Montana § 72-3-515 - Bond Amount -- Security -- Reduction

§ 72-3-515. Bond Amount -- Security -- Reduction

Bond amount -- security -- reduction. (1) If bond is required and the provisions of the will or order do not specify the amount, unless stated in the application or petition, the person qualifying shall file a statement under oath with the clerk indicating the person's best estimate of the value of the personal estate of the decedent and of the income expected from the personal and real estate during the next year, and the person shall execute and file a bond with the clerk or give other suitable security in an amount not less than the estimate. (2) The clerk shall determine that the bond is duly executed by a corporate surety or one or more individual sureties whose performance is secured by pledge of personal property, mortgage on real property, or other adequate security. (3) The clerk may permit the amount of the bond to be reduced by the value of assets of the estate deposited with a domestic financial institution in a manner that prevents their unauthorized disposition. On petition of the personal representative or another interested person, the court may excuse a requirement of bond, increase or reduce the amount of the bond, release sureties, or permit the substitution of another bond with the same or different sureties.