Montana Guide
What to do when someone dies in Montana.
A step-by-step guide for families navigating death administration in Montana. Covers death certificates, cremation rules, probate, and average costs.
First 24 Hours in Montana
Getting a Death Certificate in Montana
How many do you need? Plan to order at least 10–12 certified copies. You will need them for banks, insurance companies, government agencies, retirement accounts, and courts. It is much cheaper to order extras upfront than to reorder later.
Montana Legal Requirements
Montana allows simplified proceedings for estates under $50,000.
Average Funeral Costs in Montana
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many death certificates do I need in Montana?
Plan for at least 10–12 certified copies. Each financial institution, insurance company, government agency, and court requires its own original certified copy. It costs $12 per copy per copy from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
How long does probate take in Montana?
Straightforward probate in Montana typically takes 6–12 months. Complex estates with disputes or significant assets can take 2–3 years. Estates under $50,000 may qualify for a simplified process.
How soon can cremation happen in Montana?
Montana requires a 24 hours waiting period before cremation. All paperwork must be completed and signed by the authorized next-of-kin before cremation can proceed.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Montana?
If someone dies without a will ("intestate") in Montana, the estate is distributed according to state intestacy laws. Generally assets pass to the spouse first, then children, then other relatives in a specific legal order determined by the probate court.