Finishing What She Started

Summary

A Missouri family was suddenly forced into probate court after a woman passed away unexpectedly just as she was preparing to sell her home.

With the property already being listed for sale and the family unsure how to proceed, Finder Law moved quickly to open the estate, obtain court approval for the sale of the home, and guide the probate process to a smooth resolution.

By acting quickly and proactively, we helped the family avoid unnecessary delays and complete the estate administration efficiently and without complications.

Facts of the Case

A Missouri woman unexpectedly passed away while in the process of listing her home for sale. Before her death, she had already hired a real estate agent and begun preparations to place the property on the market. 

After her passing, ownership of the home became part of the probate estate. Her mother was left not only grieving the sudden loss of her daughter, but also trying to navigate what would happen to the home sale and the probate process itself.

Without court authorization, the home could not simply be sold as originally planned.

The family needed immediate legal guidance to ensure the sale could proceed properly and the estate could be administered efficiently.

The Problem

Probate can quickly become overwhelming for families after the unexpected death of a loved one — especially when real estate is involved.

Even when everyone agrees on what should happen, Missouri probate law still requires specific court procedures before estate property can be transferred or sold.

In this case, timing mattered.

The decedent had already begun the process of selling the home before her death, and the family wanted to honor those wishes while avoiding unnecessary delays, expenses, or complications that could jeopardize the sale.



At the same time, the family needed to properly open the estate, appoint a personal representative, complete the required inventory and filings, and obtain court approval for the transaction.

Our Approach and Solution

Finder Law moved quickly to open the probate estate and help the decedent’s mother become appointed as Personal Representative of the estate. 

We then filed a Petition for Sale of Real Estate explaining to the Court that the decedent had already intended to sell the property before her passing and had hired a real estate agent prior to her death. 

Finder Law successfully obtained a court order authorizing the sale of the property so the transaction could proceed without interruption. The Court specifically found that allowing the sale was “in accordance with the last wishes of the decedent.” 



We also worked to streamline the probate administration process itself. Because the mother was the sole heir and personal representative, Finder Law successfully requested that bond be waived, helping reduce unnecessary costs and administrative burdens on the family. 

By staying proactive throughout the process, we helped the estate move efficiently through probate and toward resolution.

Finder Law helped the family:

• Open the probate estate quickly 
• Obtain appointment of a Personal Representative 
• Secure court approval to sell the home 
• Continue the real estate sale process without major delays 
• Reduce unnecessary probate expenses 
• Complete the estate administration efficiently 

Most importantly, the family was able to honor their loved one’s wishes and move forward during an already difficult time.

Probate cases often involve much more than paperwork. Families are frequently dealing with grief, uncertainty, financial concerns, and urgent decisions involving homes, property, and estates.

At Finder Law, we help Missouri families navigate probate administration, estate property sales, and court proceedings as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Whether an estate involves real estate, intestate succession, probate litigation, or emergency filings, we work to simplify the process and protect our clients every step of the way.



Because when families are grieving, they deserve guidance — not more obstacles.

Meet the Attorney

Our Working Process and Solution

1. Investigation

We thoroughly investigated all aspects of the railing & fall & all maintenance procedures for the apartment complex for the last decade.

2. Engage with Experts

We worked with top-of-the-line experts & professionals to ensure a jury would have the best information upon which to decide his case.

3. Settlement out of Court

We cooperated with opposing counsel & a mediator to resolve the case without the expense & delay of a jury trial.

The Outcome of the Lawsuit

Our client received a substantial settlement after mediation. Although money will never fix his leg, he & his wife were able to start planning the next phase of their lives & purchase a home that allowed them to be closer to their children.