Probate in Meagher County runs through the District Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Meagher County, settling their estate runs through the District Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
Meagher County · 14th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Mailing address: P.O. Box 443, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645. Part of the 14th Judicial District serving Golden Valley, Meagher, Musselshell, and Wheatland counties.
Verified July 5, 2026 · Source
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 Meagher County, probate runs through the District Court at 15 West Main Street, White Sulphur Springs. The court sits in the 14th Judicial District. Meagher County shares the 14th Judicial District with Golden Valley, Musselshell and Wheatland.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Montana intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Montana estates take 6 months to 12 months to move through this process. The 4 monthsMCA §§ 72-3-801, 72-3-803Verified Sep 8, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What probate costs in Meagher County, Montana comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the District Court at 15 West Main Street, White Sulphur Springs. The court is part of the 14th Judicial District.
Montana charges $100MCA § 25-1-201(1)(m); MCA § 25-1-202(1)(a); MCA § 3-1-317Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
The District Court accepts e-filing (https://mtefile.courts.mt.gov). Paper filing remains available for self-represented filers.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Montana are negotiated, typically 1.8%MCA § 72-3-634 (court review of reasonableness of compensation of persons employed by the personal representative, including attorneys); § 72-3-632 (reasonable attorney fees in estate litigation); former § 72-3-633 repealed by Sec. 105, Ch. 313, L. 2019Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.9%MCA § 72-3-634 (court review of reasonableness of compensation of persons employed by the personal representative, including attorneys); § 72-3-632 (reasonable attorney fees in estate litigation); former § 72-3-633 repealed by Sec. 105, Ch. 313, L. 2019Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation is based on reasonable pay for time and effort — the states that do set a schedule pay 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Montana requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
Probate in Montana typically runs 6 months to 12 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
Probate documents in Meagher County can be filed in person at the District Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available. The court sits in the 14th Judicial District.
How to File Your Documents
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationNot every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the District Court is realistic.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Meagher County Self-Filing Assessment.
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Probate matters heard on regular court calendar. Contact clerk for specific scheduling.
To file at the District Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the County Clerk and Recorder.
Deeds and other real property documents for Meagher County are recorded with the County Clerk and Recorder, led by Clerk and Recorder Liv West, at 15 West Main, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645. Phone: 406-547-3021. Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (open through lunch).
Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 309, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645.
The County Clerk and Recorder charges $20 for the first page plus $10 for each additional page.
Recording Office Record
Meagher County · Clerk and Recorder · Liv West
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $20 |
| Each additional page | $10 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
MCA 7-4-2637 (fees for recording documents); MCA 7-4-2636 (standards for recorded documents); House Bill 192, 69th Legislature (2025) — Ch. 480, L. 2025 — fee increase effective October 1, 2025
Verified September 7, 2026 · Source
Montana allows informal probate, so many families settle straightforward estates in Meagher County without hiring an attorney. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in Montana are based on reasonable compensation — typically 1.8%MCA § 72-3-634 (court review of reasonableness of compensation of persons employed by the personal representative, including attorneys); § 72-3-632 (reasonable attorney fees in estate litigation); former § 72-3-633 repealed by Sec. 105, Ch. 313, L. 2019Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.9%MCA § 72-3-634 (court review of reasonableness of compensation of persons employed by the personal representative, including attorneys); § 72-3-632 (reasonable attorney fees in estate litigation); former § 72-3-633 repealed by Sec. 105, Ch. 313, L. 2019Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Meagher County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the District Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
FirmMissoula, MT
Formerly Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC. Over fifty years of combined experience in transactional, business and corporate law, contracts, real estate law, estate planning and probate administration, finance, and tax law. Serves clients throughout Montana and Washington.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationTax PlanningBusiness SuccessionProbate Administration
FirmHelena, MT
Statewide law firm providing estate planning, elder law, business succession planning, and probate administration services from offices in Helena, Bozeman, Great Falls, and Missoula.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawBusiness SuccessionProbate Administration
FirmBillings, MT
Over 125 years of experience with more than 150 lawyers practicing from 11 offices in 3 states. Extensive experience in advising commercial and individual clients in complex probate and estate planning matters including wills, revocable trusts, financial and healthcare powers of attorney, charitable giving, and various trust planning alternatives.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawTax Planningand 4 more
FirmGreat Falls, MT
Provides legal assistance with wills, probate, and estate planning. Serves clients throughout Montana from Libby to Havre to Bozeman to Billings.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
FirmMissoula, MT
Serves western and central Montana from Missoula (Missoula County, Fourth Judicial District), handling probate administration, will and trust drafting, and estate settlement alongside its insurance-litigation practice. Attorneys guide personal representatives through asset inventory, creditor notice, and distribution. Free consultations available; the firm also maintains an Arizona office.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationTrust LitigationProbate Administration
FirmMissoula, MT
Missoula elder-law practice handling probate and estate administration to transfer property and assets after death. Serves clients throughout Montana, including Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula, with offices in Great Falls, Kalispell, Missoula, and Helena. Also covers estate planning, Medicaid planning, and guardianship.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawGuardianshipMedicaid Planningand 2 more
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Data sourced from Montana statutes and official state code. How we research.
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Living trust assets, and accounts with a named beneficiary or surviving joint owner. These skip probate; some states charge the court fee only on what remains.
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Probate fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value, or net property after debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
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Step-by-step tools for families in Meagher County, Montana.
Get a personalized plan for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
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Browse vetted Montana attorneys handling probate matters.
