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2026 Montana probate costs, will execution requirements, trust laws, and intestacy rules.
Probate in Montana uses reasonable compensation for attorney fees, typically 2-4% of the estate value. Estates under $100,000 may qualify for Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit.
Simple estates in Montana typically take 4-6 months through probate. Complex or contested estates can take 1-3 years. A revocable trust avoids probate entirely.
Montana has adopted the Uniform Trust Code and does not require witnesses for trust execution. Notarization is not required for validity, though many financial institutions require notarized trust documents. The creditor claim period for trusts is 4 months.
Montana offers remote online notarization (RON) for estate planning documents and transfer-on-death deeds to pass real estate without probate. These tools, combined with revocable trusts and beneficiary designations, provide multiple ways to transfer assets without probate.