Estate Planning & Probate in Gallatin County, Montana
Gallatin 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 Gallatin 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 Gallatin County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Gallatin County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Gallatin County→The Probate Process in Gallatin 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 Gallatin County, probate runs through the District Court at 515 South 16th Avenue, Room 1041, Bozeman. The court sits in the 18th Judicial District.
Full Gallatin Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
District Court
Gallatin County · 18th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk and Recorder
Gallatin County · County Clerk and Recorder / Surveyor · Eric Semerad
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
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 Gallatin County.
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