1. MCA Contents
  2. TITLE 25
  3. CHAPTER 31
  4. Part 4
  5. 25-31-406 Time for answer or appearance

Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 25. CIVIL PROCEDURE

CHAPTER 31. PROCEDURE IN JUSTICES' COURTS

Part 4. Commencement of Action -- Summons

Time For Answer Or Appearance

25-31-406. Time for answer or appearance. The time specified in the summons for the appearance of the defendant must be as follows:

(1) if an order of arrest is endorsed upon the summons, immediately;

(2) in all other cases, the summons must provide that the defendant shall answer in writing, file the answer, and serve a copy upon the plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney within 20 days after service of the summons, exclusive of the day of service, and in case of the defendant's failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against the defendant by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

History: En. Sec. 557, p. 152, Bannack Stat.; re-en. Sec. 663, p. 169, Cod. Stat. 1871; re-en. Sec. 723, 1st Div. Rev. Stat. 1879; re-en. Sec. 743, 1st Div. Comp. Stat. 1887; amd. Sec. 1506, C. Civ. Proc. 1895; re-en. Sec. 6999, Rev. C. 1907; re-en. Sec. 9632, R.C.M. 1921; Cal. C. Civ. Proc. Sec. 845; re-en. Sec. 9632, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 34, L. 1937; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 196, L. 1939; R.C.M. 1947, 93-6707; amd. Sec. 26, Ch. 16, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 496, Ch. 56, L. 2009.