Estate Planning & Probate in Madison County, Montana
Madison County estate questions split two ways—planning so your family skips probate, or settling an estate that is already in it. 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 Madison County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Madison County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Madison County→The Probate Process in Madison 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 Madison County, probate runs through the District Court at 103 West Wallace Street, Second Floor, Virginia City. The court sits in the 5th Judicial District. Madison County shares the 5th Judicial District with Beaverhead and Jefferson.
Full Madison Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
District Court
Madison County · 5th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk and Recorder
Madison County · Clerk and Recorder and Election Administrator · Paula McKenzie
Address
Phone
$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
Briefs shall not exceed 20 pages without leave of court for good cause demonstrated. Court operates on rotating schedule: Monday - Madison County, Tuesday & 1st, 2nd & 4th Thursday - Beaverhead County, Wednesday & 3rd Thursday - Jefferson County.
Montana Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Madison County.
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