As a family law paralegal and legal template specialist with over twelve years of experience drafting court-ready documents across the United States, I’ve helped hundreds of Montana parents create clear, compliant parenting plans without spending thousands on attorney fees upfront. Today I’m giving you my most up-to-date, fully editable Montana parenting plan PDF template – completely free – along with step-by-step guidance on how to fill it out correctly for Montana courts.
In Montana, under Mont. Code Ann. § 40-4-234, every case involving minor children – whether divorce, legal separation, or parenting action between unmarried parents – requires a final parenting plan. The court will not enter a final decree without one. A parenting plan (sometimes called a custody agreement or residential schedule) is a detailed written document that spells out how parents will share parenting time, decision-making authority, child support considerations, transportation, communication, and dispute resolution.
Using the official or court-accepted Montana parenting plan form dramatically increases the chances your agreement will be approved on the first submission. I designed the free template below to follow the exact structure Montana district courts prefer in 2025 while remaining fully customizable.
Click here to download the free Montana Parenting Plan PDF (instant download, no email required)
This 18-page fillable PDF includes every required section under Montana law, pre-formatted fields, check boxes, and explanatory notes in blue that disappear when you type.
Montana courts strongly prefer the structure outlined in the Uniform District Court Rule and the Montana Supreme Court’s sample forms. My template mirrors these requirements:
Montana presumes joint parenting is in the child’s best interest unless there is evidence of abuse or long distance. Decide whether you want true 50/50 joint residential time or primary with the other parent having parenting time on a set schedule.
The most rejected plans are vague (“reasonable parenting time”). Use specific start and end times. Example that courts love:
| Period | Mother | Father |
|---|---|---|
| School Year (Mon–Fri) | Mon 8am – Wed 8am | Wed 8am – Mon 8am |
| Summer Vacation | Weeks 1,3,5,7 | Weeks 2,4,6,8 |
| Thanksgiving (odd years) | Entire break |
Mont. Code Ann. § 40-4-217 requires any parent planning to move 150+ miles to give the other parent at least 75 days written notice. My template has this clause pre-written and highlighted.
Check the boxes for joint or sole authority over:
In my 12 years reviewing filings in Missoula, Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Great Falls, and Kalispell courts, these are the top reasons judges send plans back:
While thousands of Montana parents successfully file pro se using well-drafted templates, this document is intended as a starting point only. I always recommend at least a one-hour consultation with a Montana family law attorney to review your completed plan before filing.
Important Disclaimer: This free Montana parenting plan form and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may have unique factors. Always consult a licensed Montana attorney or legal aid clinic before filing any document with the court.
Is there an official Montana parenting plan form on the courts website?
Yes – the Montana Judicial Branch offers a basic form, but many parents and attorneys find it overly simplistic. My enhanced template adds the detail most judges now expect.
Can I file this parenting plan if we are not divorcing?
Absolutely. Unmarried parents use the exact same parenting plan process under Title 40, Chapter 4.
Does the plan have to be notarized in Montana?
Yes. Both parents’ signatures on the final proposed parenting plan must be notarized (Mont. Code Ann. § 40-4-234(2)).
Sources: Montana Code Annotated Title 40, Chapter 4 (Family Law); Montana Supreme Court Sample Forms; IRS Publication 504 (divorced/separated parents tax rules).
Download your free, court-ready Montana parenting plan PDF today and take the first step toward a clear, enforceable agreement that puts your children first.