Probate Lawyers & Will Contest Attorneys

Navigating the probate and estate administration process in Montana for the estate of a loved one can be complicated and stressful – especially if you’ve been asked to serve as a personal representative for the first time.  We understand.

As probate lawyers and estate administration attorneys, we know that you’ll likely have many questions about your duties, including:

• What exactly are your obligations?
• How must assets be distributed if there is no will?
• What legal filings need to be made?
• How should assets be managed prior to distribution?
• How should debts of the estate be handled?

We’ll be there at every step to explain the process, help you manage and distribute assets, help you ensure that you fulfill your legal duties, and assist if any disputes arise. We will also handle all legal filings that need to be made.  We invite you to call us to learn how we can help you in the administration of a loved one’s estate.

Probate & Estate Administration at BKBH

What is Montana Probate?

Probate generally refers to the legal process by which an estate is managed after a person’s death, which includes paying creditors, distributing assets in accordance with a will or intestacy law, and making the required legal filings to evidence the administration of the estate.

What is the Difference Between an Executor, Administrator, and a Personal Representative?

An Executor typically refers to a person named in a will to administer an estate, while an Administrator usually is named by the probate court if there is no will.  Typically, the term “Personal Representative” is used to refer to either an Executor or Administrator, as Executors and Administrators generally have the same legal duties.

Will Contests and Trust & Probate Disputes

In some instances, will contests and trust and probate disputes arise.  Typically, these disputes involve:

• Disputes over who is named as the Personal Representative to administer the estate
• Disputes over the administration of an estate, often allegations of “self-dealing” by the Personal Representative
• Allegations that a will is invalid, such as claims that the person was subject to undue influence in making the will
• Disputes concerning the interpretation of a will
• Disputes concerning who is entitled to inherit under a will
• Disputes over how a trust is administered

As will contests lawyers and probate dispute attorneys, we can help.

If we are representing the Personal Representative, we can assist in seeking to resolve these disputes.  In particular, when disputes arise over the distribution of estate assets (which often occurs when there is no will), we can assist in drafting an agreement between heirs, whereby all those who will be receiving assets agree upon a specific asset distribution.

If we are not representing the Personal Representative, we are additionally available to represent heirs and beneficiaries in all matters relating to will, trust, and probate contests.

What Our Clients Say

My father passed away suddenly and I was left in very unknown territory in regards to the legal probate process. I live out of state and found Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry & Hoven, P.C. online.  I visited with Michael L. Rausch  over the phone and he immediately put me at ease and answered all of my questions. He was very thorough and filling me in on every detail of the process and money matters.  Michael and his team were great at following up and responding quickly to calls and emails with questions. As a single mom dealing with the death of her father, and living out of state having many things to deal with, it was incredibly comforting to know and trust that everything that needed to be done legally was being taken care of. I didn’t have to worry about any legal matters, as they walked me through each step. At the end of the probate process not all of the retainer money was used in handling my case and I was even issued reimbursement. When hiring Michael Rausch with Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry & Hoven, P.C. you can rest in knowing someone has your back and they will take care of business. 

Sincerely, Juanita C.