Estate Planning & Probate in Carter County, Montana
Carter County estate questions split two ways—planning so your family skips probate, or settling an estate that is already in it. Start with your situation below; both paths use Carter County's actual court and recording details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the District Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Carter County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Carter County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Carter County→The Probate Process in Carter County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Carter County, probate runs through the District Court at 214 Park Street, Ekalaka. The court sits in the 16th Judicial District.
Full Carter Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
District Court
Carter County · 16th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk and Recorder
Carter County · Clerk and Recorder · Judy Wright
Address
Phone
Fax
$20 for the first page plus $10 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $30; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 7, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the District Court
Probate matters calendared on Law and Motion calendar. Must calendar with judicial assistant by 4:00 PM on business day before Law and Motion.
Montana Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Carter County.
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