How Much Does a Living Trust Cost in Montana?

Assets properly transferred to a revocable living trust avoid probate in Montana. This means beneficiaries receive their inheritance without court involvement, public records, or the delays of the probate process. Probate on a $500,000 estate in Montana costs about $26,409 in court and professional fees.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 administration), § 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PR compensation), § 72-3-634 (court review of reasonableness of attorney/agent compensation; former § 72-3-633 repealed 2019), § 72-3-513 (bond), § 72-3-201 (informal probate), § 72-3-801 (publication; 4-month creditor claim from first publication), § 72-3-803 (nonclaim; 1-year outer bar), § 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 mca.legmt.gov; Montana Clerks of District Courts Fee Schedule via courts.mt.gov. Verified 2026-07-14.Verified Jul 14, 2026 See estimated fees with the Montana probate calculator.

Online trust services cost $30-$600 upfront compared to $3,620-$5,430 for an attorney in Montana. However, total cost depends on subscription fees, amendment charges, and life event updates over time. This calculator projects the full cost across providers.

Only assets not transferred into the trust go through probate. Common oversights include bank accounts, vehicles, and real estate that were never retitled to the trust. A pour-over will catches these assets and directs them into the trust through probate, but proper funding avoids that step entirely.

Many online trust services charge annual subscription fees ranging from $0 to $240/year. These may include document access, minor amendments, or attorney consultations. Attorney amendments in Montana cost $362 to $724 for simple changes and $1,448 to $2,896 for major updates like divorce or remarriage.

The decision depends on estate size, asset types, family situation, and Montana probate costs. Trusts provide probate avoidance, privacy, and faster asset transfer but cost more upfront than a will. The Montana trust needs assessment compares the two approaches.