Child Support
MCA 40-4-204 — the uniform guidelines in every case, and support until high school graduation, no later than the 19th birthday
Whenever a court issues or modifies a child support order, it applies the uniform child support guidelines adopted by the Department of Public Health and Human Services, in every case, including defaults and agreed amounts. A court that finds the guideline amount unjust or inappropriate states its reasons and the amount the guidelines would ordinarily have required.
Who handles this in Montana: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Montana directory.
When support ends. Support ends at emancipation or at graduation from high school if the child is enrolled, whichever is later, but no later than the child's 19th birthday, unless a written agreement or the decree extends or knowingly waives that date. It does not end on age alone for a child with a disability that makes the child financially dependent on a custodial parent who is the child's primary caregiver.
Changing an order. Support can be modified on a showing of changed circumstances so substantial and continuing that the existing terms are unconscionable.
The guidelines are adopted as department rules rather than written into the statute. How they apply to a particular household are questions for a licensed Montana attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- MCA 40-4-204 — Child support -- orders to address health insurance -- withholding of child support
- MCA 40-4-208 — Modification and termination of provisions for maintenance, support, and property disposition
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Montana attorney.