How Much Does Probate Cost in Ravalli County, Montana?
Understanding what probate costs before you start helps you plan and avoid surprises. Here's what families in Ravalli County can expect.
Probate in Ravalli County, Montana runs through the District Court at 205 Bedford Street, Suite D, Hamilton. The court is part of the 21st Judicial District. The total cost depends on the estate's size, whether the will is contested, and how much professional help the executor uses.
Local procedures at this court: Probate matters heard on regular court calendar. Contact clerk for specific scheduling. These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
Montana charges $100MCA § 25-1-201(1)(m); MCA § 25-1-202(1)(a); MCA § 3-1-317Verified Apr 18, 2026 to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Montana are negotiated, typically 2%MCA § 72-3-632 (reasonable attorney fees); § 72-3-631 (PR compensation); § 72-3-633 percentage schedule repealed 2019Verified Apr 18, 2026 to 4%MCA § 72-3-632 (reasonable attorney fees); § 72-3-631 (PR compensation); § 72-3-633 percentage schedule repealed 2019Verified Apr 18, 2026 of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation runs 2%MCA § 72-3-631 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Apr 18, 2026 to 4%MCA § 72-3-631 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Apr 18, 2026 of estate value, based on reasonable pay for time and effort. 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 monthsMCA § 72-3-1101 (small estate $100KVerified Apr 18, 2026 to 12 monthsMCA § 72-3-1101 (small estate $100KVerified Apr 18, 2026, and costs accrue throughout. The 4 monthsMCA § 72-3-801Verified Apr 18, 2026 creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
Legal Sources
- MCA § 25-1-201(1)(m); MCA § 25-1-202(1)(a); MCA § 3-1-317
- MCA § 72-3-1101 (small estate $100K
- MCA § 72-3-631 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- MCA § 72-3-632 (reasonable attorney fees); § 72-3-631 (PR compensation); § 72-3-633 percentage schedule repealed 2019
- MCA § 72-3-801
Data sourced from Montana statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For Ravalli County, that means filing fees ($100 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
The petition to open probate costs $100 in Ravalli County. Additional filings during administration (inventory, accounting, final petition) can add to the total. The calculator above shows the full picture.
Montana uses "reasonable fees" — usually hourly billing or a percentage of the estate. Typical range is 2%–4% of estate value, negotiable based on complexity.
Montana allows "reasonable" executor compensation, typically 1–5% of estate value depending on complexity. Family executors often waive fees because the fee is taxable income while an inheritance is not.
Yes. Montana estates under $100,000 can use a Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit and avoid most probate costs. Check the Montana self-filing assessment to see if this applies.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Ravalli County probate.
District Court
Ravalli County
205 Bedford Street, Suite D
Hamilton, MT 59840
Phone:
406-375-6710Hours:
Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
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