Montana’s Uniform Probate Code governs wills throughout the state. Like other states, Montana mandates specific formalities that must be adhered to during the making of a will. Formalities are important procedures that give wills legal effect; without them, a will maker — called a “testator” — could make a will that is contrary to his actual intent.
Capacity
According to Montana law, testators must have testamentary capacity; that is, they must be of sound mind. Testamentary capacity means the acuity to comprehend the amount and nature of the property involved and the significance of executing a will. A testator must also have the ability to recognize the relationship to the individuals receiving bequests of property. Because minors may not adequately grasp these concepts, Montana requires all testators to be at least 18 years old.
Important Requirements
In Montana, a will must be in writing. This means a testator can either type or hand-write a will. Handwritten wills are called “holographic” wills and Montana recognizes them, regardless of whether they’re witnessed. However, for a holographic will to be valid, its material portions must be in the testator’s own handwriting and signed by the testator. Montana requires two competent witnesses to a will. These witnesses must sign the will within a reasonable time after watching the testator acknowledge or sign the will.
Self-Proving Wills
In Montana, a testator can make a will self-proving. For a will to be self-proving, a notarized affidavit must be executed simultaneously with the will and contain the signatures of both witnesses and the testator. Generally, if a will is not self-proving, one of the witnesses must testify in probate court to verify its authenticity. Thus, making a self-proving will streamlines the process and prevents having to track down witnesses who may have moved to another state.
Revocation
Montana law allows testators to revoke their wills in a number of ways. A testator may revoke a will by physically destroying it; that is, tear it up, burn it or cancel it, provided the intent is to revoke it. A testator may also revoke a will by executing a subsequent will that expressly revokes the prior will. Furthermore, a subsequent will that doesn’t expressly revoke a prior will, but has provisions that are substantially inconsistent with a prior will, may have the effect of revoking it.
For legal solutions for you, your family and your business, contact Brian Tanko at (406) 257-3711.