Tools for Estate Executors in Montana

Probate on a $500,000 estate in Montana costs an estimated $24,934. Attorney fees run 1.8% to 2.9% of the estate under a reasonable-compensation standard.

All Planning ahead Settling an estate

14 tools for Montana

How Much Does Probate Cost?

Probate on a $500,000 estate in Montana costs an estimated $24,934. Attorney fees run 1.8% to 2.9% of the estate under a reasonable-compensation standard.

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How Much Can an Executor Charge?

Montana pays executors reasonable compensation, typically 2.2% to 3.8% of the estate.

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Do I Need Probate?

In Montana, estates valued at $100,000 or less skip probate with the Collection of Personal Property by Affidavit, 30 days after death.

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What Are the Estate Laws in My State?

Probate on a $500,000 estate in Montana costs an estimated $24,934 and takes 4 months to 6 months for a simple estate, with attorney fees of typically 1.8% to 2.9% of the estate. Estates under $100,000 can use a small-estate procedure instead.

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What Are the Burial and Cremation Laws in My State?

Montana allows you to name your own agent in a signed, written document, and that designation takes priority over the statutory order of next of kin who otherwise control disposition of the remains.

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How Do I Sign Estate Documents?

Find witness, notary, and remote signing requirements for all 50 states.

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Will My Estate Documents Transfer?

Check if estate planning documents signed in one state are valid in another.

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Can I Self-File Probate?

In Montana, informal probate is available, and a self-represented executor can usually handle it for a simple, uncontested estate.

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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 available.

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What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?

In Montana, creditors have 4 months from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.

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What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?

When an estate owes more than it holds, Montana pays the claims in 7 classes in statutory order, beginning with costs and expenses of administration.

Check the Payment Order

How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?

Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.

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Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?

Montana requires a final state income tax return for the decedent alongside the federal Form 1040; a federal estate tax return (Form 706) is required only for estates above $15,000,000.

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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.

Estimate Value

Probate costs in Montana typically include attorney fees of typically 1.8% to 2.9% of the estate, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs. On a $500,000 estate, total costs run about $24,934, roughly 5% of estate value, varying with complexity. Estimate executor compensation separately with the Montana executor fee calculator.

Montana has no single statewide fill-in petition; the opening document is prepared to statute and filed with the District Court. Clerk of the district court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration after the court grants the petition.

The creditor claim period of 4 months runs from the first publication of the creditor notice, which follows the executor's appointment. Distributing assets before the period has run can leave the executor personally liable for a claim that arrives later.

Montana allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.8% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules pay. 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.

Yes. In Montana, informal probate is available, a track with less court oversight that a self-represented executor can usually handle for a simple estate with a clear will and cooperative beneficiaries.

Tools for Estate Executors in Montana

The executor of an estate is the person a will names to carry out its terms; without a will, the probate court appoints an administrator to the same role. The court issues letters testamentary or letters of administration, and those letters are what banks and title companies accept as the executor's authority. From there the executor gathers and values the assets, notifies creditors, pays debts and taxes, files the estate's returns, accounts to the court and beneficiaries, and distributes what remains. The executor is paid from the estate at a rate set by state law.

Montana pays executors reasonable compensation, typically 2.2% to 3.8% of the estate. In Montana, creditors have 4 months to present claims after notice, the inventory is due within 270 days of appointment, and the personal representative is discharged automatically once the statutory period runs.

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated September 15, 2026

Legal Sources

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Data sourced from Montana statutes and official state code. How we research.

Tools for Estate Executors in Montana

Probate on a $500,000 estate in Montana costs an estimated $24,934. Attorney fees run 1.8% to 2.9% of the estate under a reasonable-compensation standard.