Text that reads, "Resource Alert!" above a laptop computer with a webpage open to the Will-in-a-Box logo.

Indian Will-in-a-Box

If you’re a Native person in Montana, you can use a free, interactive program to create an Indian Will. After you fill out answers in an online interview, you’ll have an Indian Will that says who should get your personal property, real estate, Individual Indian Money (IIM) and Indian trust land after you pass. Check …

Text that reads, "Watch out for scammers after a disaster."

Disaster Scams

After a disaster, scammers can take advantage of disaster victims. Don’t sign contracts or give any money to someone who is: Selling door-to-door, including contractors, charity workers, or people saying they’re government workers Not from your community Offering you a very low price Trying to rush you into signing a contract Saying you must pay …

Blue sticky notes that read, "Are you a Montana student without secure housing? You have educational rights."

Educational rights for housing-insecure youth

If you’re a student without secure housing in Montana, the law requires all public schools to provide you: School choice based on the last school attended or neighborhood you are currently in Immediate enrollment even if you do not have your documents or someone to sign for you Free transportation to and from school Support …

A person surrounded by thought bubbles that say, "What is probate?"

Probate in Montana

Probate is the court process of dealing with whatever a person left behind. Probate can happen with or without a will. You can name someone in your will to be in charge of dealing with whatever you leave behind.  That person is called a personal representative.  The personal representative has to follow your will and …

Text below a keyboard that reads, "Negotiating a payment plan with a debt collector?"

Payment Plans, Debt Collectors, and Wage Garnishment

Negotiating a payment plan with a debt collector? Here is what you need to know: If you can’t agree on a payment plan, the debt collector could file a lawsuit. If they win, they could get a court judgment and garnish your wages.  The law sets limits on how much they can take from your …

Text that reads, "Legal information and legal advice are best when they come from people, not AI."

Legal Advice and AI

When it comes to legal advice and legal arguments, you should never rely only on artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This includes ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Google AI Overview, and AI chatbots on social media.  When you ask AI technology about a specific legal problem, it’s not the same as simply searching for information online. It rapidly scans …

Two notebooks with text that read, "When hiring, it is illegal for employers to discriminate because of a person's race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, or disability."

Illegal Questions at Job Interviews

Here are some examples of illegal questions you may be asked during a job interview that could be used to discriminate against you: What is your race? What is your age? Are you married? What is your religious background? Do you have any children? Do you have a back injury? Have you ever been on …

A reminder box that reads, "When it comes to stalking, some people might escalate their abusive behavior if they become aware that your devices, accounts, or passwords are secured. There is support available. Reach out to a victim advocacy or domestic violence organization to get resources and help with safety planning. Consider using another device, like a friend’s phone or library computer."

Stalking Is Not Romantic

This Valentine’s Day, a reminder that stalking – including through the use of technology – is not romantic. It’s illegal.  If you think someone is stalking you, trust your instincts. A local domestic violence program can help you come up with a safety plan. Many of them are listed on the Montana Coalition Against Domestic …

A notebook page that reads, "Domestic violence shelter partners."

Domestic Violence Shelter Partners

February is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! We’re proud to partner with these domestic violence shelters across Montana. Each one has a crisis hotline and offers safety, support, and resources to survivors in their communities.   Chippewa Cree Tribe Victim Services in Box Elder: Office & Crisis Line: (406) 395-4513  www.ccthumanservices.org/departments.php   Safe Space in Butte: …

Text that reads, "If you're feeling stressed about tax season, you've got options." Below is a stressed person at a desk.

Resources for Tax Season

Are tax documents arriving in the mail and weighing you down? There are a number of programs and resources that can help you file both your state and federal taxes! For federal taxes, you may be able to file for free using the Internal Revenue Service’s Free File. If you qualify based on your income, …