Ravalli County Justice Court 1
Filing information for Ravalli County Justice Court 1 in Hamilton, MT. Part of the Ravalli 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
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Montana small claims guide · The form that starts a case: every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Ravalli County Justice Court 1
205 Bedford Street, Suite E
Hamilton, MT 59840
Mailing Address
205 Bedford Street, Suite E
Hamilton, MT 59840
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
How to File at Ravalli County Justice Court 1
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: E-filing is available for Montana Courts, but currently, only attorneys are allowed to e-file. Self-represented litigants may not e-file.
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 get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideWrong court? Ravalli County has 2 courts.
See all 2 courts in Ravalli County →Small 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 Ravalli County Justice Court 1?
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 Ravalli County?
Small claims cases in Ravalli 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 Ravalli County Justice Court 1?
Electronic filing exists here, but the record indicates it isn't open to people representing themselves — it's for attorneys. Plan to file in person or by mail, and ask the clerk whether that's still the case.
Where is Ravalli County Justice Court 1, and when is it open?
Ravalli County Justice Court 1 is at 205 Bedford Street, Suite E, Hamilton, MT 59840. Posted hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.. Phone: (406) 375-6755. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Hamilton?
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.