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Valley County, MT Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Valley County detail |
|---|---|
| Court | The Valley County District Court, Montana 17th Judicial District Court sitting in Valley County (Mont. Code Ann. § 3-5-101). |
| Courthouse address | 501 Court Square, Suite 6, Glasgow, MT 59230. |
| Mailing | 501 Court Square, Suite 6, Glasgow, MT 59230. No separate mailing address was published by Valley County. |
| Phone | (406) 228-6268 for the clerk of district court in Valley County. |
| Fax | (406) 228-6212. |
| [email protected]. Use email for questions only unless the clerk instructs you on a permitted filing method. | |
| Hours | Office hours were not published on the Valley County pages reviewed for August 2026. Call (406) 228-6268 before traveling. |
| Filing fee (Mont. Code Ann. § 25-1-201) | The 2025 probate commencement total is $100.00, made up of the $70 probate fee under Mont. Code Ann. § 25-1-201, the $20 additional district court filing fee under Mont. Code Ann. § 25-1-202, and the $10 court information technology user surcharge under Mont. Code Ann. § 3-1-317. Confirm the current amount with the clerk before filing. |
| Local forms | The clerk's office says it does not provide probate forms. Use the Montana Judicial Branch statewide probate forms at courts.mt.gov/Forms/endoflife and ask the clerk what copies or originals to bring. |
| E-filing status | For self-represented litigants, e-filing is not available under courts.mt.gov. An attorney may use electronic filing for a Valley County probate case because Valley County District Court and Probate (DP) are listed in the Judicial Branch court policy as of July 30, 2026. |
| Case search | Montana publishes the District Court Public Access Portal through courts.mt.gov for courts converted to FullCourt Enterprise. Valley County District Court was not on the courts.mt.gov conversion list as of August 2026, so confirm current online availability with the clerk. |
| Hearing schedule | The Seventeenth Judicial District local rules, Rule 18, set Glasgow law and motion at 9:00 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, continued to the next business day if a holiday. Probate proceedings are included. |
| Remote appearance | Remote appearance depends on the district judge and local rules. Montana permits testimony by contemporaneous transmission only for good cause in compelling circumstances (Mont. R. Civ. P. 43(a)). Ask the clerk what the 17th Judicial District requires. |
| Website | Valley County clerk of district court: https://www.valleycountymt.gov/1268/Clerk-of-Court. Montana Judicial Branch Court Locator: https://courts.mt.gov/CourtLocator/17thJudicialDistrict. |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you file in Glasgow, list the assets, debts, titles, beneficiary designations, and accounts that may need estate settlement. The right filing depends on what is in the decedent's name, where the decedent had domicile for venue under Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-112, and whether a personal representative needs Letters of Authority from the clerk of district court or the district judge.
Sunset's 2,300-institution asset discovery helps families find accounts and assets before they decide whether to file an application for informal probate, a petition for formal probate with notice, or use a collection process under Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-1101. Start with the asset picture, then bring the probate packet and the 2025 filing fee amount to the Valley County clerk.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Probate for Valley County is filed with the clerk of district court at the Valley County Courthouse, 501 Court Square, Suite 6, Glasgow, MT 59230. Valley County is one of three counties in Montana's 17th Judicial District, with Blaine and Phillips Counties (Mont. Code Ann. § 3-5-101). The district judge is chambered in Malta, Phillips County, but a Valley County estate is filed with the Valley County clerk in Glasgow.
Montana's District Court has exclusive jurisdiction of all probate matters, and the District Court has original jurisdiction over all civil and probate matters (Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-111, § 3-5-302). A will is proved and Letters are issued by the clerk of district court or the district judge. The Justice Court and City Court that sit in Glasgow are courts of limited jurisdiction and have no probate authority (Mont. Code Ann. § 3-10-301, § 3-11-102).
Venue for the first informal or formal testacy or appointment proceeding is the county where the decedent had domicile at death, or, if the decedent was not domiciled in Montana, any county where the decedent's property was located (Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-112).
The jurisdiction process
- Identify the assets, debts, heirs, devisees, and any will. If the matter is appropriate for informal probate, prepare an application for the clerk. If formal probate is needed, prepare a petition and notice for the district judge (Mont. Code Ann. § 72-1-103, § 72-3-301).
- Use the Montana Judicial Branch statewide probate forms at courts.mt.gov/Forms/endoflife. Valley County's clerk says the office does not provide probate forms, so bring completed documents, required copies, the original will if there is one, and identification for any notarized papers.
- File the opening papers with the clerk of district court at 501 Court Square, Suite 6, Glasgow. If you are representing yourself, file on paper because e-filing is not available to self-represented litigants under courts.mt.gov. An attorney may use electronic filing for a Valley County Probate (DP) matter under the Judicial Branch court policy.
- Pay the 2025 probate commencement total of $100.00, made up of the $70 probate fee under Mont. Code Ann. § 25-1-201, the $20 additional filing fee under Mont. Code Ann. § 25-1-202, and the $10 court information technology user surcharge under Mont. Code Ann. § 3-1-317.
- For informal probate, the clerk of district court makes the findings required by statute and may issue the statement of informal probate and appoint the personal representative after at least 120 hours have elapsed since death (Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-212, § 72-3-215, § 72-3-225). A denial of informal probate does not prevent formal proceedings.
- For formal probate, file the petition and give the required notice. Formal probate proceeds before the district judge, and Montana has a route for uncontested formal cases (Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-301, § 72-3-305, § 72-3-307).
- If a hearing or law and motion setting is needed, use the Seventeenth Judicial District local rules. In Glasgow, Rule 18 sets law and motion on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m., continued to the next business day if a holiday, and includes probate proceedings.
- Ask the clerk before assuming a video or telephone appearance. Remote appearance is controlled by the district judge and local rules, and Montana permits testimony by contemporaneous transmission only for good cause in compelling circumstances (Mont. R. Civ. P. 43(a)).
- Before receiving letters, the personal representative qualifies by filing any required bond and a statement of acceptance of the duties of the office (Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-512). The Montana Judicial Branch packet calls the authority document Letters of Authority, and the clerk or district judge signs it through courts.mt.gov forms.
- Administer the estate by collecting assets, handling claims, publishing notice to creditors once a week for 3 successive weeks, tracking the 4 months claim period from first publication, preparing the inventory within 9 months after appointment, and closing the estate when administration is complete (Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-801, § 72-3-607).
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Valley County
Valley County's clerk of district court says the office does not provide probate forms and directs families to the Montana Judicial Branch forms. The statewide probate forms are published under the "Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, estate planning, probate" section at courts.mt.gov/Forms/endoflife.
| Form or packet | Where it fits |
|---|---|
| How to Administer a Small Estate Packet | Statewide court packet that includes informal probate documents, the statement of informal probate, Letters of Authority, and acceptance documents. Use with the current collection rules under Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-1101 when the packet discusses a small estate. |
| Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of Decedent | Used 30 days after death by a claiming successor when the probate estate, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed the current $100,000 amount raised by Ch. 453, L. 2023 (Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-1101). It is presented to the person or institution holding personal property. |
| Affidavit of Death | Statewide probate form listed by the Montana Judicial Branch at courts.mt.gov/Forms/endoflife. |
| Fiduciary Statement | Statewide probate form listed by the Montana Judicial Branch at courts.mt.gov/Forms/endoflife. |
Timeline
- Valley County's local law and motion calendar is published in the Seventeenth Judicial District local rules. Rule 18(a)(1) sets Glasgow, Valley County, on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m., continued to the next business day if the setting falls on a holiday.
- Rule 18(b) includes probate proceedings among the routine matters heard at law and motion in the Seventeenth Judicial District local rules.
- Rule 18(c) requires notice to the clerk of court by noon on the preceding business day, and probate is called second on the calendar after adoption.
- For a specific estate, call the Valley County clerk of district court at (406) 228-6268 to confirm the date, the courtroom location, and whether the district judge has set different instructions.
Local nuance
Valley County-specific considerations
| Local point | What it means in Valley County |
|---|---|
| Judge chambered outside the county | Valley County is filed in Glasgow, but the 17th Judicial District judge is chambered in Malta, Phillips County (Mont. Code Ann. § 3-5-101). If an in-person appearance is required, ask the clerk where the judge has set the matter. |
| Published law and motion calendar | The Seventeenth Judicial District local rules set Glasgow law and motion at 9:00 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, with probate proceedings included and called second after adoption. |
| Case search caution | The District Court Public Access Portal is published through courts.mt.gov for FullCourt Enterprise courts, but Valley County District Court was not on the courts.mt.gov conversion list as of August 2026. Confirm the current case search path with the clerk. |
| Different e-filing answer | E-filing is not available to self-represented litigants under courts.mt.gov, but the Judicial Branch court policy lists Valley County District Court and Probate (DP) for attorney electronic filing as of July 30, 2026. |
| No county packet | Valley County says the clerk's office does not provide probate forms. Use courts.mt.gov/Forms/endoflife and ask the clerk what copies are required locally. |
Recent updates
Scenarios
| Scenario | Likely Valley County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with co-owned home | Start by identifying whether any assets remain in the decedent's name alone. If a court filing is needed, file with the clerk of district court in Glasgow, and use the published 17th Judicial District law and motion calendar if a hearing is set. | Sunset helps organize deeds, accounts, debts, and beneficiary information so the spouse can see whether estate settlement needs a court filing. |
| Out-of-state adult child with small estate | If the probate estate, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed the current $100,000 amount raised by Ch. 453, L. 2023, and 30 days have elapsed, the Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property may be presented to the holder of personal property under Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-1101. If Letters of Authority are needed, file in Glasgow. | Sunset helps find accounts, prepare the court packet when probate is needed, and connect the child to Valley County filing information before travel is planned. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | If authority is needed to deal with property in the child's name, expect a probate filing in the Valley County District Court. The clerk in Glasgow accepts the filing, and the judge chambered in Malta may handle any hearing. | Sunset helps gather asset details, generate probate documents, and connect the family with counsel when a sale or contested issue makes estate settlement more complex. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How to use it | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Valley County clerk of district court | The clerk can answer general questions about filing logistics and public case information, but court staff cannot give legal advice or complete forms for you. | 501 Court Square, Suite 6, Glasgow, MT 59230. Phone (406) 228-6268. Email [email protected]. |
| Montana Supreme Court Court Help Program | Statewide civil self-help program through courts.mt.gov. It can provide legal information and direct you to resources, but it cannot give legal advice or represent you in court. | (406) 841-2975. courts.mt.gov/SelfHelp/. |
| State Law Library self-help center | Use this courts.mt.gov Self-Help Law Center option because Valley County does not have a staffed local center listed by the Judicial Branch. | 215 N Sanders, Helena. (406) 444-9300. [email protected]. |
| Montana Legal Services Association | Statewide civil intake through mtlsa.org. Do not assume it will take an estate matter, especially during reduced staffing. | HelpLine 1-800-666-6899, Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Apply online at mtlsa.org/apply-for-services/. |
| MontanaLawHelp.org | Public self-help library from Montana Legal Services Association, including life and estate planning materials linked by the Montana Judicial Branch. | montanalawhelp.org. |
When to hire an attorney
A lawyer is especially useful if the will is contested, heirs disagree, real property must be sold, creditor claims are unclear, the personal representative lives outside Montana, or the clerk does not approve an informal application and formal probate with notice is needed. The Court Help Program and clerk can give information, not legal advice, and Valley County's probate page tells families it is best to contact an attorney for probate assistance. Sunset connects to a vetted attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches across more than 2,300 institutions to help families find bank, investment, retirement, insurance, and other accounts before choosing a Valley County estate settlement path.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset turns the asset and family information you provide into a probate packet for the Valley County District Court, using Montana terminology such as personal representative, application, statement of informal probate, and Letters of Authority.
Find a local probate attorney. When the estate involves a sale, a dispute, missing heirs, or formal probate with notice, Sunset helps connect families with a probate attorney familiar with Montana district court practice.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset to organize estate settlement tasks, understand what needs to be filed in Glasgow, and decide when attorney help is the right next step.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Valley County, Montana?
File with the clerk of district court at the Valley County Courthouse, 501 Court Square, Suite 6, Glasgow, MT 59230. Venue is based on the decedent's domicile at death, or, for a non-Montana domiciliary, a Montana county where the decedent's property was located (Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-112).
Can I e-file a Valley County probate case myself?
No. The Montana Judicial Branch states on courts.mt.gov that e-filing is not available to self-represented litigants. A self-represented personal representative files on paper with the Valley County clerk. An attorney may use electronic filing for Valley County Probate (DP) matters because the Judicial Branch court policy lists Valley County District Court and Probate (DP) as enabled as of July 30, 2026.
When are Valley County probate matters heard?
The Seventeenth Judicial District local rules set law and motion in Glasgow on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m., continued to the next business day if a holiday. Rule 18 includes probate proceedings and requires notice to the clerk by noon on the preceding business day, with probate called second after adoption.
Can I appear remotely for a Valley County probate hearing?
Ask the clerk before the hearing. Remote appearance depends on the district judge and local rules, and Montana does not give a statewide right to appear remotely. Testimony by contemporaneous transmission may be permitted for good cause in compelling circumstances (Mont. R. Civ. P. 43(a)).
Can I look up a Valley County probate case online?
Montana publishes a District Court Public Access Portal through courts.mt.gov for courts converted to FullCourt Enterprise. Valley County District Court was not on the courts.mt.gov FullCourt Enterprise conversion list as of August 2026, so call the clerk to confirm current case search availability for a Valley County file.
What probate forms does Valley County provide?
Valley County's clerk says the office does not provide probate forms. Use the Montana Judicial Branch statewide probate forms at courts.mt.gov/Forms/endoflife, including the informal probate packet and the Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property under Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-1101.
How much is the Valley County probate filing fee?
The 2025 probate commencement total is $100.00. It includes the $70 probate fee under Mont. Code Ann. § 25-1-201, the $20 additional filing fee under Mont. Code Ann. § 25-1-202, and the $10 court information technology user surcharge under Mont. Code Ann. § 3-1-317. Confirm the current amount with the clerk before filing.
Do I have to travel to Malta for Valley County probate?
You file in Glasgow with the Valley County clerk of district court. The 17th Judicial District judge is chambered in Malta, Phillips County, so if an in-person appearance is required, ask the clerk where the judge has set the matter.
What if the estate is small in Valley County?
For personal property, a claiming successor may use the Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property after 30 days when the probate estate, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed the current $100,000 amount raised by Ch. 453, L. 2023, and no application or petition for a personal representative is pending or granted (Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-1101). If Letters of Authority are needed, file in the Valley County District Court.
Shaped by the families we've helped
Thank you to the thousands of families who have trusted Sunset to help settle their loved ones' estates. This page is shaped by the questions they actually asked and the obstacles they actually hit — and that hard-won experience is what keeps it accurate, current, and genuinely useful to the families who come next.