Estate Planning & Probate in Petroleum County, Montana
Most Petroleum 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 Petroleum 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 Petroleum County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Petroleum County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Petroleum County→The Probate Process in Petroleum 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 Petroleum County, probate runs through the District Court at 302 East Main Street, Winnett. The court sits in the 10th Judicial District. Petroleum County shares the 10th Judicial District with Fergus and Judith Basin.
Full Petroleum Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
District Court
Petroleum County · 10th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk and Recorder
Petroleum County · Clerk and Recorder · Nikki White
Address
Phone
Fax
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 Petroleum County.
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