MONTANA DISTRICT COURT

GENERAL CIVIL CASE COVER SHEET

[// GUIDANCE: This template is designed for use in all Montana District Courts. Review local district-specific standing orders to ensure complete compliance before filing.]

SECTION I. CAPTION & COURT INFORMATION

1. Judicial District: [_____ Judicial District]
2. County: [__ County]
3. Court File No.: [To be assigned by Clerk]
4. Style of Case: [Plaintiff(s) v. Defendant(s)]
   • Plaintiff(s): [Full Legal Name(s)]
   • Defendant(s): [Full Legal Name(s)]

SECTION II. CASE CATEGORY

[// GUIDANCE: Select the single most appropriate category. Only mark “Other” if no listed category applies.]

A. TORT
☐ PI/PD/WD – Auto
☐ PI/PD/WD – Premises Liability
☐ PI/PD/WD – Products Liability
☐ Medical Malpractice
☐ Defamation / Privacy
☐ Intentional Tort (specify): [______]
☐ Other Tort (specify): [______]

B. CONTRACT
☐ Debt Collection
☐ Employment (non-discrimination)
☐ Insurance Coverage / Bad Faith
☐ Construction / Lien Enforcement
☐ Consumer Protection
☐ Other Contract (specify): [______]

C. REAL PROPERTY
☐ Quiet Title / Boundary
☐ Foreclosure
☐ Eminent Domain / Condemnation
☐ Landlord/Tenant – Residential
☐ Landlord/Tenant – Commercial
☐ Easement / Right-of-Way
☐ Other Real Property (specify): [______]

D. CIVIL RIGHTS / EMPLOYMENT
☐ Discrimination (Title VII / MHRA)
☐ Constitutional Claim (state or federal)
☐ Whistleblower / Retaliation
☐ Other Civil Rights (specify): [______]

E. OTHER STATUTORY / ADMINISTRATIVE
☐ Judicial Review – Agency Decision
☐ Declaratory Judgment
☐ Writ (Mandamus / Prohibition / Certiorari)
☐ Name Change
☐ Structured Settlement Approval
☐ Election Challenge
☐ Other Statutory (specify): [______]

F. PROBATE / MENTAL HEALTH (District Court jurisdiction only)
☐ Formal Probate / Estate Administration
☐ Informal Probate
☐ Guardianship
☐ Conservatorship
☐ Other Probate (specify): [______]

G. OTHER
☐ [Specify unlisted civil matter]

SECTION III. AMOUNT IN CONTROVERSY

1. Monetary Relief Sought (exclusive of fees, costs, or interest): $[____]
2. Non-Monetary Relief Sought: [Injunctive / Declaratory / Other]
3. Does this case exceed the $10,000 threshold for mandatory arbitration under § 25-35-103, MCA?
   ☐ Yes  ☐ No  ☐ Not Applicable

SECTION IV. RELATED CASES

1. Are there any related cases presently or previously filed in any Montana court?
   ☐ Yes  ☐ No
   If Yes, provide:
   • Case No.: [____]
   • Court & Judge: [________]
   • Nature of Relationship: [Common parties / Same transaction-occurrence / Consolidation requested]

SECTION V. PARTY & COUNSEL INFORMATION

A. PLAINTIFF(S)
• Name: [______]
• Address: [______]
• Phone / Email: [_] / [@__]

Attorney for Plaintiff (if any):
• Firm Name: [______]
• Lead Counsel: [Bar No. _]
• Address / Phone / Email: [______]

B. DEFENDANT(S)
• Name: [______]
• Address: [______]
• Phone / Email: [_] / [@__]

Attorney for Defendant (if any):
• Firm Name: [______]
• Lead Counsel: [Bar No. _]
• Address / Phone / Email: [______]

[// GUIDANCE: For additional parties attach “Addendum A – Additional Parties.”]

SECTION VI. JURY DEMAND

☐ Plaintiff demands trial by jury.
☐ Defendant demands trial by jury.
☐ No jury trial demanded at this time.

SECTION VII. FEE SCHEDULE & PAYMENT INFORMATION

1. Filing Fee Category (check one):
   ☐ Standard Civil Filing Fee
   ☐ Probate Filing Fee
   ☐ Petition / Application Fee
   ☐ Other (specify): [______]

2. Amount Tendered: $[____]

3. Payment Method: ☐ Cash  ☐ Check No. [_]  ☐ Money Order  ☐ Waiver / IFP Application Attached

[// GUIDANCE: Current statutory filing fees are set forth in Title 25, Chapter 1, MCA. Confirm latest schedule with the clerk before remitting payment.]

SECTION VIII. SERVICE AND CONTACT

Primary e-mail address for electronic service under M. R. Civ. P. 5(b): [__@__]
Secondary e-mail (optional): [__@__]
☐ Parties agree to accept service by e-mail pursuant to M. R. Civ. P. 5(b)(2)(E).
☐ Parties do not consent to e-mail service at this time.

SECTION IX. CERTIFICATION

I certify that:
1. I have read this cover sheet;
2. I have provided accurate information to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, formed after a reasonable inquiry; and
3. I understand that failure to provide truthful, complete, or timely information may subject me to sanctions under M. R. Civ. P. 11.

Date: [____]

Signature: _____
(Print Name): [______]
☐ Plaintiff  ☐ Plaintiff’s Attorney  ☐ Defendant  ☐ Defendant’s Attorney

SECTION X. CLERK’S OFFICE USE ONLY (Do Not Write Below This Line)

1. Date Filed: ___
2. Filing Fee Received: $_______  ☐ Yes ☐ No
3. Clerk Initials: _____
4. Case Number Assigned: ______
5. Initial Judge Assignment: ____

[// GUIDANCE:
1. Attach the completed cover sheet as the lead document when electronically filing the initial pleading or, if filing in paper, submit to the clerk together with the complaint/petition.
2. Retain a file-stamped copy for your records.
3. Because Montana’s fee statutes are amended periodically, incorporate a pre-filing clerk verification step into your internal procedures.
4. If the matter is subject to compulsory arbitration (≤ $10,000) or falls within a specialized docket (e.g., asbestos, water court, child abuse & neglect), consult the governing administrative order for additional filing requirements.
]