Montana Title 85. Water Use § 85-5-402. Appointment of commissioner prior to final decree

After the filing of the complaint in an action under 85-5-401, the court may, upon 5 days' notice to the other parties to the action, appoint a commissioner to divide and distribute the waters of the ditch to the respective parties, according to their respective rights, during the pendency of the action. The court may, upon good cause shown, appoint a commissioner without notice, and when a commissioner is appointed without notice, any party to the action may, on 5 days' notice to the plaintiff, move the court or judge to vacate the appointment or to modify the order as to the distribution of the waters of the ditch. The court or judge, on hearing, may affirm, vacate, or modify the order previously made. Each water commissioner appointed shall subscribe to an oath of office before commencing the discharge of duties.