How to Make an Online Will In Montana

What You Need to Know about Creating a Will Online in Montana

Planning for the future doesn’t have to be complicated. In Montana, creating a will online is a simple, secure way to ensure your loved ones and assets are protected—no courthouse visits or confusing legal jargon required. Whether you’re naming a guardian for your children, deciding how your property should be passed down, or outlining your healthcare preferences, Montana wills online can help you make those decisions with clarity and confidence.

At Trust & Will, we make it easy to create a legally valid, state-specific will from the comfort of your home. Our guided platform walks you through each step, empowering you to protect what matters most while meeting Montana’s legal requirements for wills.

How Much Does a Will Cost in Montana?

The cost of a will in Montana depends on how you choose to create it.

• Online will services like Trust & Will start at around $159 for an individual plan. This option is affordable, convenient, and includes state-specific documents that meet Montana’s legal requirements.

• Hiring an attorney to draft a will in Montana can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your estate and the attorney’s rates.

For most people, an online will is a reliable, cost-effective way to make their wishes legally binding, without the higher expense of traditional legal services.

Can I Write My Own Online Will in Montana?

Yes, you can write your own online will in Montana. Montana law allows residents to create a legally valid will online as long as it’s in writing, signed, and witnessed by two people (or notarized). Using a trusted online service like Trust & Will ensures your documents meet all state-specific requirements and include clear instructions for making them legally binding.

Creating your will online is a simple, secure way to make sure your wishes are documented and your loved ones are protected.

How To File a Will in Montana​

In Montana, you don’t need to file your will while you’re alive. Instead, you should store it safely and make sure your executor or loved ones know where to find it.

After you pass away, your executor is responsible for filing the original, signed will with the Clerk of the District Court in the county where you lived. This filing officially starts the probate process, which allows the court to validate your will and oversee the distribution of your estate.

To keep things simple, many people choose to store their will securely through a digital platform like Trust & Will, which provides safe document storage and clear guidance for what happens next.

How Do I Amend My Will in Montana?

To amend your will in Montana, you have two options:

1. Create a codicil: This is a legal document that makes specific changes to your existing will. It must be signed and witnessed just like your original will to be valid.

2. Write a new will: If you want to make several updates or major changes, it’s often easier to create a new will that clearly states it replaces all previous versions.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Write a Will in Montana?

No, you don’t need a lawyer to write a will in Montana. As long as your will meets the state’s legal requirements (it’s in writing, signed, and witnessed by two people or notarized) it’s considered valid. Many Montanans choose to create their wills online through trusted platforms like Trust & Will, which guide you through each step and ensure your documents comply with state law.

A lawyer may be helpful if your estate is complex, but for most people, an online will is a simple, affordable, and legally valid option.

Do All Wills Go Through Probate in Montana?

Most wills in Montana do go through probate, but the process isn’t always lengthy or complicated. Probate is the court-supervised way to validate a will and distribute assets. However, if the estate is small (under a certain dollar amount) or assets are jointly owned or have named beneficiaries, they may transfer outside of probate.

Does a Will Have to be Notarized in Montana?

No, a will does not have to be notarized in Montana to be legally valid. A will is valid as long as it’s in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two people. However, notarizing your will can make it “self-proving,” which means the court can accept it without contacting your witnesses during probate.

What Happens if Someone Dies Without a Will in Montana?

If someone dies without a will in Montana, their estate is distributed according to state intestacy laws. This means the court decides who inherits their property—typically starting with a spouse and children, then other relatives if no immediate family exists. Because the state’s default plan may not reflect personal wishes, creating a will ensures you—not the court—decide what happens to your assets and loved ones.

What’s the Difference Between a Will and a Trust in Montana?

The main difference between a will and a trust in Montana is when and how they take effect.

A will outlines your wishes after you pass away, such as who inherits your property and who will care for your children, and must go through probate. A trust, on the other hand, takes effect while you’re still alive and allows your assets to be transferred without probate, saving time and maintaining privacy. Many Montanans use both: a will for personal wishes and guardianship, and a trust to simplify asset transfers.

Are Wills Public Record in Montana​?

Yes, wills become public record in Montana—but only after the person passes away and the will is filed with the court during probate.

Once filed, anyone can request to view or obtain a copy of the will from the Clerk of the District Court. If you want to keep your estate details private, creating a trust can help, since trusts generally do not go through probate and remain confidential.

What is a Living Will in Montana?

A living will in Montana is a legal document that outlines your medical and end-of-life care preferences if you can’t communicate them yourself. It can include decisions about life support, pain management, and other treatments. Many Montanans create a living will as part of a complete estate plan to ensure their healthcare wishes are clearly documented and respected.

Is a living will the same as a last will and testament in Montana?

No, a living will is not the same as a Last Will and Testament in Montana.

A living will outlines your medical and end-of-life care preferences while you’re still alive but unable to communicate. A Last Will and Testament explains how your assets should be distributed and who will care for your dependents after you pass away. Both are important parts of a complete estate plan, but they serve very different purposes.

How Do You Make a Will in Montana Online?

Creating an online will in Montana is a thoughtful way to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. But it’s important to remember that each state has its own legal requirements. In Montana, your will must be in writing, signed, and properly witnessed (or notarized) to be legally valid. Following these state-specific rules ensures your plan holds up in court and gives your family clear guidance when it matters most.

With Trust & Will, you can create a customized, Montana-specific will online, quickly, securely, and with confidence. Our guided platform walks you through each step, provides clear signing instructions, and stores your documents safely for future updates. Start your will today with Trust & Will, and take the most important step toward protecting everything, and everyone, you love.