What is a small estate affidavit and why was one filed for James M. Brewer?

A small estate affidavit lets distributees transfer certain assets without full probate when the estate qualifies; it was filed May 1, 2026 under Missouri law.

When is the deadline for creditors to file claims against this estate?

Creditors are generally barred one year after death, so the deadline is January 19, 2026, under §473.444, RSMo.

How can a creditor request the estate be opened for administration?

A creditor must petition the Probate Division of the Callaway County Circuit Court to open formal administration; the notice indicates such a request is permitted.

Probate — Callaway (26CW-PR00055)

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Intestate

Affects:CreditorsHeirs

A small estate affidavit was filed May 1, 2026 for the estate of James M. Brewer, who died January 19, 2025; creditors are notified of the one-year limitation on claims and may ask the court to open formal administration.

Key Takeaways

Small estate affidavit filed May 1, 2026
Decedent died January 19, 2025
Creditors barred one year after death under §473.444, RSMo
Creditors can request formal administration
Notice does not confirm any beneficiary interest

Published: May 9, 2026 · 1 week ago
Category: Probate
City: Callaway
Case #: 26CW-PR00055

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If you don't respond

If a creditor does not act before January 19, 2026 (one year after death), their claim may be barred by Section 473.444, RSMo; they may lose the right to recover from the estate.

What to do next

1
Review the small estate affidavit
Request or inspect the affidavit filed May 1, 2026 in the Probate Division, Callaway County Circuit Court to determine potential interests.
2
File a creditor petition before the deadline
If you are a creditor, petition the Probate Division to open formal administration before January 19, 2026 to preserve your claim rights.
3
Consult an attorney about claims
Contact a probate attorney promptly to assess any claim against James M. Brewer’s estate and to prepare necessary filings.

Frequently asked questions

What is a small estate affidavit and why was one filed for James M. Brewer?: A small estate affidavit lets distributees transfer certain assets without full probate when the estate qualifies; it was filed May 1, 2026 under Missouri law.
When is the deadline for creditors to file claims against this estate?: Creditors are generally barred one year after death, so the deadline is January 19, 2026, under §473.444, RSMo.
How can a creditor request the estate be opened for administration?: A creditor must petition the Probate Division of the Callaway County Circuit Court to open formal administration; the notice indicates such a request is permitted.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Small estate affidavit: A sworn statement allowing transfer of certain assets without full probate when statutory limits are met.
Section 473.444, RSMo: Missouri statute that limits the time for creditors to file claims against a decedent's estate to one year after death.
Formal administration: Court-supervised probate process opened when more complex estate matters or creditor claims exist.

Full Notice Text

IN THE 13TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
CALLAWAY COUNTY, MISSOURI
Judge or Division: PROBATE
Case Number: 26CW-PR00055
In the Estate of JAMES M. BREWER, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
(SMALL ESTATE)
To All Persons Interested in the Estate of JAMES M. BREWER, Decedent.
On May 1, 2026 a small estate affidavit was filed by the distributees for the decedent under Section 473.097, RSMo, with the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of CALLAWAY COUNTY, Missouri.
All creditors of Decedent, who died on 19-JAN-2025, are notified that Section 473.444, RSMo, sets a limitation period that would bar claims one year after the death of Decedent. A creditor may request that this estate be opened for administration.
Receipt of this notice should not be construed by the recipient to indicate that the recipient may possibly have a beneficial interest in the estate. The nature and extent of any person's interest, if any, may possibly be determined from the affidavit on this estate filed in the Probate Di