Aging and Disability Legal Assistance

The Aging and Disability Legal Assistance Program provides free legal advice, estate planning assistance, and civil legal resources to Montana residents age 60 and older, as well as adults with disabilities. Services are offered through the Office on Aging at the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).

What the Program Offers

  • Legal advice clinics and telephone consultations
  • Help with legal documents such as wills, powers of attorney, and transfer deeds
  • Referrals to trusted legal and advocacy organizations
  • Training and education for older adults, caregivers, and professionals
  • Annual estate planning clinics held statewide

The program is supported by a statewide network of attorneys, notaries, law students, and community volunteers.

 

The Montana Aging Services Bureau hosts Legal Document Clinics throughout the year, serving older adults aged 60+, people with disabilities, as well as any enrolled tribal members.

At the clinics, trained legal professionals help participants draft, review, notarize, and copy estate planning documents at no cost. Services are limited to basic estate planning and do not cover complex estates, large assets, or trusts.

Clinic documents include:

  • Transfer On Death Deed
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Financial
  • Declaration of Living Will / Declaration of Homestead
  • Simple Will / Indian Wills

Free resources and educational materials are also available on site. 

Learn More About the Next Kelly Moorse Memorial Legal Documents Clinic

Space is limited, and appointments must be made in advance. To register or learn more, contact the Aging and Disability Legal Assistance Program at (406) 444-4077 or (800) 332-2272.

Estate planning is important for adults of all ages. It allows individuals to express their wishes for care and financial management, and it helps prevent financial exploitation.

Montana has several statutory forms including:
  • Declaration of Living Will
  • Declaration of Living Will by Appointment
  • Declaration of Homestead
  • Transfer on Death Deed
  • Financial Power of Attorney.

Additional forms have been developed and tested through the Aging and Disability Assistance Program, such as the Simple Will for single and married individuals. The model Health Care Power of Attorney was created by a coalition including the MSU Extension Office and the State Alzheimer’s Working Group.

Estate planning can be complex, and these simple forms may not be appropriate for all people or all situations. Consulting a licensed legal professional is the best way to ensure individual needs are being met.


Individuals under the age of 60 who need assistance with estate planning may contact the Montana Legal Services Association or State Bar of Montana for guidance and support.