Montana Divorce Cost Estimator

A Montana dissolution of marriage costs between $2,200 for an uncontested case and $6,200 or more for a contested divorce, based on 2022 statewide data. The court filing fee is $120 under MCA § 25-1-201, and attorney fees at the median rate of $280 per hour represent the largest variable expense. Additional costs include process serving ($50–$100), parenting classes ($25–$50 per parent), and potential mediation ($1,500–$4,500).

The Montana dissolution of marriage filing fee is $120, a uniform statewide fee set under MCA § 25-1-201 and confirmed by the court fee schedule effective May 2024. This fee applies in all 56 Montana counties and is payable by cash, check, or credit card at the District Court Clerk's office. Fee waivers are available for those who cannot afford to pay by filing an Affidavit of Inability to Pay Filing Fee.

Montana divorce attorneys charge a median hourly rate of $280, with most rates falling between $150 and $300 per hour depending on experience and location. Initial retainer fees typically range from $2,000 to $5,000. For straightforward uncontested dissolutions, some Montana attorneys offer flat-fee packages starting at $1,500 to $2,500, which can significantly reduce total legal costs compared to hourly billing.

Montana courts grant fee waivers through an Affidavit of Inability to Pay Filing Fee, which waives the $120 filing cost for qualifying low-income filers. Eligibility is typically based on household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, receipt of public assistance, or demonstrated financial hardship. The form is available at courts.mt.gov/Forms or from your local District Court Clerk's office.

Montana judges may order mediation in contested dissolution cases, particularly those involving parenting disputes under Montana Code Annotated Title 40. Private mediation typically costs $1,500 to $4,500 depending on the number of sessions required. The Montana Family Transition Project at courts.mt.gov/mediation offers free mediation and child support calculations, with free legal advice available through Montana Legal Services Association attorneys.

An uncontested dissolution of marriage in Montana has a median total cost of $2,200, which includes the $120 filing fee, process serving at $50 to $100, and limited attorney assistance. Couples who agree on property division, parenting arrangements, and support can finalize in as few as 20 days after service. Pro se filers using Montana's free self-help resources at courts.mt.gov/selfhelp can reduce costs to under $300 total.

Beyond filing and attorney fees, Montana divorce costs often include process server fees ($50–$100), court-ordered parenting classes ($25–$50 per parent under MCA § 40-4-226), real estate appraisals ($300–$3,000), business valuations ($3,000–$5,000), and custody evaluations if ordered ($2,500–$7,500). Expert witness fees for financial disputes add $2,000 to $5,000 per expert, and court reporter fees for depositions can add several hundred dollars per session.

Montana allows pro se (self-represented) dissolution filings, and the Montana courts self-help center at courts.mt.gov/selfhelp provides free forms, instructions, and guides for every step of the process. The $120 filing fee still applies, though fee waivers are available. The Montana Family Transition Project offers free mediation and legal advice for qualifying families, making it possible to complete an uncontested dissolution for under $300 without hiring an attorney.