How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Montana?
Montana pays executors reasonable compensationMCA § 72-3-631 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, typically 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 the estate.
Montana allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.8% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules payMCA § 72-3-631 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Courts consider the size and complexity of the estate, the time spent, and the executor's skill and experience. Executors can waive the fee entirely or accept a reduced amount.
Montana law says only that compensation must be reasonable; it names no percentage, so no exact figure exists to look up. The estimate is built from the 16 states whose legislatures set an executor fee schedule: each schedule is applied to an estate of the same size, and the middle half of those results is the range, 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 a $500,000 estate. It is an estimate anchored in what other legislatures decided the same work is worth, not a figure from Montana law; the probate court has the final say.
Montana statute does not address how co-executors share compensation. The court sets one reasonable amount for the estate and allocates it among the executors serving.Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-631Verified Jul 25, 2026View source
Montana does not require a bond of the personal representative by defaultMCA § 72-3-513Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. A court can still order one. The bond protects beneficiaries against executor misconduct or mismanagement.
Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Montana probate: attorney fees of 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, and executor compensation is set separatelyMCA § 72-3-631 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Both are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. Estimate the attorney fee with the Montana probate attorney fee calculator.
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Forms for Settling an Estate in Montana
Free forms for settling an estate in Montana: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Petition for Probate and Letters
In Montana, the petition asks the District Court to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; an informal (registrar) track is availableMCA § 72-3-201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Notice to Creditors
In Montana, the notice to creditors is published for 3MCA §§ 72-3-801, 72-3-803, 72-3-804, 72-3-805, 72-3-807Verified Oct 18, 2026View source weeks in a local newspaper, and creditors have 4 monthsMCA §§ 72-3-801, 72-3-803Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication to present claims.
Small Estate Affidavit
In Montana, the Collection of Personal Property by AffidavitMCA § 72-3-1101Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates valued at $100,000MCA § 72-3-1101Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, 30 daysMCA § 72-3-1101Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.
Estate Inventory
In Montana, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 270 daysMCA §§ 72-3-607, 72-3-609Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Montana, the personal representative is discharged automatically once the statutory period runsMCA § 72-3-1004(2), 72-3-1011Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required unless it is waived.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Montana
Free tools for settling an estate in Montana: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
Can I Self-File Probate?
In Montana, informal probate is availableMCA § 72-3-201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, and a self-represented executor can usually handle it for a simple, uncontested estate.
How Do I Get Appointed as Executor?
In Montana, the District Court appoints the personal representative and the Clerk of the district court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; an informal (registrar) track is availableMCA § 72-3-201Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Montana, creditors have 4 monthsMCA §§ 72-3-801, 72-3-803Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Montana pays the claims in 7MCA § 72-3-807Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with costs and expenses of administration.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Montana costs an estimated $24,934MCA § 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. Attorney fees run 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 under a reasonable-compensation standard.
Hire a Montana Probate Attorney
Browse 49 probate firms in Montana with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
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Montana Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Montana probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.