Collecting Your Judgment in Yellowstone County
You won in Montana — now let's get you paid. Here's how judgment collection works in Yellowstone County, and where to file locally.
Where to file in Yellowstone County
Local court
Yellowstone County Justice Court
217 North 27th Street, Billings, MT 59101
(406) 256-2998
Who enforces the order
The Yellowstone County sheriff/marshal carries out levies and wage withholding once the court issues your order. Real-estate liens are recorded with the county recorder where the property sits.
Your collection options
These follow Montana law. See the full Montana guide for forms, fees, and deadlines.
Debtor's asset exam
Debtor's Examination / Debtor's Hearing (proceedings supplementary to execution)
Wage garnishment
Form Writ of Execution (statewide self-help form, courts.mt.gov/forms/judgement)Up to Lesser of 25% of disposable earnings OR the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 30x the federal minimum hourly wage (support orders allow 50–65%)
Bank levy
Form Writ of Execution (statewide self-help form)Writ of Execution (levy on bank account)
Property lien
From the time the judgment is docketed it becomes a lien on all the debtor's real property in that county (MCA 25-9-301). To lien property in another county, file a transcript/abstract of the judgment with that county's clerk (MCA 25-9-302).
Doing it yourself in Yellowstone County
Montana's enforcement forms are built for self-represented creditors, and the court and sheriff fees are modest and usually recoverable from the debtor. If you'd rather hand it off entirely, judgment-recovery firms and collections attorneys typically charge 33–50% of what they recover.
Yellowstone County Judgment Collection FAQ
Most enforcement paperwork is filed with the court that entered your judgment. In Yellowstone County, that is typically Yellowstone County Justice Court, 217 North 27th Street, Billings, MT 59101 ((406) 256-2998). A lien on real estate is recorded with the county recorder/clerk where the property sits.
The Yellowstone County sheriff (or marshal/constable, depending on the county) carries out levies and wage withholding once the court issues the order. Contact their civil division for the current levy fee — it's a modest, recoverable cost, and the steps below cover when to pay it.
No — judgment collection isn't a service we offer. This guide covers the do-it-yourself path for Yellowstone County step by step. If you'd rather hand it off, judgment-recovery firms and collections attorneys typically charge 33–50% of what they recover.
Nearby counties in Montana
General information about collecting a money judgment in Yellowstone County, Montana — not legal advice. Court locations, fees, and procedures change; confirm current requirements with the local court before filing.
Have a different dispute that needs filing?
Collection isn't a service we offer — but if someone else owes you money, we prepare and file small claims cases for a flat $299 and draft demand letters for $149. Tell us what happened.
100% refund if we don't file your case
Prefer to talk it through? Call or text (424) 358-4927.