Mont. Code Ann. § 70-30-202

All proceedings under this chapter must be brought in the district court of the county in which the property or some part of the property is situated. A proceeding must be commenced by filing a complaint and issuing a summons. A summons served under this chapter must contain a notice to the condemnee to file and serve an answer. Within 6 months from the date that the summons is served, unless the court shortens or lengthens that time for good cause, the court, sitting without a jury, shall commence a trial on the issue of whether a preliminary condemnation order should be issued.