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
SL
SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites and verified legal aid resources. Filing fees and procedures verified June 2026. General legal information only — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.