What if the biological parent lives in Montana but I live in another state?

You file where YOU and the child live — not where the biological parent lives. If you live in another state but the biological parent is in Montana, the adoption is filed in YOUR state, not Montana.

However, if you and the child live in Montana:

• You file in Montana District Court
• The biological parent can be served anywhere — in Montana or in another state
• The adoption follows Montana law regardless of where the other parent lives
• 0 months residency required (Mont. Code Ann. § 42-1-103)

If the biological parent lives in Montana and you live elsewhere:

• You file in YOUR state's court
• The biological parent is served at their Montana address
• Montana's laws do not govern — your state's laws do
• Contact us and we'll prepare documents for your state

Cross-state service of process:

• A sheriff or process server in Montana can serve the biological parent
• If the parent is cooperative, they can sign consent and have it notarized in Montana
• If the parent's location in Montana is unknown, service by publication may be used

Cost: $349 regardless of which state | Call (855) 924-0450 to discuss your multi-state situation.