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Find out if you can handle probate yourself, see estimated cost savings vs. hiring an attorney, and get a step-by-step filing checklist.
Yes. Self-filing in Missoula County works best for straightforward estates with a clear will and few beneficiaries.
File at the District Court, 200 West Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802. Phone: 406-258-4780. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
Missoula County offers e-filing for probate matters. E-filing available for attorneys only through Montana Courts E-Filing statewide system. Case types: Civil (DV), Domestic Relations (DR), Criminal (DC), Juvenile (DJ), Involuntary Commitment (DI), Youth in Need of Care (DN), Domestic (DD), Probate (DP), Guardianship/Conservatorship (DG), Adoption (DA), Paternity (DF). Self-represented litigants may not e-file.
Missoula County doesn't have a dedicated probate self-help center, so self-filers should confirm local procedures with the court clerk.
Yes, Montana offers informal probate procedures that are designed to be manageable without attorney representation.MCA § 72-3-1101 (small estate: probate estate ≤ $100K, 30-day wait, personal property collection only; amended Ch. 453, L. 2023), § 72-3-1103 (formula-based summary closing), § 72-3-631 (reasonable PR compensation), § 72-3-634 (court review of reasonableness of attorney/agent compensation; former § 72-3-633 repealed 2019), § 72-3-513 (bond), § 72-3-201 (informal probate), § 72-3-801 (publication; 4-month creditor claim from first publication), § 25-1-201(1)(m) ($70 base probate filing fee), § 25-1-202 ($20 additional filing fee), § 3-1-317 ($10 IT surcharge), § 72-3-607 (inventory; optional appraiser). MCA 2025 via leg.mt.gov; Montana Clerks of District Courts Fee Schedule via courts.mt.gov. Verified 2026-06-11.Verified Jun 19, 2026 The process is most straightforward for simple estates with clear wills and cooperative beneficiaries.
Court filing fees in Montana vary by county.MCA § 72-3-1101 (small estate: probate estate ≤ $100K, 30-day wait, personal property collection only; amended Ch. 453, L. 2023), § 72-3-1103 (formula-based summary closing), § 72-3-631 (reasonable PR compensation), § 72-3-634 (court review of reasonableness of attorney/agent compensation; former § 72-3-633 repealed 2019), § 72-3-513 (bond), § 72-3-201 (informal probate), § 72-3-801 (publication; 4-month creditor claim from first publication), § 25-1-201(1)(m) ($70 base probate filing fee), § 25-1-202 ($20 additional filing fee), § 3-1-317 ($10 IT surcharge), § 72-3-607 (inventory; optional appraiser). MCA 2025 via leg.mt.gov; Montana Clerks of District Courts Fee Schedule via courts.mt.gov. Verified 2026-06-11.Verified Jun 19, 2026 Self-filing costs typically include the court petition fee, publication costs. The filing fee is a fraction of total probate costs. See a full breakdown with the Montana probate calculator.
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This tool provides general information about self-filing probate and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
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