INSTRUCTIONS: MONTANA LETTERS

This article discusses a packet made available by the Montana Courts website containing documents necessary to appoint a personal representative for an estate in the state. 

Montana Letters Step 1: The first form contained in this packet is an application for informal probate and appointment of a personal representative. Where indicated at the top lefthand corner, enter the name, address and telephone number of the applicant for personal representative.

Montana Letters Step 2: On the first two blank lines, enter the number of the judicial district and the name of the county.

Montana Letters Step 3: On the next blank lines, enter the name of the deceased and the probate number.

Montana Letters Step 4: On line 1, enter the relationship of the applicant to the deceased.

Montana Letters Step 5: On line 2, enter the name of the decedent, their date of death, their age at the time, and the county in which they were domiciled.

Montana Letters Step 6: On line 3, enter the names and addresses of spouses,children, heirs and devisees, as well as the ages of those who are minors.

Montana Letters Step 7: On line 4, enter the names and addresses of personal representatives of the decedent whose appointment has not terminated.

Montana Letters Step 8: On line 5, indicate whether you have received a demand for notice or if you are aware of a demand of notice for any probate or appointment proceeding concerning the decedent.

Montana Letters Step 9: On line 7, enter the reason why the applicant is entitled to be appointed personal representative. 

Montana Letters Step 10: Sign and date the form where indicated, then obtain the certification of a notary public.

Montana Letters Step 11: The next form contained is an order of informal probate and appointment of personal representative. This form will be signed, dated and completed by the deputy clerk and clerk of court. 

Montana Letters Step 12: The next form contained is the letters form certifying the appointment, also completed by the deputy clerk and clerk of court.

Montana Letters Step 13: The next form contained is the personal representative's sworn statement to the court filed when they wish to close the estate following completion of informal probate proceedings. This form must also receive the certification of a notary public.

INSTRUCTIONS: MONTANA ACCESSING A DECEASED PERSON'S FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS

This article discusses an informational packet made available by the Montana State University Extension program to discuss how to access a deceased person's financial accounts. The form can be found on the website maintained by the Montana State University Extension program.

Montana Accessing A Deceased Person's Financial Accounts Step 1: The first three paragraphs provide a general overview of the information contained in this document.

Montana Accessing A Deceased Person's Financial Accounts Step 2: The next four paragraphs concern procedures involved in accessing a deceased person's financial accounts.

Montana Accessing A Deceased Person's Financial Accounts Step 3: The next section concerns joint tenancy accounts.

Montana Accessing A Deceased Person's Financial Accounts Step 4: The next section concerns a single party account with a payable on death (POD) or transfer on death (TOD) registration.

Montana Accessing A Deceased Person's Financial Accounts Step 5: The next section concerns a single party account without a POD or TOD registration.

Montana Accessing A Deceased Person's Financial Accounts Step 6: The next section concerns procedures for estates with values over $50,000.

Montana Accessing A Deceased Person's Financial Accounts Step 7: The next section concerns procedures for estates with values of $50,000 or less. 

Montana Accessing A Deceased Person's Financial Accounts Step 8: The informational section of this packet concludes with a summary, disclaimer, acknowledgments, references and resources for further information.

Montana Accessing A Deceased Person's Financial Accounts Step 9: This document also contains an affidavit template that can be filed to collect personal property of the decedent, which is contained on the fourth page. On the first blank line of the affidavit, enter the name of the county in which you are filing.

Montana Accessing A Deceased Person's Financial Accounts Step 10: On the second blank line, enter the name of the successor.

Montana Accessing A Deceased Person's Financial Accounts Step 11: On line 1, enter the decedent's name and date of death.

Montana Accessing A Deceased Person's Financial Accounts Step 12: On line 5, enter the successor's name and describe the asset in question.

Montana Accessing A Deceased Person's Financial Accounts Step 13: On the next blank line, enter your name.

Montana Accessing A Deceased Person's Financial Accounts Step 14: The remainder of the affidavit should be completed by a notary public.