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

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

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.