Estate Planning & Probate in Sanders County, Montana
There are two reasons people look up Sanders County probate: to keep a family out of it, or to get a loved one's estate through 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 Sanders County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Sanders County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Sanders County→The Probate Process in Sanders 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 Sanders County, probate runs through the District Court at 1111 West Main Street, Thompson Falls. The court sits in the 20th Judicial District. The same 20th Judicial District also serves Lake.
Full Sanders Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
District Court
Sanders County · 20th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk and Recorder
Sanders County · Clerk and Recorder / Election Administrator · Nicola McDonald
Address
Phone
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
The District Court schedules probate hearings Law and Motion: Department 1 (Judge Molly Owen) 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 10 AM; Department 2 (Judge John A. Mercer) 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 10 AM. No Law and Motion on a 5th Tuesday.
Law and Motion is held Tuesdays at 10 AM: Department 1 on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday, Department 2 on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday. No Law and Motion is held on a 5th Tuesday. Court may dismiss probate without prejudice two years after filing unless good cause is shown.
Montana Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Sanders County.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
