• Please submit all necessary documents to the court for Judge's review.  
• If granted, the Court will issue a Temporary Order of Protection that will need to be served upon the Respondent by a Sheriff’s Deputy or other Process Server.  
• A court date will scheduled within 20 days.  Hearings are held Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.
• Both the Petitioner and the Respondent have the right to testify at the hearing, where the judge will determine if the Order of Protection will be continued on a permanent basis. 
• Both the Petitioner and the Respondent have the right to hire an attorney; however, it is not required.  
• There is no fee to file for  a Temporary Order of Protection or permanent Order of Protection in Missoula Municipal Court.
• Please review the Checklist below to familiarize yourself with documents used in petitioning for and filing for an Order of Protection.

Hearings and Appearances 

What to Bring to Court

• Proper Identification (driver's license, Montana ID, passport)
• Your copy of the citation
• Appearance letter and/or court documents
• Any receipts regarding your case (i.e. bond receipts, cash bail receipts, etc.)
• Any documents which prove compliance with the judge's orders and/or sentencing
• Method of payment (money, credit card, checkbook, debit card)
• Do not use nicknames or alias; use the same spelling as listed on documents related to the case, and ensure spelling listed on documents is correct. If they are not, please advise the court
• Provide the court with your current address
• Dress - appropriate dress is required. No obscene slogans on clothing, hats, or cell phones. Shirt and shoes are required

Skype Appearances

• Defendants must live more than 130 miles from Missoula.
• Defendants with offenses which could result in jail time will not be held via Skype. This includes all Title 45 offenses, and all DUI offenses.
• The Judge will not schedule a Skype hearing to address program extensions, Petition to Revoke hearings, or Failure to Pay Fines.
• If your driver license has been suspended for non-compliance, defendants are required to come into compliance or appear personally in front of a Judge to have the license reinstated.

Municipal Record Search

• Government agencies may request a record search free of charge.
• All other requests:  $5.00 search fee and $0.25 per page, with first two pages free.