Guide
Montana Judgments & Liens Search at a Glance
In Montana, money judgments come from the district courts and the courts of limited jurisdiction. A district court judgment is a lien on the debtor's real property in the county from the time the clerk of the district court dockets it, and a certified transcript of the docket filed with the district court clerk of another county makes it a lien there too. UCC financing statements are filed with the Montana Secretary of State.
Always confirm the official record by ordering a certified copy from the originating office when accuracy matters for closing, refinancing, or litigation.
Guide
Where to search court judgments in Montana
Montana courts are moving to a new centralized case management system, and as they do, public records become available through the Montana District Court Public Access Portal and the Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Public Access Portal. For other cases, contact the clerk of the court that heard the case.
Guide
Where liens are recorded in Montana
From the time it is docketed, a judgment is a lien on all of the debtor's real property in the county that is not exempt from execution, including property acquired later (MCA 25-9-301). A transcript of the docket filed with the district court clerk of any other county makes it a lien there (MCA 25-9-302). A construction lien must be filed with the county clerk and recorder within 90 days after the claimant's final furnishing of services or materials, or after the owner files a notice of completion, with a copy served on the owner (MCA 71-3-535).
Guide
Montana UCC filings
UCC financing statements are filed with the Montana Secretary of State, which runs an online lien search. A standard UCC11 search costs $7 and returns every lien filed with the office, including UCC, federal tax and child support liens.
Guide
How long a judgment lien lasts in Montana
A judgment lien continues for 10 years unless the judgment is satisfied first; a lien for child support runs 10 years from the end of the support obligation or from a lump sum judgment for arrears, whichever is later (MCA 25-9-301). An action on a judgment must be brought within 10 years (MCA 27-2-201).
Guide
Finding the debtor's assets after judgment in Montana
Montana's procedure is the proceeding supplementary to execution in MCA 25-14-101, titled Debtor to answer concerning debtor's property when execution unsatisfied. When an execution against property is returned unsatisfied in whole or in part, the judgment creditor is entitled to an order from the judge requiring the judgment debtor to appear and answer concerning the judgment debtor's property before the judge or a referee appointed by the judge, at a time and place specified in the order. A resident debtor cannot be required to appear outside the county of residence.
The court files can shorten the examination. A Montana dissolution file is public, and although the sworn disclosures are not filed, the Proposed Property Distribution form MP-500 and the decree list the real property, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts and debts and who received each. A bankruptcy file in the District of Montana lists deposit accounts by institution and the employer by name. The Montana asset search page covers both.
Guide
Court forms and self-help in Montana
The Court Help Program is a free service of the Montana Supreme Court for people with civil legal problems, and the courts post the forms used to collect a judgment, such as writs of execution and satisfactions of judgment.
Guide
Federal & National Authoritative Sources
By state
Judgments and liens in other states
Straight answers
Montana Judgments & Liens Search, questions
How long is a judgment lien enforceable in Montana?
In Montana, a money judgment is enforceable as a lien for 10 years from the date it is entered or properly docketed. Creditors who want to extend collection beyond that period must file a renewal motion with the issuing court before the lien lapses. Read the Montana statute.
What is the deadline for filing a mechanics lien in Montana?
In Montana, a mechanics lien (also called a construction or materialman's lien) must generally be filed within 90 days after the claimant last furnished labor or materials to the project. Different deadlines may apply to general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, so check the exact statute before relying on this window. Source: Montana statute.
What property is protected from judgment creditors in Montana?
Montana protects a homestead, the debtor's primary residence, up to $350,000 in equity from forced sale by most judgment creditors. Personal property exemptions (motor vehicle, household goods, tools of trade, retirement accounts) are listed separately in the state code. Confirm the current amount on the official source.
Where do I file or search a UCC-1 in Montana?
UCC-1 financing statements for personal-property collateral in Montana are filed with the Secretary of State (or equivalent state filing office). Open the official Montana UCC filing portal. Real-property liens (mortgages, judgment-lien dockets, mechanics liens) are recorded at the county recorder/clerk where the property is located, not at the state level.