Montana Default Judgment Vacatur Rules
Montana has one of the tighter windows in the country to vacate a default judgment. The primary vacatur rule (Mont. R. Civ. P. 55(c), 60(b)) imposes a 60 days (60(b)(1-3)) deadline for most enumerated grounds. After that window closes, only narrow grounds remain (void judgment, jurisdictional defect, or equitable relief).
| Rule | Montana Standard |
|---|---|
| Primary rule citation | Mont. R. Civ. P. 55(c), 60(b) |
| Answer deadline (from service) | 21 days |
| Window to vacate (ordinary) | 60 days (60(b)(1-3)) |
| Window for void judgment | reasonable time (void) |
Montana's 60-day window is one of the shortest in the West; post-60-day relief requires void judgment or extraordinary circumstances.
How Montana Courts Evaluate Your Motion
Lussy v. Ocwen three-prong test (no culpable conduct + meritorious defense + no prejudice).
The universal thread across most Montana cases: you must show both a procedural excuse (why you did not answer) and a meritorious defense (why you should have won). One without the other rarely succeeds.
- Excusable neglect. Genuine accident, illness, or service failure -- not mere forgetfulness or choice to ignore.
- Meritorious defense. SOL, lack of contract, wrong defendant, paid debt, or FDCPA violation. See the full list.
- Prompt motion. Montana courts penalize delay. File immediately after learning of the judgment.
- No prejudice to plaintiff. The longer you wait, the more the plaintiff has relied on the judgment.
Debt Collector Failure to Appear -- Montana Rules
If the collector or plaintiff fails to appear at a required hearing in Montana, you can often move for dismissal with prejudice. The cure rules flip in this scenario:
- Status hearing no-show. Most Montana courts enter a dismissal for lack of prosecution after one or two missed appearances.
- Garnishment hearing no-show. The writ is quashed and any withheld wages may be ordered returned.
- Evidence hearing no-show. If the collector cannot produce a live witness with personal knowledge of the account, the court may sua sponte dismiss.
Many junk-debt buyers lose on failure-to-appear alone because they cannot produce a live witness with knowledge of the original account. Always demand a live witness and attend every hearing.
Improper Service in Montana -- The Strongest Ground
Service defects are the most common -- and strongest -- ground to vacate in Montana. When service was never properly made, the default judgment is void (not merely voidable), which means it can be attacked at any time under most state rules, not just within the ordinary vacatur window.
Common service defects in Montana:
- "Sewer service" -- process server lies about delivery and you never receive the summons.
- Service on wrong address after you moved.
- Substitute service on someone not authorized to accept (e.g., minor child, ex-spouse, neighbor).
- Publication service without exhausting personal-service attempts.
- Service on a co-defendant rather than you directly.
See improper-service defense deep dive for the affidavit template and evidentiary burden.
Extrinsic vs Intrinsic Fraud in Montana
Montana distinguishes extrinsic fraud (cognizable as void-judgment attack, no time limit in most states) from intrinsic fraud (subject to the ordinary vacatur window).
- Extrinsic fraud - fraud on the court that prevented you from presenting your defense. Example: the plaintiff lied about your address to prevent service.
- Intrinsic fraud - fraud in the evidence or pleadings presented. Example: the plaintiff attached a forged contract. Subject to the 60 days (60(b)(1-3)) window in Montana.
Extrinsic fraud is the stronger path in Montana because it is generally not subject to the ordinary time bar.
When Bankruptcy Resolves the Underlying Debt
If you cannot vacate the default judgment in Montana, bankruptcy often remains viable:
- Chapter 7 discharges the underlying debt, making the judgment unenforceable as to you personally.
- Chapter 13 treats the judgment as a general unsecured claim paid pro rata through the plan.
- Judgment lien avoidance under 11 U.S.C. Section 522(f) strips judgment liens that impair your homestead exemption.
Check 1328(f) refiling screener and the Montana means test to see if you qualify.