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The End of Life Plannerby Valoren

General information · not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

Free · general informationMissouri

Beneficiary deeds in Missouri

The statutes quoted on this page call Missouri’s instrument a beneficiary deed, and speak of a beneficiary designation when it comes to changing or revoking one. These are their own words on what the deed does, recording it before the owner’s death, whether it must be delivered, and whether a will can change the designation. Nothing on this page decides whether a deed suits a particular home or family, or how one should be written. That belongs to an attorney in Missouri.

  • Every fact dated, in the official words
  • Each state’s own law

Every quotation checked October 24, 2026

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Every quotation on this page is the official body’s own words, as they stood on the day we read them. The date is beside each one.

The beneficiary deed: what it does, recording it before the owner’s death, and whether it must be delivered

1. A deed that conveys an interest in real property to a grantee designated by the owner, that expressly states that the deed is not to take effect until the death of the owner, transfers the interest provided to the designated grantee beneficiary, effective on death of the owner, if the deed is executed and filed of record with the recorder of deeds … prior to the death of the owner.

A beneficiary deed need not be supported by consideration or be delivered to the grantee beneficiary.

Missouri · general information · checked October 24, 2026 · RSMo §461.025.1

Changing or revoking a beneficiary designation, and the limit on doing it by will

1. A beneficiary designation may be revoked or changed in whole or in part during the lifetime of the owner.

4. A beneficiary designation may not be revoked or changed by the provisions of a will unless the beneficiary designation expressly grants the owner the right to revoke or change a beneficiary designation by will.

Missouri · general information · checked October 24, 2026 · RSMo §461.033.1, .4

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FAQ

Common questions

1. A deed that conveys an interest in real property to a grantee designated by the owner, that expressly states that the deed is not to take effect until the death of the owner, transfers the interest provided to the designated grantee beneficiary, effective on death of the owner, if the deed is executed and filed of record with the recorder of deeds … prior to the death of the owner.

A beneficiary deed need not be supported by consideration or be delivered to the grantee beneficiary.

Missouri · general information · checked October 24, 2026 · RSMo §461.025.1

1. A deed that conveys an interest in real property to a grantee designated by the owner, that expressly states that the deed is not to take effect until the death of the owner, transfers the interest provided to the designated grantee beneficiary, effective on death of the owner, if the deed is executed and filed of record with the recorder of deeds … prior to the death of the owner.

A beneficiary deed need not be supported by consideration or be delivered to the grantee beneficiary.

Missouri · general information · checked October 24, 2026 · RSMo §461.025.1

1. A deed that conveys an interest in real property to a grantee designated by the owner, that expressly states that the deed is not to take effect until the death of the owner, transfers the interest provided to the designated grantee beneficiary, effective on death of the owner, if the deed is executed and filed of record with the recorder of deeds … prior to the death of the owner.

A beneficiary deed need not be supported by consideration or be delivered to the grantee beneficiary.

Missouri · general information · checked October 24, 2026 · RSMo §461.025.1

1. A beneficiary designation may be revoked or changed in whole or in part during the lifetime of the owner.

4. A beneficiary designation may not be revoked or changed by the provisions of a will unless the beneficiary designation expressly grants the owner the right to revoke or change a beneficiary designation by will.

Missouri · general information · checked October 24, 2026 · RSMo §461.033.1, .4

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