Updated May 2026 Montana

Montana Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)

Exact filing fees for the Justice Court — enter your claim amount for a personalized estimate.

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

$30–$70

Filing Fee Range

$7,000

Court Limit

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E-Filing Available

Small Claims Filing Fee Calculator

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Montana Small Claims Filing Fees Explained

To file a small claims case in the Justice Court, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In Montana, filing fees are $30–$70 depending on the amount of your claim.

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Montana Justice Courts and City Courts handle small claims up to $7,000 with straightforward flat-ish fees.

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Tip

Montana's 8-year statute of limitations on written contracts is one of the longest.

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You can recover the filing fee

If you win your case, ask the judge to add the filing fee to your judgment. The defendant would then owe you the original claim plus court costs.

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Fee waiver available

Can't afford the fee? Ask the court clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. Montana courts generally waive fees for low-income filers — bring proof of income.

Source: Montana official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — Montana

How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Montana?

The small claims filing fee in Montana is $30–$70. The fee is tiered by claim amount — smaller claims cost less to file. Additional costs may include service of process and any applicable courthouse surcharges.

What is the small claims filing fee in Montana?

The fee to start a small claims case in Montana is $30–$70. This covers the court's cost for opening your case and docketing the claim. It does not include service of process, certified copies, or attorney fees.

Can I file small claims online in Montana?

E-filing availability varies by county in Montana. Contact your local Justice Court clerk to confirm whether online filing is available in your jurisdiction.

How do I waive the filing fee in Montana small claims?

If you cannot afford the $30–$70 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most Montana courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our Montana small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in Montana?

Small claims cases in Montana are handled by the Justice Court. Contact the clerk's office to confirm the filing location, current hours, and accepted payment methods before you go.