Montana Checklist of Matters to be Considered in Drafting Escrow Agreement: 1. Introduction: — Define the purpose of the escrow agreement and provide a brief background. — Specify the parties involved, including the escrow agent, buyer, seller, and any other stakeholders. — Outline the scope and timeline of the agreement. 2. Escrow Funds: — Clearly state the amount of funds being held in escrow and the source of these funds. — Specify the conditions under which the funds will be released or refunded. — Address any interest accrual or other financial matters related to the escrow funds. 3. Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: — Define the process for resolving any disagreements or disputes that may arise during the escrow period. — Specify the jurisdiction and venue for legal actions if necessary. — Include provisions for mediation or arbitration, if applicable. 4. Termination or Cancellation: — Outline the circumstances under which the escrow agreement may be terminated or canceled by either party. — Address the process for refunding or releasing any funds held in escrow if termination occurs. 5. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure: — Establish guidelines for maintaining the confidentiality of information shared during the escrow process. — Clearly state the consequences of violating confidentiality agreements. — Include provisions for non-disclosure of sensitive or proprietary information. 6. Timeline and Deadlines: — Specify important dates or milestones in the escrow process, such as the deadline for inspections, due diligence, or loan approval. — Clearly outline the consequences of missing deadlines or failing to meet obligations. 7. Prorations and Adjustments: — Address any prorations or adjustments that need to be made, such as property taxes, HOA fees, or rental income. — Specify how and when these adjustments will be calculated and executed. 8. Representations and Warranties: — Include any representations and warranties made by either party regarding the property or transaction. — Define the consequences of any misrepresentations or breach of warranties. 9. Indemnification and Liability: — Outline the indemnification provisions for each party involved, protecting them against potential losses or damages. — Address any limitations of liability and risk allocation. 10. Governing Law: — Specify the state laws of Montana that will govern the escrow agreement. — Address any additional legal requirements specific to Montana. Types of Montana Checklist of Matters to be Considered in Drafting Escrow Agreement: 1. Real Estate Escrow Agreement: Specifically tailored for real estate transactions in Montana, covering matters related to property purchase or sale, title transfer, and various contingencies. 2. Business Escrow Agreement: Designed for businesses engaging in financial transactions, mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships in Montana, focusing on the release of funds upon the fulfillment of specific conditions. 3. Contract Escrow Agreement: A broader agreement encompassing non-real estate-related transactions, such as the release of funds upon satisfactory completion of a construction project or the delivery of goods or services. 4. Legal Services Escrow Agreement: Catering to the escrow needs of law firms in Montana, addressing retainer fees, legal settlements, or security deposits for legal services rendered. 5. Online Transaction Escrow Agreement: Pertaining to digital transactions such as e-commerce or software development, covering matters like release of funds, intellectual property protection, and dispute resolution in the online realm as applied in Montana.