Montana divorce at a glance
Official source: Montana court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.
How to file for divorce in Montana: step by step
Montana’s joint dissolution lets agreed couples avoid service. Here is the path to a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.
- Confirm you can file in Montana
One spouse must have been domiciled in Montana for 90 days. Montana is no-fault (irretrievable breakdown); a joint petition avoids service.Source: Mont. Code § 40-4-104 - Generate the official packet
Use Montana’s official statewide joint (or single) dissolution packet — with or without children.Source: Montana Judicial Branch dissolution packets - File with the District Court
File with the District Court and pay about $250, or file a Statement of Inability to Pay Court Costs and Fees.Source: Statement of Inability to Pay - Both sign (no service) or serve
In a joint petition both spouses sign, so no service is needed; a one-sided petition must be served.Source: Mont. Code § 40-4-105 - Complete the support worksheet (if children)
If you have children, complete the Montana CSSD child-support worksheets.Source: ARM 37.62 - Get your decree
The court enters the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.Source: Decree of Dissolution
What does filing “pro se” (without a lawyer) mean in Montana?
Pro se — also called self-represented — means you handle your own divorce without hiring an attorney. Check the linked court resources for the self-represented filing paths and forms available where you will file. Local requirements and the issues in your case determine which documents you need.
Filing pro se is usually a good fit when: you both agree on the divorce, you can agree on splitting property and debts, and any parenting time and support are worked out. It’s worth talking to a lawyer when: you disagree about custody or money, one spouse hides assets or won’t cooperate, there’s a business or significant property to divide, or there has been any abuse.
LawCat helps you organize your case information and find official court resources. Available generated drafts depend on your state and case path; review the court’s complete checklist before filing.
Child support resources for Montana
Montana child support calculator → An itemized estimate from Montana’s official guideline, figures effective 2026-02-01. The court’s worksheet controls.
Use the current official worksheet and instructions for your case. Income definitions, parenting arrangements, deductions, other obligations and additional expenses can affect the result. A simple percentage of the higher earner’s income does not establish an obligation.
Official court forms and guidance →
How long does a Montana divorce take?
No fixed post-filing wait for a joint petition; timing depends on the court. After that, the timeline depends on the court’s calendar and how quickly each step is completed. An uncontested, pro-se divorce is typically the fastest path — most of the wait is the statutory period, not paperwork.
Common reasons Montana divorce filings get rejected
- Missing signatures, or forms that aren’t notarized where the court requires it.
- Skipping the financial disclosure both spouses are required to exchange.
- Filing before meeting the residency requirement.
- Mistakes serving the other spouse, or forgetting to file the proof of service.
- Not following local county rules. Low. Statewide Judicial Branch packets are available for joint and single dissolutions, with and without children.
LawCat’s guided questions and filing checklist are built to prevent exactly these — the errors that send self-represented filers back to the clerk’s window.
Organize your Montana case
Document tools are in preview and are not released to ordinary users. Accounts, case intake and official court resources are available. No complete generated filing packet is promised.
Official Montana forms → See how it worksWhy LawCat is free
Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat’s document preparation is free, with no subscription and no card on file.
Compare divorce filing fees in every state →
Montana divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Montana?
No lawyer is required: Montana courts accept divorce filings from self-represented (pro se) people, and the official court resources linked on this page explain the forms and steps. Many people talk to a lawyer when custody, support or property is disputed. LawCat links the official Montana forms and lets you organize your case free of charge; it does not give legal advice.
How long do I have to live in Montana to file for divorce?
One spouse must have been domiciled in Montana for 90 days. Confirm the current rule with the official Montana court source before filing.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Montana?
The court filing fee is about $250 for a dissolution. File a Statement of Inability to Pay Court Costs and Fees. LawCat’s available drafts have no document-preparation charge; court costs, service and other expenses are separate.