Estate Planning & Probate in Cascade County, Montana
Most Cascade County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. Start with your situation below; both paths use Cascade 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 Cascade County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Cascade County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Cascade County→The Probate Process in Cascade 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 Cascade County, probate runs through the District Court at 415 2nd Avenue North, Room 200A, Great Falls. The court sits in the 8th Judicial District.
Full Cascade Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
District Court
Cascade County · 8th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk and Recorder
Cascade County
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
$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
The court offers a self-help center, open Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, in Cascade County Self-Help Law Center, 3rd Floor, 301 2nd Avenue North, Great Falls, MT 59401. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Call 406-899-7109 for details.
Probate proceedings heard on uncontested calendar. Written request to Clerk required by noon Tuesday for Wednesday hearing.
Montana Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Cascade County.
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