Civil Process Information

Please send any civil paperwork to the following address:

Gallatin County Sheriff's Office
                Attn: Civil Division
                615 S. 16th Ave.
                Bozeman, MT 59715
                406-582-2109
 
The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office will assist in the countywide service of civil papers, protective orders, abandoned vehicles, executions, State of Montana Child Support Enforcement Services, tax collection and tax property sales.  

CIVIL SERVICE FEES
A flat rate charge of $70 is required for the service of each original paper being served. THIS FEE MUST BE PAID IN ADVANCE. The Sheriff's Office will not serve any papers unless accompanied by the paid fee in cash, check or money order.  We do not accept out-of-state personal checks.
 
  • Example:  A civil paper to be served upon one person = $70
  • Example:  A civil paper to be served upon two individuals (even if they live at the same address) = $140
  • Example:  A civil paper to be served upon one person as an individual and that same person as an agent for a certain business is considered two separate services.  
                                        Total = $140
 
EXECUTIONS are $175. In addition, advertising in the local newspaper will be billed directly to the individual or agent or attorney, if represented by one. Towing and storage arrangements must be pre-arranged by the plaintiff. If requesting attachments on more than one entity, there is an additional fee of $75.
 
WRIT OF EXECUTION ON REAL PROPERTY:  $225 per property.
 

SHERIFF'S SALE:  $175

 
Persons who are unable to pay service fees must submit a "PAUPER'S AFFIDAVIT" in order to have service made without charge. Those papers may be obtained from the Clerk of Court and must be first approved through the Court.
 
Attorneys acting as public defenders will not be charged. This fact must be noted on the praecipe.
 
All civil papers must be accompanied by a signed praecipe (instructional page) with a valid physical address given for service. P.O. Boxes or mailboxes, etc., will not be accepted and your papers will be returned.
 
THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR RETURNING DOCUMENTS WITHOUT SERVICE AT THE REQUEST OF A PLANTIFF OR PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN PROCESSED.
 
The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office will attempt each service as soon as possible. The deputies do have other duties which take precedence over process service.
 
If you are a tenant facing eviction, call 406-449-1121 for assistance.
 
WRIT OF ASSISTANCE:  $70 for service on each person by service or posting. NOTE:  There may be additional charges for stand-bys longer than 15 minutes.