72-5-104. Informal discharge of duty to pay or deliver property to minor. (1) A person under a duty to pay or deliver money or personal property to a minor may perform this duty, in amounts not exceeding $5,000 a year, by paying or delivering the money or property to:

Terms Used In Montana Code 72-5-104

  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Person: includes a corporation or other entity as well as a natural person. See Montana Code 1-1-201
  • Property: means real and personal property. See Montana Code 1-1-205

(a)the minor, if the minor has attained 18 years of age or is married;

(b)any person having the care and custody of the minor with whom the minor resides;

(c)a guardian of the minor; or

(d)a financial institution incident to a deposit in a federally insured savings account in the sole name of the minor and giving notice of the deposit to the minor.

(2)This section does not apply if the person making payment or delivery has actual knowledge that a conservator has been appointed or proceedings for appointment of a conservator of the estate of the minor are pending.

(3)The persons, other than the minor or any financial institution under subsection (1)(d), receiving money or property for a minor are obligated to apply the money to the support and education of the minor but may not pay themselves except by way of reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses for goods and services necessary for the minor’s support. Any excess sums must be preserved for future support of the minor, and any balance not so used and any property received for the minor must be turned over to the minor when the minor attains majority. Persons who pay or deliver in accordance with provisions of this section are not responsible for the proper application of the money or property.