Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 40. FAMILY LAW

CHAPTER 4. TERMINATION OF MARRIAGE, CHILD CUSTODY, SUPPORT

Part 2. Support, Custody, Visitation, and Related Provisions

Determination Of Child's Care Upon Death Of Parent

40-4-221. Determination of child's care upon death of parent. (1) Upon the death of a parent, one or more parties named in subsection (2) may request a parenting plan hearing. The surviving parent must be a party in any proceeding brought under this section.

(2) Upon the death of a parent, any of the following parties may request a parenting plan hearing:

(a) the natural parent;

(b) the surviving spouse of the deceased parent;

(c) a person nominated by the will of the deceased parent;

(d) any person nominated by the child if the child is at least 12 years old;

(e) any other person if that person has actual physical control over the child;

(f) a person who has established with the child a child-parent relationship, as defined in 40-4-211;

(g) any other party whom, upon showing of good cause, the court permits to intervene as an interested party.

(3) The hearing and determination of a parenting plan is governed by this part.

History: En. Secs. 1, 2, 3, Ch. 127, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 25, Ch. 343, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 414, L. 1999.