Montana Dissolution Filing Fees and Costs (2026)
Court Filing Fee
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Petition for Dissolution of Marriage | $200 |
| Certified copies of Final Decree | $2–$5 per page |
Service Costs
| Method | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Acceptance of Service (spouse signs) | Free |
| Sheriff's service | $25–$60 |
| Process server | $50–$125 |
| Joint filing (both petitioners) | No service needed |
Fee Waiver — Financial Hardship
Montana waives filing fees for qualifying low-income filers.
How to apply:
- Complete the Affidavit of Inability to Pay (Montana courts form)
- File with the Petition
- Court approves; fee waived
Forms: courts.mt.gov/Self_Help/Family_Law
Montana Legal Services Association: montanalegal.org — free legal help for qualifying individuals.
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Separation Agreement drafting (attorney) | $500–$2,500 |
| QDRO for retirement plan | $500–$2,000 per plan |
| Real estate appraisal | $400–$700 |
| County Clerk and Recorder deed recording | ~$8–$15 per page |
| Business valuation | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Mediator | $150–$400/hour |
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total (self-represented) |
|---|---|
| Agreed, no children, no real estate | $205–$500 |
| Agreed, with children | $300–$700 |
| With real estate and retirement accounts | $600–$3,000 |
| Contested dissolution | $5,000–$50,000+ |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | $200 filing fee | Joint petition = no service cost | Fee waiver available | Montana County Clerk and Recorder for deed recording | montanalegal.org | courts.mt.gov/Self_Help/Family_Law
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.