Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 25. CIVIL PROCEDURE

CHAPTER 19. UNIFORM DISTRICT COURT RULES

Part 1. Rules

Form Of Papers Presented For Filing

Rule 1 - Form of Papers Presented for Filing. 

(a) Papers Defined. The word "papers" as used in this Rule includes all documents and copies except exhibits and records on appeal from lower courts.

(b) Pagination, Printing, Etc. All papers shall be:

(1) Typewritten, printed or equivalent;

(2) Clear and permanent;

(3) Equally legible to printing;

(4) Of type not smaller than pica;

(5) Only on standard quality opaque, unglazed, recycled paper, 8 1/2" x 11" in size.

(6) Printed one side only, except copies of briefs may be printed on both sides. The original brief shall be printed on one side.

(7) Lines unnumbered or numbered consecutively from the top;

(8) Spaced one and one-half or double;

(9) Page numbered consecutively at the bottom; and

(10) Bound firmly at the top. Matters such as property descriptions or direct quotes may be single spaced. Extraneous documents not in the above format and not readily conformable may be filed in their original form and length.

(c) Format. The first page of all papers shall conform to the following:

(1) Commencing at line 1 at the left margin, single spaced, shall be the name of the attorney or party responsible for the pleadings, together with the telephone number and complete mailing address for service of papers.

(2) Lines 1 through 7 of the right one-half of the page shall be left blank for the use of the clerk.

(3) On or below line 8, the title of the court.

(4) Commencing at line 9 or below on the left, the title of the case.

(5) On the right and opposite the title of the case, the case number and identification of the document being filed.

(6) Nonconforming papers may not be filed without leave of the court.

(d) Changes, Conformance of Copies. Additions, deletions or interlineations shall be initialed by the clerk or judge at the time of filing. All copies served shall conform to the original as filed.

History: En. Sup. Ct. Ord. May 29, 1987, eff. June 1, 1987; amd. Sup. Ct. Ord. Mar. 25, 1993; amd. Sup. Ct. Ord. Mar. 19, 2008, eff. June 1, 2008; amd. Sup. Ct. Ord. No. AF 07-0110, March 15, 2011, eff. Oct. 1, 2011; amd. Sup. Ct. Ord. No. AF 07-0110, Oct. 29, 2019, eff. Jan. 1, 2020.