Informal Domestic Relations Trials: A New Process for Montana
IMPORTANT: As of October 1, 2023, all family cases where at least one person doesn't have a lawyer will be using the IDRT process. This will happen automatically, unless you or the other party opt out.
Are you involved in a divorce or parenting plan?
There are now two ways for your District Court to handle the case: an Informal Domestic Relations Trial (IDRT) or a Traditional Trial.
IDRT
You speak directly to the judge without interruption or questions from the other party.
You explain the issues in a way that makes sense to you and can provide any documents or other evidence without worrying if it’s allowed under the Montana Evidence Rules.
The judge asks you and the other party questions.
Traditional Trial
You or your lawyer present information to the judge by calling witnesses and asking questions of them.
Each side gets to ask questions directly of the other person and their other witnesses.
The Montana Rules of Evidence apply, so only certain kinds of documents and testimony can be considered by the judge.