Montana § 72-2-331 - Entitlement Of Spouse -- Premarital Will
Full text of Montana Montana Code Annotated § 72-2-331 — Entitlement Of Spouse -- Premarital Will, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 72-2-331. Entitlement Of Spouse -- Premarital Will
Entitlement of spouse -- premarital will. (1) If a testator's surviving spouse married the testator after the execution of the will, the surviving spouse is entitled to receive, as an intestate share, no less than the value of the share of the estate the spouse would have received if the testator had died intestate as to that portion of the testator's estate, if any, that is neither devised to a child of the testator who was born before the testator married the surviving spouse and who is not a child of the surviving spouse nor devised to the descendant of such a child or passes under 72-2-613 or 72-2-614 to such a child or to a descendant of such a child, unless: (a) it appears from the will or other evidence that the will was made in contemplation of the testator's marriage to the surviving spouse; (b) the will expresses the intention that it is to be effective notwithstanding any subsequent marriage; or (c) the testator provided for the spouse by transfer outside the will and the intent that the transfer be in lieu of a testamentary provision is shown by the testator's statements or is reasonably inferred from the amount of the transfer or other evidence. (2) In satisfying the share provided by this section, devises made by the will to the testator's surviving spouse, if any, are applied first and other devises, other than a devise to a child of the testator who was born before the testator married the surviving spouse and who is not a child of the surviving spouse or a devise or substitute gift under 72-2-613 or 72-2-614 to a descendant of such a child, abate as provided in 72-3-901 .
Source: official Montana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana § 72-2-331
What does Montana Code Annotated § 72-2-331 cover?
Section 72-2-331 ("Entitlement Of Spouse -- Premarital Will") is part of the Montana Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Montana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Montana § 72-2-331?
A common citation format is "Montana Code Annotated § 72-2-331" (Montana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Montana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Montana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Montana attorney.
How does Montana § 72-2-331 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Montana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Montana.