Mont. Code Ann. § 82-2-205

Upon the return of the summons or upon any day to which the hearing is adjourned, the defendants may answer, issue must be joined, and the judge shall hear the allegations and proofs of the respective parties. If, upon the hearing, the judge is satisfied that the claims of the plaintiff may be worked conveniently only by means of the privilege asked for, the judge shall make an order adjudging and awarding to the plaintiff the right-of-way and shall appoint three commissioners who are disinterested persons and residents of the county to assess the damages to the lands or claims affected by the order.