Mont. Code Ann. § 25-35-608
25-35-608 Fees
25-35-608 . Fees. (1) The clerk of the justice's court shall collect a fee of:
(a) $20 from the plaintiff upon the filing of the sworn complaint; and
(b) $10 from the defendant upon the defendant's appearance and contesting of the complaint or execution of a counterclaim.
(2) The laws relating to paupers' affidavits apply to actions before the small claims court.