Practice Areas

Estate Planning & Probate

Regardless of the circumstances or the value of your personal assets, an estate plan is necessary to protect your loved ones upon your death or incapacity. Whether you require a simple will or a more complex estate planning approach, proper consideration and strategic planning will provide peace of mind that your estate assets are protected.

At Markette & Chouinard, P.C., we understand that each estate plan is unique based upon estate assets, liabilities, and family dynamics. We take a personal and comprehensive approach to ensure that your estate will be distributed to your beneficiaries in an efficient manner and in accordance with your wishes.

Each of our attorneys has a strong background in estate planning and probate matters, and we can tailor estate planning to individual needs. Our firm has substantial experience in providing a variety of estate planning tools including, but not limited to: wills and trusts, premarital agreements, business succession plans, durable powers of attorney, healthcare powers of attorney, guardianships, and conservatorships.

We strive to provide reasonable representation and many estate planning services are offered on a flat-fee basis. Any estate planning that requires custom document drafting, individualized attention, or has unique circumstances will be charged on an hourly basis that is at or below local prevailing rates.

Probate in Montana

In Montana, many estates must be administered through an informal or formal probate process, depending upon the circumstances of the estate and the terms of any estate planning documents. In both cases, administration and settling of the estate occurs under the jurisdiction of a district court.

It is advisable to retain an attorney experienced in probate administration to ensure that the estate is distributed properly and in an efficient manner.

At Markette & Chouinard, P.C., we have extensive experience assisting clients with probate administration across the State of Montana, as well as those matters involving out-of-state property. Our goal is to make the probate process as convenient and simple as possible for our clients.

Our firm also employs fulltime support staff that specializes in estate planning and probate matters to help alleviate client cost and provide more individualized and personal attention to the family.

Contact Markette & Chouinard P.C. if you need help after a loved one has passed and you need help in determining if a probate is necessary.