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Free Divorce Papers
For Montana

Montana finishes a no-fault divorce in about six weeks: 90 days of residency to file, then a 21-day wait after service — one of the shortest combined clocks in the country.

Reviewed by our editorial team Based on official state court forms

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Templates reviewed for the 2026 filing year · Based on official state forms

Document Templates

Montana divorce template samples

Expand a template below to see exactly what's included before you fill it in.

Uncontested Divorce Sample See the full text of the agreement both spouses sign together.

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage — Uncontested

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF [1. County] Cause No. [2. Case Number] [3. Petitioner Full Name], Petitioner, vs. [4. Respondent Full Name], Respondent. Comes now the Petitioner, [3. Petitioner Full Name], and files this Petition for Dissolution of Marriage against the Respondent, [4. Respondent Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Petitioner has been domiciled in the State of Montana for at least 90 days immediately preceding the filing of this Petition, in accordance with MCA § 40-4-104. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation]. There are no minor children born of or adopted during this marriage.

Grounds for Dissolution

The marriage is irretrievably broken, and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation, in accordance with MCA § 40-4-101. The marriage should be dissolved.

Property and Debt Division

The parties have reached a full and complete agreement regarding the division of all marital property, assets, and debts. The terms of this division are as follows: [8. Property and Debt Division Terms]

Maintenance

The parties have agreed that maintenance shall be as follows: [9. Maintenance Terms]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests that this Court: (a) enter a Decree of Dissolution dissolving the marriage of the parties; (b) approve the parties' agreement regarding property, debts, and maintenance; (c) restore Petitioner's former name of [10. Former Name], if requested; and (d) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper. Dated: [11. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Petitioner Full Name], declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. Executed this [12. Execution Date] day of [13. Execution Month, Year], at [14. City and State of Execution].
Contested Divorce Sample See how disputed terms are laid out before you fill anything in.

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage — Contested

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF [1. County] Cause No. [2. Case Number] [3. Petitioner Full Name], Petitioner, vs. [4. Respondent Full Name], Respondent. Comes now the Petitioner, [3. Petitioner Full Name], and files this Petition for Dissolution of Marriage against the Respondent, [4. Respondent Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Petitioner has been domiciled in the State of Montana for at least 90 days immediately preceding the filing of this Petition, in accordance with MCA § 40-4-104. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation]. There are no minor children born of or adopted during this marriage.

Grounds for Dissolution

The marriage is irretrievably broken, and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation, in accordance with MCA § 40-4-101. The marriage should be dissolved.

Property and Debt Division

The parties are unable to agree on the division of their marital property, assets, and debts. Petitioner requests that this Court equitably divide the parties' marital property and debts. The relevant marital assets and liabilities include: [8. Property and Debt Description]

Maintenance

The parties are unable to agree on maintenance. Petitioner requests that the Court award maintenance in an amount and for a duration that is just and equitable, considering the factors set forth in MCA § 40-4-203. Relevant facts include: [9. Maintenance Facts]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests that this Court: (a) enter a Decree of Dissolution dissolving the marriage of the parties; (b) equitably divide the parties' marital property and debts; (c) award maintenance as the Court deems just and equitable; (d) restore Petitioner's former name of [10. Former Name], if requested; and (e) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper. Dated: [11. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Petitioner Full Name], declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. Executed this [12. Execution Date] day of [13. Execution Month, Year], at [14. City and State of Execution].
Uncontested Divorce with Children Sample See the agreement plus the parenting plan section in full.

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage — Uncontested with Children

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF [1. County] Cause No. [2. Case Number] [3. Petitioner Full Name], Petitioner, vs. [4. Respondent Full Name], Respondent. Comes now the Petitioner, [3. Petitioner Full Name], and files this Petition for Dissolution of Marriage against the Respondent, [4. Respondent Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Petitioner has been domiciled in the State of Montana for at least 90 days immediately preceding the filing of this Petition, in accordance with MCA § 40-4-104. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation]. There are [8. Number of Children] minor child(ren) born of or adopted during this marriage: [9. Children Names and Birthdates].

Grounds for Dissolution

The marriage is irretrievably broken, and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation, in accordance with MCA § 40-4-101. The marriage should be dissolved.

Custody and Parenting Plan

The parties have reached a full agreement regarding the allocation of parenting responsibilities and parenting time for the minor child(ren), in accordance with the best interests of the child(ren) under MCA § 40-4-212. The agreed parenting plan is as follows: [10. Parenting Plan Terms]

Child Support

The parties have reached an agreement on child support consistent with the Montana Child Support Guidelines (MCA § 40-4-204). The agreed monthly child support amount is [11. Child Support Amount], payable by [12. Paying Parent] to [13. Receiving Parent]. Additional terms: [14. Child Support Additional Terms]

Medical and Childcare Expenses

Unreimbursed medical, dental, vision, and childcare expenses for the minor child(ren) shall be shared as follows: [15. Medical and Childcare Terms]

Property and Debt Division

The parties have reached a full and complete agreement regarding the division of all marital property, assets, and debts. The terms of this division are as follows: [16. Property and Debt Division Terms]

Maintenance

The parties have agreed that maintenance shall be as follows: [17. Maintenance Terms]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests that this Court: (a) enter a Decree of Dissolution dissolving the marriage of the parties; (b) approve the parties' Parenting Plan regarding the minor child(ren); (c) order child support in accordance with the parties' agreement and the Montana Child Support Guidelines; (d) approve the parties' property and debt division; (e) restore Petitioner's former name of [18. Former Name], if requested; and (f) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper. Dated: [19. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Petitioner Full Name], declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. Executed this [20. Execution Date] day of [21. Execution Month, Year], at [22. City and State of Execution].
Contested Divorce with Children Sample See how custody and parenting terms appear in the full document.

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage — Contested with Children

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF [1. County] Cause No. [2. Case Number] [3. Petitioner Full Name], Petitioner, vs. [4. Respondent Full Name], Respondent. Comes now the Petitioner, [3. Petitioner Full Name], and files this Petition for Dissolution of Marriage against the Respondent, [4. Respondent Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Petitioner has been domiciled in the State of Montana for at least 90 days immediately preceding the filing of this Petition, in accordance with MCA § 40-4-104. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation]. There are [8. Number of Children] minor child(ren) born of or adopted during this marriage: [9. Children Names and Birthdates].

Grounds for Dissolution

The marriage is irretrievably broken, and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation, in accordance with MCA § 40-4-101. The marriage should be dissolved.

Custody and Parenting Plan

The parties are unable to agree on the allocation of parenting responsibilities and parenting time for the minor child(ren). Petitioner requests that the Court determine a parenting plan in accordance with the best interests of the child(ren) under MCA § 40-4-212. Relevant facts include: [10. Custody Dispute Facts]

Child Support

The parties are unable to agree on child support. Petitioner requests that the Court order child support in accordance with the Montana Child Support Guidelines (MCA § 40-4-204). Relevant facts include: [11. Child Support Facts]

Medical, Dental, and Childcare Expenses

Unreimbursed medical, dental, vision, and childcare expenses for the minor child(ren) shall be allocated as follows, or as the Court determines equitable: [12. Medical and Childcare Terms]

Property and Debt Division

The parties are unable to agree on the division of their marital property, assets, and debts. Petitioner requests that the Court equitably divide the parties' marital property and debts. The relevant marital assets and liabilities include: [13. Property and Debt Description]

Maintenance

The parties are unable to agree on maintenance. Petitioner requests that the Court award maintenance as the Court deems just and equitable under MCA § 40-4-203. Relevant facts include: [14. Maintenance Facts]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests that this Court: (a) enter a Decree of Dissolution dissolving the marriage of the parties; (b) determine the parenting plan in the best interests of the minor child(ren); (c) order child support in accordance with the Montana Child Support Guidelines; (d) equitably divide the parties' marital property and debts; (e) award maintenance as the Court deems just and equitable; (f) restore Petitioner's former name of [15. Former Name], if requested; and (g) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper. Dated: [16. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Petitioner Full Name], declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. Executed this [17. Execution Date] day of [18. Execution Month, Year], at [19. City and State of Execution].
At a Glance

Montana divorce at a glance

Residency requirement 90 days
Waiting period 21 days after service
Filing fee $170
Grounds accepted Irretrievably broken (no-fault)
Official forms No standard numbers (Dissolution with/without Children, Joint Dissolution)

Confirm with your county before filing — fees and rules can vary.

Overview

Montana divorce: the 21-day rule

Montana’s timeline is the reason couples here move fast. You need 90 days of domicile in the state — or military orders to a Montana base — before filing, and once your spouse is served the waiting period is only 21 days under MCA § 40-4-105. An uncontested case typically clears the court in about a month and a half, one of the quickest routes in the country.

The ground is a single one: the marriage is irretrievably broken, filed as a Petition for Dissolution in the District Court of your county. Where Montana gets particular is parenting — a written parenting plan covering both parenting time and decision-making is mandatory when children are involved, under MCA § 40-4-212, and the court reviews it before approving the decree.

Property is split equitably rather than by formula, and maintenance is decided case by case under MCA § 40-4-203 with no guarantee attached. Child support follows the Montana Child Support Guidelines of § 40-4-204. The dissolution packet comes from Montana Courts, and the filing fee is $170.

Official court source: Montana Courts