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.”
Do I Have to Pay Capital Gains Tax If I Sell My Home in Montana? Since property values in Montana have skyrocketed in recent years, many clients are concerned that they will owe substantial capital gains tax if they sell their residence to move or downsize. For many Montana homeowners, the answer is no, you…
I’ve Got My Estate Planning Documents, Now What Do I Do With Them? Graduation day. Your wedding. The birth of your child. The day you sign your estate planning documents. We all know that these are the biggest days of your life. Once you get home and you come down from the thrill you experienced…
When and How Can a Trust be Modified? Plans, assets, laws, and family dynamics all change over the years. Whether it has been one year or thirty years since you established your trust, you may have changed your mind on some of your decisions. Maybe your son ticked you off, and you want to give…
As 2025 comes to an end, it is always a time for reflection and gratitude. This year, we are grateful for our Charity Partner of the Year, Big Brothers Big Sisters. Their mission to serve our community through mentorship. We are grateful to our attorneys, Keith, Jon, and Trevor, for always leading by example and…
New Montana Property Tax Rates for Homesteads and Rentals The 2025 Montana Legislature passed a new property tax system, which will take full effect in 2026. In general, most primary residences and long-term rentals will have lower tax bills, while short-term rentals, second homes, and commercial properties will have higher tax bills. High-value primary residences…
Long-Term Care Benefits for Veterans Due to the exploding costs of long-term care facilities (some facilities in Great Falls have rooms that cost $12,000+ per month), a key component of modern estate planning is addressing long-term care costs. Montana Estate Lawyers attorneys often talk with clients about Medicare and Medicaid for long-term care. These programs…
Changes in Tax Minimization Strategies President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) into law on July 4, 2025. Most importantly to our practice, the OBBB permanently raised the estate tax exemption to $15 million (with annual inflation adjustments) per person. This means a married couple has a total exemption of $30 million available…
About our Charity Partner of the Year Vision All youth achieve their full potential. Mission We create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Youth in our program (Littles), ages 6 and older, are matched with a volunteer mentor (Bigs). Our qualified and specially trained staff create and support…
Key Provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) into law on July 4, 2025. It is a massive piece of legislation touching on many areas of law. This article will focus on tax provisions that may impact our clients. Estate Tax All eyes in the estate…
When Should I Start Taking Social Security? How Social Security Benefits Are Calculated Social Security benefits are based on your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), which is calculated from your career earnings. Here’s how it works: 1. Indexing Earnings: Your past earnings are adjusted to reflect changes in average wages over time due to inflation.…
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 the School Nutrition Program at GFPS.
The School Nutrition Program at GFPS is committed to making sure every student arrives in the classroom ready to learn—supported by access to nutritious, appealing, and affordable meals each day. Through the federally assisted National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, our teams serve more than 7,000 meals daily to students across our district. Today, nearly half of our students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, and many other families are working hard just above that threshold—often struggling to keep meal accounts current. Because we never want a child to go without food, unpaid balances can accumulate despite our best efforts.
Your support can make a meaningful difference. A donation to student meal accounts helps ease the burden on local families, ensures no child is distracted by hunger, and allows students to focus on learning, growing, and thriving in the classroom.
If you are interested in donating please send a check to Great Falls Public Schools – Food Service and sent to PO Box 7293, Great falls, MT 59403
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, Director of Marketing, and Peace of Mind Protector Program Coordinator.
Chris serves the firm by acting as the Client Relations Specialist, Funding Coordinator, and providing general legal assistant services.
Jeanne is on a personal sabbatical at this time.
Henry serves the firm by acting as the Financial Coordinator.
Laura is currently training with our Estate Administration and Legal Assistant team memebers.
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.
