Montana Restraining Order Laws (2026): How to Get an Order of Protection
Montana Restraining Order Laws (2026): How to Get an Order of Protection
In Montana, an Order of Protection is available to victims of partner or family member assault, sexual assault, or stalking through municipal, city, justice, or district courts. A final order may be issued for a fixed period or made permanent based on the respondent's history and the severity of the offense.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential help 24/7, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (text START to 88788).
Types of restraining orders in Montana
Montana uses the term "Order of Protection" for its civil protective orders, governed by MCA Title 40, Chapter 15. The statute applies to victims of partner or family member assault, sexual assault, stalking, incest, sexual intercourse without consent (SIWO), or human trafficking. This is a broad single-track system rather than a dual-track system: the law covers both domestic-relationship situations and, for certain offenses (sexual assault, stalking), victims with no qualifying relationship to the respondent.
The process has two stages. When a petitioner shows that immediate harm would result without protection, the court issues a Temporary Order of Protection ex parte for up to 20 days. This temporary order is in effect while the respondent is notified and a full hearing is scheduled. After the hearing, the court may issue a final Order of Protection for a fixed period or on a permanent basis.
Who can get a restraining order in Montana?
The qualifying relationships for Montana's Order of Protection under the partner and family member track include: current or former spouses; persons who share a child in common; persons in a current or former dating or ongoing intimate relationship, including same-sex relationships; parents and children; siblings; stepparents and stepchildren; in-laws; adoptive relatives; and other past or present household members, regardless of age or current cohabitation status.
Victims of sexual assault or stalking may petition for an Order of Protection even when they have no qualifying domestic relationship with the respondent. If you are unsure whether your circumstances qualify, the court self-help center or a local domestic violence advocate can review the petition with you and help determine the correct basis for your filing.
How to file for a restraining order in Montana
Petitions for an Order of Protection may be filed with municipal court, city court, justice court, or district court (MCA §40-15-301). If a dissolution of marriage or parenting plan proceeding is already pending, the petition must be filed in the district court that is handling that case.
Filing is free for petitioners. Under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), courts cannot charge a filing fee or a service fee to a petitioner seeking protection from domestic violence. You will describe the acts of abuse, stalking, or assault in the petition and request immediate protection. If the judge finds that immediate harm would result without a protective order, the Temporary Order of Protection is issued that same day.
For assistance completing the forms, contact your county or city court clerk's self-help resources. Local domestic violence advocacy organizations can also help you prepare and file the petition at no cost. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) can refer you to an advocate in your area.
Temporary vs. final orders: how long they last
| Order Type | How It Is Issued | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Order of Protection | Ex parte, same day, when immediate harm would otherwise result | Up to 20 days (full hearing held within approximately 20 days) |
| Final Order of Protection | After a full hearing with notice to respondent | Fixed period set by court, or permanent, based on evidence |
Montana gives courts meaningful discretion on the duration of the final order. The court considers the respondent's history of violence, the severity of the offense, and all evidence presented at the hearing. If the facts support it, the court can issue an order that has no end date. A permanent order can be terminated later if the petitioner requests modification or termination and the court finds it appropriate.
Firearms and a Montana Order of Protection
Montana does not have a blanket state-level prohibition on firearm possession solely based on a domestic violence protective order. Instead, Montana courts have discretionary authority under MCA §40-15-201(2)(f) to prohibit the respondent from possessing or using the specific firearm that was used in the assault. Whether to include such a restriction is within the court's discretion based on the facts of each case.
In addition, a qualifying final Order of Protection issued after notice and a full hearing triggers the federal firearm prohibition under 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(8). Any person subject to a qualifying order may not possess firearms or ammunition under federal law, regardless of whether the state order separately addresses firearms. If a respondent possesses firearms after a qualifying order is issued, contact law enforcement and report the violation to the court.
What happens if someone violates the order?
Violating a Montana Order of Protection is a criminal offense under MCA §45-5-626. The penalties are tiered by offense history. A first offense carries a fine of up to $500 and up to 6 months in county jail. A second offense carries a fine of $200 to $500 and between 24 hours and 6 months in county jail. A third or subsequent offense carries a fine of $500 to $2,000 and between 10 days and 2 years in county jail or state prison.
Law enforcement may arrest the respondent without a warrant on probable cause that an order has been violated. Do not wait to act if an order is violated. Call 911 immediately, document the violation with as much detail as possible (date, time, what occurred, any witnesses or physical evidence), and notify the court that issued the order. The respondent may also face contempt of court proceedings in addition to the criminal charge under MCA §45-5-626.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and it is not a safety plan. Protective-order rules vary by state and change. If you are in danger, call 911. For help with your specific situation, contact your local court's self-help center, a domestic-violence advocate, or a licensed attorney.
More Montana Laws
- Montana AI Meeting Recording Laws
- Montana Alimony Laws
- Montana At-Will Employment Laws
- Montana Car Accident Laws
- Montana Car Seat Laws
- Montana Child Custody Laws
- Montana Child Support Laws
- Montana Common Law Marriage Laws
- Montana Data Privacy Laws
- Montana Divorce Laws
- Montana Dog Bite Laws
- Montana Emancipation Laws
- Montana Expungement Laws
- Montana Hit and Run Laws
- Montana Landlord-Tenant Laws
- Montana Lemon Laws
Sources
- MCA Title 40, Chapter 15 (Partner and Family Member Assault, Safety and Protection of Victims), Montana Legislature
- MCA §40-15-201 (Temporary order of protection: discretionary relief including firearms restriction), Montana Legislature
- MCA §45-5-626 (Violation of order of protection: penalties), Montana Legislature
- Montana Courts: Protective Orders, Montana Judicial Branch
Related pages
For a nationwide overview of protective orders, visit the Restraining Order Laws by State hub. If you are documenting harassment or threats in Montana, see our guide on Montana recording laws. For information on self-defense and the use of force in Montana, see Montana self-defense laws.
