72-3-321. Formal testacy proceedings -- contested cases. In a contested case in which the proper execution of a will is at issue, the following rules apply:
(1) If the will is self-proved pursuant to 72-2-524, the will satisfies the requirements for execution without the testimony of any attesting witness, upon filing the will and the acknowledgment and affidavits annexed or attached to it, unless there is evidence of fraud or forgery affecting the acknowledgment or affidavit.
(2) If the will is witnessed pursuant to 72-2-522(1), but not self-proved, the testimony of at least one of the attesting witnesses is required to establish proper execution if the witness is within this state, competent, and able to testify. Proper execution may be established by other evidence, including an affidavit of an attesting witness. An attestation clause that is signed by the attesting witnesses raises a rebuttable presumption that the events recited in the clause occurred.
History: En. Sec. 63, Ch. 313, L. 2019.
Structure Montana Code Annotated
Title 72. Estates, Trusts, and Fiduciary Relationships
Chapter 3. Upc -- Probate and Administration
Part 3. Formal Testacy and Appointment Proceedings
72-3-301. Petition for formal testacy or appointment -- contents -- last will
72-3-302. Formal testacy proceedings -- nature -- how and when commenced
72-3-303. Formal proceeding supersedes all informal applications
72-3-304. Effect of formal proceeding on power of informally appointed personal representative
72-3-305. Notice of hearing on petition for formal testacy proceeding
72-3-306. Notice and procedure when fact of death in doubt
72-3-307. Hearings and proof in uncontested cases
72-3-308. Written objections to probate
72-3-310. Burdens in contested cases
72-3-311. Priority of determinations in contested cases
72-3-312. Effect of final order in another state
72-3-313. Order for formal probate
72-3-314. Probate of more than one instrument -- order
72-3-315. Order of partial intestacy
72-3-316. Will from place where probate unprovided for
72-3-318. Modification or vacation for other cause
72-3-319. Formal appointment proceedings
72-3-320. Nondomiciliary decedent -- will filed and not probated in domiciliary state