35-15-504. Filing of documents of merger or consolidation -- effective date. (1) Within 30 days after the merger or consolidation plan has been adopted, documents of merger or consolidation setting forth the plan and the manner of adoption thereof shall be signed by the president or vice-president and by the secretary or assistant secretary of each association merging or consolidating and filed with the clerk and recorder of the county in which the principal office of the new or surviving association is located if the office is in Montana and with the Montana secretary of state.

(2) If the new or surviving association has its principal office in Montana, the merger or consolidation shall become effective as of the date of filing with the Montana secretary of state. If its principal office is outside the state of Montana, the merger or consolidation shall become effective upon full compliance with the laws of the state in which its principal office is located. If there is a merger, the articles and bylaws of the surviving association are amended to the extent provided in the documents setting forth the plan of merger.