Montana

Montana Legal Resources

Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of Montana. Know your rights and find help.

Legal Aid Organizations

Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA)

Provides free civil legal help to low-income Montanans statewide in housing, family law, consumer, and Native American issues.

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Montana Legal Aid HelpLine

Telephone-based legal assistance service offering advice and referrals to low-income Montana residents.

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Disability Rights Montana

Provides legal advocacy for Montanans with disabilities in areas including employment, education, and civil rights.

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Montana Legal Services Association

Provides free civil legal services to low-income Montanans statewide in housing, family, Native American law, and benefits.

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ACLU of Montana

Defends civil liberties through litigation and advocacy on public lands access, privacy, and Indigenous rights.

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Court System Overview

The Supreme Court of Montana is the court of last resort with seven justices. There is no intermediate appellate court. District Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction across 22 judicial districts. Justice Courts handle minor civil cases and misdemeanors. City Courts handle municipal ordinance violations. Water Courts handle water rights disputes.

Key State Laws & Protections

Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Governs rental relationships under MCA Title 70, Chapter 24, covering security deposits, habitability standards, and eviction procedures.

Montana Human Rights Act

Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and government services based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, and political beliefs.

Montana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act

Prohibits deceptive business practices under MCA 30-14-103 with enforcement by the Attorney General and private right of action.

Montana Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act

One of few states with a specific wrongful discharge statute, limiting at-will employment and requiring good cause for termination after a probationary period.

Montana Residential Landlord-Tenant Act

Governs rental relationships under MCA Title 70, Chapter 24, with security deposit protections and habitability requirements.

Montana Human Rights Act

Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations, with enforcement by the Montana Human Rights Bureau.

Bar Association

State Bar of Montana
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Legal Aid Hotline

Need Immediate Legal Help?Call Montana Legal Services at 1-800-666-6899 for free legal assistance.

Emergency Legal Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential support

1-800-799-7233

Montana DV Hotline

Statewide domestic violence support

1-800-655-7867

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for crisis support

988

Recent Legal Updates (2025–2026)

Montana Property Tax Reform (2025)

New measures to address rapidly rising property taxes, including increased homestead exemptions and assessment appeal procedures.

Montana Data Privacy Law (2025)

Implementation of the Montana Consumer Data Privacy Act giving residents rights over their personal data.

Related Guides

Know Your RightsFind a LawyerLegal Aid ResourcesCourt Preparation

Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

Personal Injury

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Contract Disputes

Statute of Limitations: 5 years (oral) / 8 years (written)

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Property Damage

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Medical Malpractice

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Fraud

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Court Filing Fees

Small Claims Court

Typical filing fee: $30 (claims up to $7,000)

Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.

Civil Court

Typical filing fee: $120-$250

Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.

Family Court

Typical filing fee: $120-$200

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.

Free Legal Aid Organizations

Montana Legal Services Association

Statewide free civil legal services for low-income Montanans in housing, family, and public benefits matters.

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Montana Legal Aid Hotline

Statewide hotline connecting residents with free legal information and referrals.

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ACLU of Montana

Civil liberties legal advocacy on issues including privacy, free speech, and government accountability.

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State Bar Resources

State Bar of Montana

Referral: Lawyer Referral Service: (406) 449-6577

Pro Bono: Montana Justice Foundation and Pro Bono Program coordinate volunteer attorney services.

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Frequently Asked Legal Questions in Montana

Montana has multiple legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help to income-eligible residents. You can also contact your local bar association for pro bono referrals, or visit our Legal Aid Finder to search by zip code.
In Montana, tenants generally have the right to a habitable dwelling, proper notice before eviction, the return of security deposits within a specified timeframe, and protection from housing discrimination. Specific rules vary — visit our Tenant Rights Checker for Montana-specific details.
Montana allows expungement or record sealing for many misdemeanor and some felony convictions, typically after a waiting period and no subsequent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge type, sentence served, and time elapsed. Use our Expungement Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify.
Montana sets its own minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. Many cities within the state may have even higher local minimums. Use our Wage & Overtime Calculator to check the current Montana minimum wage and calculate your pay.
The statute of limitations in Montana sets the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury or dispute. It varies by case type — personal injury, contracts, and criminal charges all have different limits. Use our Legal Deadline Calculator to find your specific deadline in Montana.