State guide
Montana
Montana follows a Uniform Probate Code model and now allows creditor notice in either a qualified online publication or a newspaper of general circulation in the county. Its nonclaim statute is stricter than many states because pre-death claims are barred by the earlier of the publication period or 1 year after death. ([leg.mt.gov](https://leg.mt.gov/content/Committees/Interim/2021-2022/Local-Gov/21_Sept/LC0010_2021.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Publishing the notice
- Upon appointment, the personal representative must publish notice once a week for 3 successive weeks in a qualified online publication or a newspaper of general circulation in the county. ([leg.mt.gov](https://leg.mt.gov/content/Committees/Interim/2021-2022/Local-Gov/21_Sept/LC0010_2021.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Creditor claim deadline
- 4 months after first publication
- Outside deadline
- 1 year after death
- Law
- Mont. Code Ann. §§ 72-3-801, 72-3-803, 72-3-1101
- Small-estate limit
- $100,000 entire estate, less liens and encumbrances, for collection of personal property by affidavit under § 72-3-1101. ([leg.mt.gov](https://leg.mt.gov/content/Publications/sales/2023SessionLaws_VOL1.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Key facts for Montana
- A personal representative must publish creditor notice once a week for 3 successive weeks. ([leg.mt.gov](https://leg.mt.gov/content/Committees/Interim/2021-2022/Local-Gov/21_Sept/LC0010_2021.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Montana permits notice in a qualified online publication or a newspaper of general circulation in the county. ([leg.mt.gov](https://leg.mt.gov/content/Committees/Interim/2021-2022/Local-Gov/21_Sept/LC0010_2021.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Mailed notice to a creditor is optional, not mandatory. ([leg.mt.gov](https://leg.mt.gov/content/Committees/Interim/2021-2022/Local-Gov/21_Sept/LC0010_2021.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Published creditors must present claims within 4 months after first publication. ([leg.mt.gov](https://leg.mt.gov/content/Committees/Interim/2021-2022/Local-Gov/21_Sept/LC0010_2021.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Pre-death claims are barred by the earlier of 1 year after death or the publication deadline. ([leg.mt.gov](https://leg.mt.gov/content/Publications/sales/2019SessionLaws_VOL2.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Montana raised the small-estate affidavit threshold to $100,000 in 2023. ([leg.mt.gov](https://leg.mt.gov/content/Publications/sales/2023SessionLaws_VOL1.pdf?utm_source=openai))
What to do next
- Use the Montana Judicial Branch probate questionnaire and packet first; Montana offers unusually robust official probate self-help.
- If using publication, keep proof showing the first publication date because the 4-month deadline runs from that date.
- Compare the estate against Montana's $100,000 personal-property affidavit option before opening a full probate.
Helpful guides
- What is a notice to creditors in probate?
- How to publish a probate notice in a newspaper
- How much does it cost to publish a probate notice?
- What counts as a legal newspaper for probate notices
Creditor deadline calculator →
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