Estate Planning & Probate in Chouteau County, Montana
Most Chouteau County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the District Court.
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 Chouteau County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Chouteau County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Chouteau County→The Probate Process in Chouteau 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 Chouteau County, probate runs through the District Court at 1308 Franklin Street, Fort Benton. The court sits in the 12th Judicial District. The same 12th Judicial District also serves Hill and Liberty.
Full Chouteau Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
District Court
Chouteau County · 12th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk and Recorder
Chouteau County · Clerk and Recorder / Election Administrator · Lana Claassen
Address
Phone
Hours
$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 heard on regular court calendar. Contact clerk for specific scheduling.
Montana Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Chouteau County.
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