Montana Title 25. Civil Procedure MT R J AND CITY CT RCP Rule 16.Failure to appear or proceed

A. DEFENDANT. If a defendant, who has been properly served, fails to appear at the time fixed for trial, the trial may proceed at the request of the adverse party or parties.

B. PLAINTIFF. If a plaintiff fails to appear at the time fixed for trial, the judge shall dismiss the plaintiff's claim with prejudice and award costs to the defendant. The trial may proceed on any other pending claims of any other parties.

C. TIME. If a party fails to pursue disposition of a matter filed in a justice or city court in a timely manner, the court may, on it's own motion, dismiss the matter without prejudice. A dismissal at the court's discretion under this Rule 16C must be by written notice of the court to all parties and may not be made for at least 90 days after the last action. The notice must state that unless good cause is shown by a party or a party's attorney within 30 days of the court's notice, the matter must be dismissed without prejudice. If good cause is shown, in writing, by a party or a party's attorney, the court may set the matter for trial and no dismissal may be entered by the court.