Montana Dissolution Timeline — How Long Does It Take? (2026)
Montana's no waiting period makes it one of the faster states for an agreed dissolution once residency is established.
Overview: Total Timeline
| Scenario | Realistic Timeline |
|---|---|
| Agreed, no children | 2–4 months |
| Agreed, with children | 3–5 months |
| Respondent doesn't respond (default) | 3–5 months |
| Contested | 12–36 months |
| Contested custody | 18–48 months |
Stage-by-Stage: Agreed Dissolution (No Children)
Stage 1 — Establish 90-Day Residency
If you recently moved to Montana, wait 90 days before filing. If you've been in Montana longer, this phase is complete.
Stage 2 — Preparation (2–4 weeks)
Inventory marital and separate property. Draft and finalize the Separation Agreement. Both spouses sign and notarize. Obtain forms from courts.mt.gov/Self_Help/Family_Law.
Stage 3 — File at District Court (Day 1 of filing)
File the Petition for Dissolution and the Separation Agreement. Pay $200.
Stage 4 — Serve Respondent (Days 1–7 after filing)
Get Acceptance of Service if spouse cooperates — fastest option. Or serve by sheriff or process server.
Stage 5 — No Waiting Period
No mandatory delay after service. Proceed directly to scheduling the final hearing.
Stage 6 — Schedule and Attend Final Hearing (Weeks 2–8 after filing)
District Court scheduling times vary by county. Rural Montana courts may have shorter wait times; Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls courts may run longer.
Stage 7 — Final Decree of Dissolution Entered
Judge reviews the Separation Agreement and, if approved, enters the Final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. Obtain certified copies.
Total (after 90-day residency): 2–4 months
Stage-by-Stage: Agreed Dissolution (With Children)
Additional Steps:
- Parenting Plan review: Courts in Montana review Parenting Plans carefully. Ensure it is comprehensive and addresses all required elements.
- Child Support Worksheet: Filed with the Petition; follows Montana Guidelines.
Total: 3–5 months
Joint Petition (Both Parties File Together)
If both spouses agree, they can file as joint petitioners — both sign the Petition and the Separation Agreement. No service step is needed. This is the fastest path for a fully agreed dissolution in Montana.
The 90-Day Clock
The 90-day residency requirement means the earliest you can file is 90 days after moving to Montana. If either spouse is already a Montana resident of 90+ days, the other spouse does not need to meet the residency requirement.
Last reviewed: March 2026 | "Dissolution of Marriage" | "Irretrievable breakdown" — only ground | 90-day residency | No waiting period | Separation Agreement filed with Petition | Joint petition option | Parenting Plan required with children | 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.