Estate Planning & Probate in Stillwater County, Montana
Most Stillwater County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. 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 Stillwater County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Stillwater County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Stillwater County→The Probate Process in Stillwater 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 Stillwater County, probate runs through the District Court at 400 East 3rd Avenue North, Columbus. The court sits in the 22nd Judicial District. Stillwater County shares the 22nd Judicial District with Big Horn and Carbon.
Full Stillwater Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
District Court
Stillwater County · 22nd Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk and Recorder
Stillwater County · Clerk and Recorder / Election Administrator · Heidi Stadel
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
The court offers a self-help center, in Yellowstone County Self-Help Law Center, 216 North 29th Street, Billings, MT 59101 (regional resource). Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Call 406-869-3531 for details.
Probate proceedings heard on uncontested calendar with other matters including initial appearances, arraignments, judgments by consent or default, and matters anticipated to take less than 30 minutes.
Montana Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Stillwater County.
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