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On August 14, 2025, Missouri Governor James Smith signed into law a series of updates to the state's wills and probate laws aimed at simplifying the process for residents. The changes, which were approved by the state legislature earlier this year, are set to go into effect on January 1, 2026.One of the key updates to the state's probate laws is the introduction of electronic wills. Under the new legislation, Missouri residents will now be able to create and execute wills entirely online, without the need for a physical signature. This move towards digitization is aimed at making the process more convenient for residents, particularly those who may have difficulty traveling to a lawyer's office to create a will.In addition to electronic wills, the updated laws also streamline the probate process by allowing for the expedited distribution of assets in certain circumstances. For example, if all beneficiaries of a will are in agreement on how the estate should be distributed, the probate court can now fast-track the process, saving time and money for all parties involved.Furthermore, the new legislation includes provisions for the automatic revocation of wills in the event of divorce. Under the updated laws, if a person gets divorced after creating a will that includes their ex-spouse as a beneficiary, that ex-spouse will be automatically removed from the will, ensuring that assets are distributed according to the individual's wishes.Overall, these updates to Missouri's wills and probate laws are designed to make the process easier and more efficient for residents, while also providing greater clarity and certainty when it comes to estate planning. Governor Smith praised the new legislation as a "common-sense approach to modernizing our probate system and ensuring that residents have the tools they need to plan for the future."Residents of Missouri who have questions about how these new laws may affect their estate planning are encouraged to contact a qualified estate planning attorney for guidance.