The creditor claim period of 4 monthsMCA §§ 72-3-801, 72-3-803, 72-3-804, 72-3-805, 72-3-807Verified Sep 15, 2026View source runs from the first publication of the creditor notice, which follows the executor's appointment. A claim not presented in time is barred. Every claim is barred 12 monthsMCA §§ 72-3-801, 72-3-803, 72-3-804, 72-3-805, 72-3-807Verified Sep 15, 2026View source after the date of death, whether or not notice was given.

Within 270 daysMCA §§ 72-3-607, 72-3-609Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of the personal representative's appointment.

The personal representative closes an unsupervised estate by filing a verified closing statement under MCA § 72-3-1004, certifying that the creditor-claim period has expired, the estate is fully administered and distributed, and a full written account has been furnished to affected distributees; no hearing or court order is required. A formal alternative (petition for an order of complete settlement, MCA § 72-3-1001) has the district court adjudicate the final account, distribution, and the PR's dischargeMCA §§ 72-3-1001, 72-3-1003, 72-3-1004, 72-3-1005, 72-3-1011, 72-3-1015Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.

No earlier than six months after the original appointment of a general personal representative, and only after the time limitation for presentation of creditors' claims has expired (the four-month first-publication bar under MCA § 72-3-801)MCA § 72-3-1004(1), (1)(a)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.