About Franz & Driscoll — General Practice Helena Montana

General Practice Helena clients retain Franz & Driscoll for civil, family, and estate matters across Lewis and Clark County and the broader Helena area. The firm handles cases in the First Judicial District Court, which has both Helena-based felony jurisdiction and a busy civil docket. Because Helena is Montana’s capital, regulatory and administrative-law issues frequently overlap with civil matters here in ways they do not elsewhere in the state.

The firm serves clients across Helena, East Helena, and Montana City. For broader options, the Helena attorney directory compares additional Lewis and Clark County firms. Initial consultations are typically scheduled within the same week for non-urgent intake.

What Clients Say

Reviewers describe Franz & Driscoll as steady and well-organized — clients note prompt callbacks, thorough written engagement letters, and clear discussion of Montana procedural rules. Several mention the firm’s familiarity with administrative-agency practice in Helena, which helps when matters touch state regulatory questions.

General Practice Helena — Practice Areas & Services

• Civil litigation and contract disputes in Lewis and Clark County District Court.
• Family law including dissolution, custody, and support modifications.
• Estate planning, wills, trusts, and Montana probate.
• Administrative-law matters before Montana state agencies headquartered in Helena.
• Real estate and small-business document review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the residency requirement for divorce in Montana?

Montana requires that one spouse has been a resident for at least 90 days before filing, plus a 20-day waiting period after service before a final decree can be entered (Mont. Code § 40-4-105). Uncontested Helena divorces typically resolve within 60 to 120 days. Contested cases take longer because of trial scheduling.

How is property divided in a Montana divorce?

Montana follows equitable-distribution principles rather than community property. Lewis and Clark County District Court considers each spouse’s contributions, future needs, and economic circumstances under Mont. Code § 40-4-202. Equitable does not always mean equal.

Where do Helena families file probate?

Probate is opened in Lewis and Clark County District Court. Montana’s Uniform Probate Code allows informal probate for uncontested matters, which is faster and less expensive than supervised administration. Smaller estates may qualify for the simplified affidavit procedure under Mont. Code § 72-3-1101.