Real numbers for Montana — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
Divorce procedure varies by state in the details, but the overall arc in Montana looks like this:
Treat this as a general framework rather than Montana-specific legal guidance — a licensed attorney or your local courthouse self-help center can confirm exact requirements for your case.
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Calculate My Montana Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in Montana ranges from roughly $2,400 for a simple uncontested case to $26,400 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
Montana has a 20-day waiting period and relatively low attorney rates compared to western states.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $170 | $770 | $4,000 |
| Uncontested with children | $2,400 | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Contested, no trial | $9,075 | $16,500 | $26,400 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $26,400 | $31,350 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $12,500 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in Montana is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $170 statewide average
| Yellowstone County (Billings) | $170 |
| Cascade County (Great Falls) | $165 |
| Missoula County | $170 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in Montana average $195 per hour.
A Billings couple with no children going through an uncontested divorce would spend $200 in filing fees and $1,200–$3,000 in attorney costs — total around $1,400–$3,300.
How much does a divorce cost in Montana?
An uncontested divorce in Montana typically costs $4,000–$6,000 including the $170 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $16,500–$26,400 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
What is the waiting period for divorce in Montana?
Montana has a 20-day waiting period from when the divorce petition is filed.
How is property divided in Montana?
Montana uses equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly based on each spouse's contributions and economic circumstances.
Is Montana a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Montana is a no-fault state. Divorce is granted on the ground of irreconcilable differences.
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Open Montana Calculator →Filing fees based on Montana court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.