What can heirs do if no probate case is opened within 12 months of death?

Heirs have the option to petition the court for a determination of heirship when no probate case has been opened within 12 months after a person's death. This legal procedure helps to establish the rightful heirs of the deceased's estate. By obtaining a determination of heirship, the heirs can have the court formally recognize their status, which can be important for accessing or transferring assets that might otherwise be complicated by the absence of probate.

This process is crucial in cases where intestacy occurs, as it clarifies who inherits the property and ensures that the assets are distributed according to Missouri's laws of intestate succession. Overall, the legal recognition provided by a determination of heirship is a necessary step for heirs to take control of any property left behind when the probate process hasn't been initiated in a timely manner.