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All FAQs

While the information presented below is accurate as of the date of publication, it should not be cited or relied upon as legal authority. It is highly recommended that legal advice be obtained from a bankruptcy attorney or legal association. For filing requirements, please refer to the United States Bankruptcy Code (Title 11, United States Code), the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure (Bankruptcy Rules), and the Local Rules for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana.

  • Can I fax file?

    The Montana Bankruptcy court does not permit fax filing.

  • Is there any place I can get free or low cost legal advice before I file?

    Contact:  Montana Legal Services Help Line at 800-666-6899.

  • Do I need an attorney to file bankruptcy?

    While it is possible for an individual to file a bankruptcy case "pro se", that is, without the assistance of an attorney, it may be difficult to do so successfully. See Bankruptcy Basics for some important general information about filing for bankruptcy without an attorney.

    As noted in the general information, it is recommended that a person considering bankruptcy consult with a competent attorney prior to filing a case.

    Court employees cannot give you legal advice.

  • How do I obtain court or case information?

    Court case information can be accessed by:

    • Contacting the U.S. Bankruptcy Court at
      U.S. Federal Building
      400 North Main 2nd Floor
      Butte, MT 59701
      406-497-1240
      1-800-888-2530
    • Electronic Access to Case and Court Information:
      • PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) - Extensive access to case records via the Internet.
        The court provides real-time access to electronic case records via PACER services over the internet. You may access PACER here.

        If you don't presently have an account, or have questions such as regarding fees or access to the federal courts' PACER services (including other court's PACER sites and/or the US Party/Case Index system), contact the PACER Service Center at 1-800-676-6856 or at www.pacer.uscourts.gov.
         

      • VCIS (Voice Case Information System) 1-866-222-8029
        A free service using a touch-tone telephone that provides basic case information. VCIS is a free service that uses a touch-tone telephone. It provides basic case information.
  • How many copies do I need to file at the court and where do I send them?

    The court does not require any additional copies (just the original) of a petition filed with the court. However, you are encouraged to keep a copy for your records. If you wish to retain a copy of the petition, stamped with the date of filing for your records, you must provide an additional copy, as well as a self-addressed envelope with adequate postage if you are filing by mail.

    Clerk’s Office address:

    U.S. Bankruptcy Court
    400 North Main Street 2nd Floor
    Butte, MT 59701

    Filers may drop off their fillings at federal courthouses in the Missoula, Great Falls, and Billings divisions. See Court Locations for Filing.

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