The bottom line
Missouri’s August 28, 2025 effective date marks a real pivot: end-to-end digital estate planning moves from niche to normal — but only if families and advisors pair convenience with rigorous safeguards. California’s experience shows the framework works when clients leverage online tools, name digital fiduciaries, and lock down security and consent up front.
🔗 For deeper insights — including checklists, templates, and sample clauses that align with Missouri’s new statute and California’s Cal-RUFADAA — join me on Patreon at Legal Insights and Strategies by Samuel Lopez for the companion toolkit to this report.
Sources:
Missouri Senate Bill Summary for HB 754 (Electronic Wills and Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act), effective Aug. 28, 2025. Missouri Senate
Missouri House bill page showing Governor approval on July 10, 2025 and effective date. house.mo.gov
California Lawyers Association explainer on Cal-RUFADAA and Probate Code §§ 870–884 (effective Jan. 1, 2017). California Lawyers Association
California Probate Code § 871 and § 873 (definitions and three-tier precedence). Justia LawFindlaw
