Carter County Justice Court
Filing information for Carter County Justice Court in Ekalaka, MT. Part of the Carter County small claims court system.
Small claims in Montana — the numbers that apply at this court
$7,000
maximum claim
$30
filing fee (published)
2–8 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
No
e-filing — file in person or by mail
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Montana small claims guide · The form that starts a case: every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Carter County Justice Court
214 Park Street
Ekalaka, MT 59324
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 72
Ekalaka, MT 59324
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Area Served
Carter County
How to File at Carter County Justice Court
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to take action?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Montana
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $7,000.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
8 yrs written contract · 5 yrs oral contract · 2 yrs property damage · 3 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Carter County Justice Court?
Filing fees in Montana are set by the state and are $30. If you can't afford the fee, Montana offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Carter County?
Small claims cases in Carter County are limited to $7,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Carter County Justice Court?
No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in Carter County. You'll file in person or by mail. Check with the clerk before you make the trip, in case that's changed.
Where is Carter County Justice Court, and when is it open?
Carter County Justice Court is at 214 Park Street, Ekalaka, MT 59324. Posted hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Phone: (406) 775-8754. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Ekalaka?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.