40-4-103. Application of the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure. (1) Except for proceedings coming under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure apply to all proceedings under this chapter, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
     (2) A proceeding for dissolution of marriage or legal separation shall be entitled, "In re the Marriage of .......... and ............". A custody or support proceeding shall be entitled, "In re the (custody) (support) of ........".
     (3) The initial pleading in all proceedings under this chapter shall be denominated a petition. A responsive pleading shall be denominated a response. Other pleadings, and all pleadings in other matters under this chapter, shall be denominated as provided in the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure.
     (4) In this chapter, "decree" includes "judgment".
     (5) A decree of dissolution or of legal separation, if made, shall not be awarded to one of the parties but shall provide that it affects the status previously existing between the parties in the manner decreed.

     History: En. 48-315 by Sec. 15, Ch. 536, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 26, Ch. 537, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 48-315(part).