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Divorce prep · Montana
Protective orders for domestic violence in Montana
A Montana court can issue an immediate temporary order of protection for up to 20 days without prior notice to the respondent. In Montana, the hearing must be held within 20 days from the date the court issues the temporary order of protection. Montana charges nothing to file a petition for an order of protection or to serve it.
Educational only. Not legal advice. Sources checked November 2, 2026.
What the official sources say
- A Montana court can issue an immediate temporary order of protection for up to 20 days without prior notice to the respondent. Montana Code Annotated § 40-15-201. Checked November 2, 2026
- In Montana, the hearing must be held within 20 days from the date the court issues the temporary order of protection. Montana Code Annotated § 40-15-202. Checked November 2, 2026
- Montana charges nothing to file a petition for an order of protection or to serve it. Montana Code Annotated § 40-15-204. Checked November 2, 2026
Official links
- Montana Code Annotated § 40-15-201
- Montana Code Annotated § 40-15-202
- Montana Code Annotated § 40-15-204
How to keep these papers
Keep dated copies of the papers you already have in one place, and write the day something happened on the same day. KeepMyProof is a private phone app for that: folders with checklists, the day it happened next to the day you saved it, and one PDF of a folder when someone asks.
- Bank, retirement and debt statements
- Pay stubs and tax returns
- Household bills and expenses
- Home, car and property papers
- Agreements and court papers you have
- Messages sent to you
- Co-parenting log: dated handoff and visit notes
Download the free printable checklist (PDF)
One page, no email needed.
Coming soon to Google Play.
More for Montana
- How child support works in Montana
- Child custody and parenting plans in Montana
- How to get a copy of your divorce record in Montana
- Divorce residency rules and where to file in Montana
- Divorce document checklist: the full guide
- Protective orders for domestic violence: all states
Neighbouring states
- Protective orders for domestic violence in Idaho
- Protective orders for domestic violence in North Dakota
- Protective orders for domestic violence in South Dakota
- Protective orders for domestic violence in Missouri
Questions
Where do these Montana facts come from?
Each fact on this page is copied from an official source: Montana Code Annotated § 40-15-201; Montana Code Annotated § 40-15-202; Montana Code Annotated § 40-15-204. We checked that each source still says it on November 2, 2026. Rules and forms change, so open the official link and read the current version before you rely on it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is educational only and is not legal advice. KeepMyProof is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, ask a lawyer licensed in Montana or your court's self-help center.
Which papers should I keep for divorce prep?
A good start: Bank, retirement and debt statements; Pay stubs and tax returns; Household bills and expenses; Home, car and property papers; Agreements and court papers you have; Messages sent to you; Co-parenting log: dated handoff and visit notes. Keep only papers you are allowed to have, write the date on each note, and keep originals somewhere safe.
How can I keep these papers private on my phone?
KeepMyProof keeps copies of the papers you already have in folders with checklists, encrypted on your phone, with no account and no ads. It is free for the first items you save. It is coming soon to Google Play.
Educational only. Not legal advice.