MT State Guide

Montana Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court (Justice/City Court)

$7,000

Maximum Claim

$20 - $60

Filing Fees

30-60 days

Timeline

In-person

Hearing Format

Court Information

Court Name

Small Claims Court (Justice/City Court)

Attorneys

Not allowed

Appeal Rights

Appeal to District Court within 10 days

Court Website

https://courts.mt.gov

Statute of Limitations

8 years

Written Contracts

5 years

Oral Contracts

5 years

Property Damage

Unique Rules in Montana

No attorneys in hearings

Simplified procedures

How to File in Montana

Determine if your case qualifies for small claims court

Send a demand letter to the other party

File your claim at the correct courthouse

Serve the defendant with the lawsuit

Prepare your evidence and presentation

Attend the hearing and present your case

Amendment Filing Fees in Montana

Amendment Fee Range

Amendment fees in Montana typically range from $15-$50, depending on the court and type of amendment.

Important Note

Contact your local court clerk for exact amendment fees, as they vary by jurisdiction.

When Amendments Are Allowed

Before the defendant is served

To correct clerical errors or add necessary details

With court permission after service

Cannot increase claim amount beyond court limits

Common Amendment Types

Correct Defendant Name

Fix misspellings or add proper legal names

Add Damages

Include additional damages discovered later

Clarify Facts

Provide clearer description of the dispute

State-Specific Resources

Additional guides and information for Montana small claims cases

Complete Small Claims Guide

Comprehensive guide to filing, preparing, and winning your small claims court case nationwide.

Demand Letter Templates

Free templates and examples for writing effective demand letters before filing your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the small claims limit in Montana?

The maximum you can sue for in Montana small claims court is $7,000.

How much does it cost to file in Montana?

Filing fees in Montana range from $20 - $60, depending on the claim amount.

Are attorneys allowed in Montana small claims court?

No, attorneys are generally not allowed to represent parties in Montana small claims court. You represent yourself.

How long does a case take in Montana?

From filing to hearing typically takes 30-60 days in Montana.

Can I appeal a small claims decision in Montana?

Appeal to District Court within 10 days

Counties We Serve in Montana

Find small claims court information for your county

All 56 Counties in Montana

Beaverhead County Big Horn County Blaine County Broadwater County Carbon County Carter County Cascade County Chouteau County Custer County Daniels County Dawson County Deer Lodge County Fallon County Fergus County Flathead County Gallatin County Garfield County Glacier County Golden Valley County Granite County Hill County Jefferson County Judith Basin County Lake County Lewis and Clark County Liberty County Lincoln County Madison County McCone County Meagher County Mineral County Missoula County Musselshell County Park County Petroleum County Phillips County Pondera County Powder River County Powell County Prairie County Ravalli County Richland County Roosevelt County Rosebud County Sanders County Sheridan County Silver Bow County Stillwater County Sweet Grass County Teton County Toole County Treasure County Valley County Wheatland County Wibaux County Yellowstone County

State-Specific Resources

Additional guides and information for Montana small claims cases

Complete Small Claims Guide

Comprehensive guide to filing, preparing, and winning your small claims court case nationwide.

Demand Letter Templates

Free templates and examples for writing effective demand letters before filing your case.

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