Montana Application for Informal Probate and Appointment of Personal Representative

A personal representative is appointed by a judge to oversee the administration of a probate estate.When a personal representative is nominated to the position in a will, he's commonly called the executor of the estate.

Locate Documents. Record the preferences of the testator. Check status of property and accounts. Confirm beneficiaries are correct. Make a list of personal possessions. Create a schedule of assets. Make a list of credit cards and debts. Electronic access to information.

A personal representativesometimes called an administrator, an executor, or an executrix when a woman serves in this capacityis typically entitled to be paid for her services.

A personal representative usually is named in a will. However, courts sometimes appoint a personal representative. Usually, whether or not the deceased left a will, the probate court will issue a finding of fact that a will has or has not been filed and a personal representative or administrator has been appointed.

You can legally prepare your own will, it can even be handwritten. This type of will is known as a "holographic will." In Montana, your handwritten will must be signed by you. Your signature must also be located on any material provisions, and no witnesses will need to be present for the signing of your will.

You can administer an estate even if the deceased died without a will or failed to specify an executor. If your relationship to the deceased doesn't make you the probate court's default choice for administrator, you'll need to get permission from the relatives ahead of you in the priority order.

Yes, an estate can be settled without probate.In California, for example, estates valued at less than $166,250 may not have to go through probate.

Children - if there is no surviving married or civil partner If there is no surviving partner, the children of a person who has died without leaving a will inherit the whole estate. This applies however much the estate is worth. If there are two or more children, the estate will be divided equally between them.

An executor is someone named in your will, or appointed by the court, who is given the legal responsibility to take care of any remaining financial obligations. Typical duties include: Distributing assets according to the will. Maintaining property until the estate is settled (e.g., upkeep of a house)