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On June 9, 2026, the Montana judiciary announced a series of significant changes in civil practice that will impact all civil litigation proceedings in the state. These changes are aimed at streamlining the court process, reducing delays, and improving access to justice for all parties involved in civil cases.One of the key changes introduced is the adoption of electronic filing for all civil cases. This move is expected to modernize the court system, improve efficiency, and reduce paperwork. Attorneys and litigants will now be required to file all documents electronically through the court's online portal. This change is expected to significantly speed up the processing of cases and reduce administrative burdens on court staff.Additionally, the Montana judiciary has also implemented new rules aimed at promoting alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in civil cases. Under the new rules, parties in civil cases will be encouraged to explore mediation and arbitration as options for resolving their disputes before proceeding to trial. This is expected to reduce the burden on the court system and lead to quicker resolution of cases.Furthermore, the judiciary has announced a revised scheduling and case management system for civil cases. Under the new system, judges will be assigned to cases at an earlier stage in the litigation process, and strict deadlines will be set for the completion of various stages of the litigation. This is intended to reduce delays in the court system and ensure that cases are resolved in a timely manner.Overall, these changes represent a significant overhaul of civil practice in Montana and are expected to have a positive impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the court system. The judiciary is confident that these changes will lead to a more streamlined and accessible civil justice system for all parties involved in civil litigation.Attorneys and litigants in Montana are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these new rules and procedures to ensure compliance and to take advantage of the benefits they offer in terms of efficiency and access to justice. The judiciary will provide training and support to help facilitate the transition to the new system.