Montana family-law guide · reviewed August 22, 2026
Montana Parenting Plans & Parental Contact
Current, source-linked Montana terminology and rules without imported out-of-state formulas.
Legal information, not legal advice. Montana law and local practice can change. Verify forms, fees, filing methods, service, and hearing procedure with the District Court receiving your case.
Montana terminology
Parenting plan
Montana's official term, replacing 'custody' (MCA 40-4-212).
Residential schedule
When and where each parent is responsible for each child.
Parental contact
The scheduled time with each parent.
District Court
Where Montana family cases are heard.
Core rules
- Montana uses 'parenting plan', 'residential schedule', and 'parental contact', not 'custody'/'visitation' as the operative framework
- The court determines the parenting plan per the child's best interest (MCA 40-4-212)
- Frequent and continuing contact with both parents is favored unless detrimental after a hearing
- Montana does not create an automatic 50/50 residential schedule
- Cases are heard in the District Court
Support and modification cautions
Montana uses a formula based on both parents' income under MCA 40-4-204 and the Montana Child Support Guidelines (ARM 37.62, tables eff 2/1/2026). Existing parenting plans may be amended only when facts arising after the plan show a change in the child's circumstances and the amendment is necessary to serve the child's best interest.
Official sources reviewed August 22, 2026
- MCA 40-4-212 — best interest of child
- Montana Judicial Branch — parenting-plan forms
- Montana Legal Services Association
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the District Court clerk handling your case.