72-3-1101. Collection of personal property by affidavit. (1) Thirty days after the death of a decedent, any person indebted to the decedent or having possession of tangible personal property or an instrument evidencing a debt, obligation, stock, or chose in action belonging to the decedent shall make payment of the indebtedness or deliver the tangible personal property or an instrument evidencing a debt, obligation, stock, or chose in action to a person claiming to be the successor of the decedent upon being presented an affidavit made by or on behalf of the successor stating that: (a) the value of the probate estate, wherever located, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed $100,000, except as provided in subsection (2); (b) 30 days have elapsed since the death of the decedent; (c) no application or petition for the appointment of a personal representative is pending or has been granted in any jurisdiction; and (d) the claiming successor is entitled to payment or delivery of the property. (2) The department of revenue may refund unclaimed property to a successor of the decedent, pursuant to the provisions of Title 70, chapter 9, part 8, if the value of the unclaimed property property. (2) The department of revenue may refund unclaimed property to a successor of the decedent, pursuant to the provisions of Title 70, chapter 9, part 8, if the value of the unclaimed property is $5,000 or less regardless of the value of the estate. (3) A transfer agent of any security shall change the registered ownership on the books of a corporation from the decedent to the successor or successors upon the presentation of an affidavit as provided in subsection (1). History: En. 91A-3-1201 by Sec. 1, Ch. 365, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 91A-3-1201; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 124, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 234, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 513, L. 2005; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 85, L. 2013; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 453, L. 2023.
Montana Legal Code
§ 72-3-1101
Source: https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0720/chapter_0030/part_0110/section_0010/0720-0030-0110-0010.html· Version 2025