Montana § 72-3-1101 - Collection Of Personal Property By Affidavit

§ 72-3-1101. Collection Of Personal Property By Affidavit

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 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).