We strive to be highly knowledgeable, experienced and capable in our practice. We desire to develop strong relationships with clients. We take a genuine interest in their lives, goals and opportunities, as well as their fears, issues and concerns.
We work with our clients and their families in a helpful, productive manner to establish a plan the is well thought out and meets their unique needs and desires.
We offer comprehensive estate planning services that empower our clients and give them true Peace of Mind.
When a loved one passes away, we’re here to help our clients with considerate and comprehensive estate administration.
Our elders have unique concerns that require the specialized practice of Elder Law. We help our clients find dignified and comprehensive solutions.
We assist business owners in all areas from start-up and purchase to sale and succession planning.
“Keith reviewed what we previously had in place and did an excellent job of explaining available options to help us meet our estate planning needs and goals. After our initial plans were in place, we have used their “Peace of Mind Protector Program” to keep our estate planning current as our situation has changed over time and as laws and regulations have changed. Keith and his staff have all been super to work with, both personally and professionally. We highly recommend Montana Estate Lawyers if you are in need of estate planning services.”
“Jon McCarty and the good people at Scott, Tokerud & McCarty, P.C. truly exemplify Montana values. They believe in hard work (and they do work hard), doing the right thing, helping a neighbor out, and celebrating the blessings and good things that happen in life. They have been there for me and my family in our time of need, and I cannot imagine how we could have managed without them there to guide and support us. I feel certain that they will offer you the same wisdom, comfort, and support as well.”
“Jon McCarty was recommended to us by a lawyer friend when we were searching for a firm to help us with estate planning. In the ten years Jon has worked with us, we have found him to be highly professional, extremely knowledgeable and compassionate. You can trust Jon to help you plan this very important aspect of your life.”
“Jon McCarty was very helpful in resolving issues with the interpretation of a Last Will and Testament. He was thorough, professional, and communicated extremely well and in a timely manner. Jon’s advice was honest and reassuring. Additionally, the office staff was concerned, kind, and supportive. Jon and the staff were competent and knowledgeable – a most impressive team.”
What is an Irrevocable Trust For? The large majority of estate planning clients create Revocable Trusts. A Revocable Trust is a great estate planning tool used to avoid probate and plan for your disability and death. A Revocable Trust is amendable and, yes, revocable for the rest of your life. Usually, you will serve as…
Happy Holidays! The entire team at Montana Estate Lawyers wants to wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season. This time of year is a great time for reflection, family, giving, and joy. We are close to wrapping up our work with our Charity Partner of the Year, the Great Falls Rescue Mission.…
The Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgages Reverse mortgages have become a popular retirement strategy in recent years. A reverse mortgage allows homeowners with substantial equity in their home to access lines of credit using their property as collateral. Property owners aged 62 years or older can apply for reverse mortgages and get a line…
Power of Attorney: To Spring or Not to Spring? Powers of Attorney are essential estate planning tools that come with all of our estate planning packages. Whether you have a simple will or a multi-million dollar trust, your planning should include powers of attorney. These documents allow you to authorize another individual – a spouse,…
Study: Most Americans Do Not Understand the Time and Expense of Probate A recent report conducted by Trust & Will found that the average American has no concept of how time-consuming and expensive probate can be. The survey found that more than half of Americans have no idea what probate costs, about half think that…
Under Construction D.A. Davidson will be remodeling our 5th floor office space, starting next Monday, September 9th. We’re excited to get a face-lift, but the work will require that we temporarily move down the hall on the 5th floor still to the right of the elevator, but one door down. We’re told we should be…
Pros and Cons of Transfer on Death Deeds Many of our estate planning clients’ top priority is to keep their estate out of probate. Everyone has been through, or heard about, horror stories involving probates, lawyers, and family fights. When our clients put their property into a trust, all of that property passes to their…
What if I Want to Leave Property to a Minor? Many of our clients want to leave property to kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews who are not yet 18 years old. The concern is that minors can’t own property – you can’t put a child on a deed to a house. This is no problem!…
Charity Partner of the Year: Great Falls Rescue Mission Each year, Montana Estate Lawyers selects a local charity to partner with. We have had great partnerships in the past and have done rewarding volunteer work, including with Special Olympics Montana and Meals on Wheels. This year, our firm has partnered with the Great Falls Rescue…
Handshake Agreements Cause Problems Practicing law in Montana, I see handshake agreements all the time. An attorney in New York City would be used to detailed and complex written contracts, but we do things differently out here. For everything from employment to equipment rentals to grazing land leasing, handshake agreements are common. Montanans are good…
Each year our firm selects a Charity Partner of the Year, and we dedicate the year to furthering the mission of that charity through sharing their message, volunteering with them, and making monetary donations. This year we have selected Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Montana.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Montana is dedicated to helping youth achieve their full potential through one-to-one mentoring relationships. By carefully matching children (Littles) with volunteer mentors (Bigs), the organization provides young people with stable, committed role models who support their emotional, academic, and social development. These mentorships contribute to stronger communities, better school performance, and brighter futures. The program recognizes that every child has potential—the role of a Big is not to create it, but to defend and nurture it.
The impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Montana is profound, addressing critical issues such as depression, school dropout rates, and substance abuse by providing youth with positive adult role models. The success of these efforts is evident—after a year in the program, 95% of Littles report increased self-confidence, 86% show improved peer relationships, and 85% demonstrate better classroom behavior. Through community support and donations, the organization is able to provide this life-changing service at no cost to families, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.
Keith Tokerud focuses his practice on helping clients protect their families and their wealth and helping his business-owner clients plan for the most important financial event of their lives: the transition out of their business.
Jon has been serving clients and their families for 30 years. Since joining the firm in 1992, Jon’s practice has focused on estate planning, estate and trust administration and special needs planning.
Trevor serves the firm as an Associate Attorney. His practice is focused on estate planning, probate, and guardianships.
Charlene serves the firm by acting as Keith Tokerud’s Executive Assistant and as the Operations Manager.
Samantha serves the firm by acting as Jon S. McCarty’s Executive Assistant, Marketing Coordinator, and Peace of Mind Protector Program Coordinator.
Chris serves the firm by acting as the Client Relations Specialist, a member of the Funding Team, and providing general legal assistant services.
Jeanne serves the firm by assisting with the Estate and Trust Administration processes and providing general legal assistant services.
Chafaye Urick serves the firm by acting as Trevor P. Funseth’s Executive Assistant and by assisting with the Estate and Trust Administration Process.
Henry serves the firm by acting as the Financial Coordinator.
Monday to Thursday
8:30 am – 12:00 pm
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Friday
Closed
Closed for lunch hour
from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Montana Estate Lawyers, P.C.
8 3rd St. North, Suite 507
Great Falls, MT 59401
Phone: 406-727-2200
Fax: 406-727-2227
Email: Contact us using the form below.
