Court System:

The court system in Montana consists of the Supreme Court, District Court, Municipal court, and Justices' Court.  Credit and collection cases are determined by the District Court and the Justices' Court.

District Court:  The District Court has original jurisdiction in all civil and criminal cases.  (MCA 3-5-302.)

Justices' Court:  The Justices' Court has jurisdiction over claims of money where the amount in controversy does not exceed $5,000.00.  (MCA 3-10-301.)

Small Claims Court:  The small claims court has jurisdiction over all money claims where the amount in controversy does not exceed $3,000, exclusive of costs, and the defendant can be served within the county where the action is commenced.  (MCA 25-35-502.)  A party may not be represented by an attorney in small clams actions unless all parties are represented by attorneys.  (MCA 25-35-505.)  Each person may not file more than 10 claims in any calendar year.  (MCA 25-35-505(6).)  In addition,  no assigned claim may be filed in the Small Claims Court.  (MCA 25-35-505(5).)