Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-224
Informal appointment -- power of clerk to deny -- effect of denial
72-3-224 . Informal appointment -- power of clerk to deny -- effect of denial. (1) If the clerk is not satisfied that a requested informal appointment of a personal representative should be made because of failure to meet the requirements of 72-3-222 , 72-3-223 , and 72-3-225 or for any other reason, the clerk may decline the application.
(2) A declination of informal appointment is not an adjudication and does not preclude appointment in formal proceedings.