40-3-111. Conciliation court -- jurisdiction. (1) Each district court shall exercise the jurisdiction conferred by this chapter and while sitting in the exercise of such jurisdiction shall be known and referred to as the "conciliation court".

(2) Whenever any controversy exists between the spouses which may, unless a reconciliation is achieved, result in the dissolution or annulment of the marriage or in the disruption of the household and there is any minor child of the spouses or of either of them whose welfare might be affected thereby, the conciliation court shall have jurisdiction over the controversy and over the parties thereto and all persons having any relation to the controversy as further provided in this chapter.

(3) Whenever application is made to the conciliation court for conciliation proceedings in respect to a controversy between spouses or a contested action for dissolution, annulment, or separate maintenance but there is no minor child whose welfare may be affected by the results of the controversy and it appears to the court that reconciliation of the spouses or amicable adjustment of the controversy can probably be achieved and that the work of the court in cases involving children will not be seriously impeded by acceptance of the case, the court may accept and dispose of the case in the same manner as similar cases involving the welfare of children are disposed of. In the event of such application and acceptance, the court shall have the same jurisdiction over the controversy and the parties thereto or having any relation thereto that it has under this chapter in similar cases involving the welfare of children.

(4) The jurisdiction of the conciliation courts and the powers thereof shall be as provided in the constitution of Montana, Title 3, chapter 5, parts 1 through 4, and acts amendatory and relating thereto, including the right of disqualification of any judge of the conciliation court.