What it costs to file in Montana
The court charges this when you hand in the claim. It is separate from the amount you are claiming.
Set by each court
This state does not set one statewide fee. The court where you file publishes its own.
More about Montana
Common questions
- What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Montana?
- Montana does not set one statewide fee. Each court publishes its own, so check the court where you will file.
- How much can you claim in small claims court in Montana?
- An individual can claim up to $7,000. A business can claim up to $7,000. A public agency can claim up to $7,000. That comes from MCA 25-35-502(1).
- Which court handles small claims in Montana?
- Justice Court, Small Claims. The small claims division of the justice court in the county where the other side can be served.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Montana?
- The shortest window is 2 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under MCA 27-2-207(1). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
Verify with your court
Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open Montana's small claims page and confirm anything you are about to rely on.
Open the court's small claims pageVerified on 2026-09-05, sources:
Verified on 2026-09-05, sources: Rules effective from 2025-10-01.
- MCA 25-31-112(1) · effective 2015-07-01 · Justice court fees are set by statute and collected by the county. The courts' small claims instructions list about $30 to file; your justice court has the exact amount.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.