What are Montana Divorce Records?

Montana divorce records are official documents generated from the legal process of ending matrimonial ties between two individuals through the courts. The state’s divorces are commonly referred to as dissolution of marriage, and the records derived from the process are crucial because they capture the details and outcomes of divorce proceedings.

According to 2022 statistical figures from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Montana's divorce rate was 3.0 per 1,000 population in 2018, remained constant in 2019, and increased to 2.3 per 1,000 population in 2020. Overall, the divorce rate decreased by approximately 33.33% from 2018 to 2022.

In Montana, District Court Clerks preserve divorce records of marriage dissolutions in their counties. A typical Montana divorce record contains the name of the parties involved, the divorce date, and the final divorce judgment terms.

There are two recognized types of marriage dissolution in Montana. These are the lawful ending of a valid marriage, otherwise known as dissolution of marriage, and the formal pronouncement of marriage as null and void, like it never existed (annulment). 

The law recognizes marriage as valid if both parties are of legal age or have secured the requisite consent if underage. They must also not be relatives or already in a marital union with another person.

Conversely, a marriage may be annulled if one spouse is already married to someone else at the time of the wedding, was coerced or deceived into the marriage, or is unable to consent due to mental or physical incapacitation or drug and alcohol influence.  Furthermore, a Montana marriage may be annulled if the parties are close relatives or underaged and do not possess the necessary consent.

Dissolution of marriages in Montana works on a no-fault divorce basis. This means that a spouse can file for divorce without having to show that the other party is responsible for the breakdown of the marriage.  The other party also does not have to agree to the divorce proceedings under the state’s no-fault-based divorce system. The only legal reason for the dissolution of marriages in Montana is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." 

In Montana, the irretrievable breakdown of a marriage is described as a situation where the parties to a marriage have been living apart for 180 consecutive days. It may also be a severe marital disagreement that has negatively affected the attitude of one or both individuals in the marriage. The responsibility of providing proof that a marriage is irretrievably broken lies with the petitioner filing for divorce.

The following steps outline the divorce process in  Montana divorce process:

1. Firstly, the person seeking the divorce files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the District Court.
2. Next, the petitioner must serve the petition to the other spouse (respondent) and file proof of service with the court.
3. After being served, the respondent is expected to respond within a particular time frame. Failure to respond within the stipulated means the petitioner can proceed with an uncontested divorce.
4. The court may need to issue temporary orders relating to who stays in the family home, has custody of the children, or temporary financial support for the children or a spouse.
5. The discovery stage ensures both parties exchange vital information needed to arrive at fair decisions on dividing property, child custody, and support. 
6. Settlement or trial
7. Issuance of the Final Decree of Dissolution

Key actors in a dissolution of marriage include the spouse initiating the divorce (Petitioner), the Respondent, the District Court Judge, and the District Court Clerk. The duration of a Montana divorce may range from a few months for an uncontested divorce to more than a year or longer for contested ones.

Issues that may hinder the prompt dissolution of marriage include child custody disputes, domestic violence, complicated property division, mental health challenges, drug usage, and criminal involvement.

Are Divorce Records Public in Montana?

Yes. Montana divorce records are available in the public domain. However, only the spouses in a divorce and their legal counsels may obtain complete divorce decrees. Other individuals may only receive informational copies confirming the legal status of the divorce from the District Court Clerk (record custodian) where the divorce was granted.

Even though divorce records are considered public records, there are exceptions. Due to the sensitive nature of divorce paperwork and privacy concerns, the parties in a divorce may appeal to the Montana Family Court to seal some or all of the proceedings records. If a judge grants the motion, the records are sealed and are only accessible to the parties named on the record and their counsels or legal representatives.

Third-party websites may be an alternative for accessing public Montana divorce records, but the accuracy of results cannot be guaranteed since their operations are not regulated by government agencies. 

What Types of Divorce Records are Available in Montana?

Divorce records in Montana consist of divorce decrees, divorce certificates, and associated documents.

Divorce Decree: This is the final court judgment that cuts the marital ties between the parties in a divorce. The document also summarizes the terms of the dissolution regarding the splitting of property, child custody, support, and others.

Divorce Certificate: This is a document issued by the state confirming the end of a marriage and providing basic spouse details and the divorce date.

Associated Documents: These are documents related to the divorce lawsuit, including the Petition for Dissolution, Response, financial affidavits, custody plans, child support worksheets, property settlements, and court recordings.

Montana divorce court records may also be certified or uncertified. Certified copies bear the court's seal and clerk's signature and are crucial for judicial proceedings. Plain copies (informational) lack these and are usually adopted for personal study and genealogical research.  Certified copies of Montana divorce records are usually available to former spouses, their legal representatives, or court-authorized individuals. However, anyone can obtain plain copies.

How Do I Get Divorce Records in Montana?

Interested parties seeking Montana divorce records may visit the Clerk of the District Court in the county where the divorce was granted or submit a request by mail.

To begin, the record searcher must identify the relevant district court. This may be achieved by visiting the Montana Judicial Branch Website. The site has a list of all District Courts in the Montana state, arranged by county. Requesters may use this resource to find the precise court where the divorce was granted, thus providing them with the necessary contact details.

Now that they have the court's address, the record searcher may visit the Clerk of District Court's office in person. At the office, they may have to provide details of the divorce, such as the names of the parties involved and the approximate date of the divorce. The Clerk of District Court's office typically expects individuals seeking divorce records to complete a request form and pay a fee to obtain copies of the document.

The Office of Vital Statistics of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services verifies the legal status of all divorces finalized in the state since July 1943. However, the state office cannot issue copies of divorce records. Record searchers must pay a non-refundable $10.00 fee for this service covering record search and verification.

Alternatively, requesters who are unable to visit the Clerk of District Court's office in person may send a written request by mail. The letter must include information such as the complete names of both parties involved in the divorce, the approximate date of the divorce (if the applicant does not know the exact date), the case number (if known), their relationship to the parties (if applicable), and the reason for your request. They must also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of the records and a check or money order for necessary fees (contact the court for the correct amount).

Requesters are advised to give adequate time for the processing of their request, especially if they are submitting it by mail. They must also bear in mind that access to certified copies of divorce records is usually restricted to the parties involved, their legal representatives, or persons with a court order.

Who Can Obtain Divorce Records in Montana?

Individuals who are residents of Montana and those who are not can obtain plain (informational) copies of divorce records. Conversely, those who can receive certified copies include former spouses, their legal representatives, and persons possessing court orders and having lawful interests in the requested documents. 

Are Montana Divorce Records Available Online?

There is no central online database for Montana divorce records. Nonetheless, some counties provide record searchers access to case dockets via their websites. These portals may provide basic case information such as names, filing dates, and case details. 

Third-party websites may offer access to Montana divorce records. The advantage of these platforms lies in their accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection, saving time and effort for those who cannot visit the courthouse in person. However, third-party sites operate independently of government agencies. As such, the availability and accuracy of records cannot be guaranteed. 

How Do I Seal My Divorce Records in Montana?

A petitioner who is a party to a divorce case may seek the partial or complete sealing of sensitive information such as financial data or issues concerning children. Some records are mechanically sealed, such as financial records and social security numbers.

Individuals wishing to seal their divorce records may adopt the general steps below:

1. The petitioner or their lawyer must file a petition to seal the records with the court where their divorce case was heard. This submission must explain why they believe their records should be sealed.
2. They must provide logical reason(s) for their request. Such reasons may include the safeguarding of sensitive information, safety concerns in cases concerning domestic violence, and protecting minors involved in court cases.
3. The petitioner may have to attend a court hearing to consider their motion. At this hearing, they will have to state their reasons for requesting the sealing of the records.
4. The judge will rule on the petitioner's request based on the arguments presented. If the motion is approved, the records will be sealed and no longer available to the public.
5. The petitioner must obtain a personal copy of the court order sealing the records. This order must be recorded with the court clerk to guarantee the records are properly sealed.