will clarify deadlines and the strength of your claim.