My Loved One Just Passed Away. Now What?

Download Resources (PDF)

1. Cremation. (MSU Extension MontGuide)
   (PDF Version) (HTML Version-ADA Accessible) [Order Online]
   Explores personal and family concerns, state and federal regulations, and costs of cremation in Montana. 
   
   
2. Transferring Real Property Owned in a Joint Tenancy or in a Life Estate Without Probate 
   (MSU Extension MontGuide)
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   Describes the process when real property is owned as joint tenants or is subject to a life estate, the distribution method is determined by Montana Law.
   
   
3. Settling an Estate: What Do I Need to Know. (MSU Extension MontGuide)
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   Designed to help survivors start the process of settling an estate and ease the burden following the death of a loved one. It discusses tasks in the order they are commonly completed. 
   
   
4. Probate in Montana. (MSU Extension MontGuide)
   (PDF Version)  (HTML Version-ADA Accessible) [Order Online]
   Provides guidelines and costs for the process of settling the estate of a deceased person. 
   
   
5. Personal Representative Responsibilities. (MSU Extension MontGuide)
   (PDF Version)  (HTML Version-ADA Accessible) [Order Online]
   Explains Montana law covering personal representatives in settling estates (often called "executor" in other states). 
   
   
6. Forms:
   
   • Application for Title of a Vehicle by Non-Probate Transfer (PDF) Montana Vehicle Division
   • Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (PDF) Revised March 2020
   • Acknowledgement of Fiduciary Relationship and Obligations Personal Representative, Guardian, or Conservator (PDF)
   • How to Administer a Small Estate (Montana Judicial Branch) (PDF)
     
     

7.  Websites of interest while a veteran is alive and after death

   • https://choose.va.gov/burials-memorials
   • https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage