Thanks for the information.

You MUST file a WRITTEN Answer to the Petition for Parenting Plan.

You must use the same format (eg. Plaintiff v Defendant, court, judge, case no) in the same way.

You must answer each of the allegations that are contained in the Petition for Parenting Plan.
1. You can "admit" the allegations contained in a paragraph;
2. You can "deny" the allegations contained in a paragraph, and if you do, you must state WHY you deny the allegations and provide any proof that you have that the allegations are false; (for example, show proof of completion of counseling, proof of sobriety, what you are doing to maintain sobriety, etc.)
3. You can neither admit or deny the allegations contained in a paragraph because you don't have enough information upon which to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations, and therefore leave Petitioner to her proofs.

At the end of the Answer, you should write, WHEREFORE, Defendant (Respondent) requests this Court
1. that Plaintiff (Petitioner's) Petition is denied;
2. that Defendant (Respondent's) Parenting Time Schedule as attached hereto is adopted by this Court or in the alternative, that the matter be scheduled for mediation;
4. that Defendant (Respondent) be awarded any other relief that is just and equitable.

Sign and date your Answer. File the Original with the Court and send a copy to the Petitioner's attorney. You must also file a Proof of Service (available at the court) that indicates how you served the Petitioner's attorney. Regular mail is fine.

You should propose your own parenting plan.

The court assumes that children should have frequent and continuing contact” with both parents. It is not necessary for a child to spend exactly equal amounts of time with each parent. However, when the child resides with one parent most of the time, the court expects that the other parent will be allowed reasonable contact with the child.

Below is a link to a page that indicates what should be included in a parenting plan. Remember, the court's OVERRIDING FACTOR IN DETERMING A PARENTING PLAN IS WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD.

http://www.custodyxchange.com/montana/parenting-plan.php

You may wish to ask that you be awarded parenting time:
1. Every other weekend from Friday at 6:00 p.m. until Sunday at 6:00 p.m. (or whatever is good for you)
2. Every other holiday
3. Every father's day
4. Alternate the child's birthday
5. Alternate Halloween
6. 2 weeks of uninterrupted vacation time in summer (or whatever time is appropriate)
7. 1/2 of each school break when child is old enough to attend school
AND ANY OTHER TIME THAT YOU FEEL IS FREE

You have a little time before the hearing. It is STRONGLY suggested that you speak to an attorney who specializes in family law. You can discuss the specific facts of your case, evaluate your options, and decide how to proceed.

Below please find two resources to use in finding an attorney.

1. State Bar of Montana Lawyer Referral Service-(NNN) NNN-NNNNbr/> The State Bar of Montana offers a free lawyer referral service which can help connect you with a private attorney to discuss your dissolution. They will attempt to select an attorney near you. The attorney will consult with you for up to ½ hour for not more than $30. If you decide to hire the attorney to represent you, the additional fees and costs will be arranged between you and the attorney. You may reach the Lawyer Referral service Monday-Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

2. Montana Legal Services Association-(NNN) NNN-NNNNbr/>The Montana Legal Services Association provides free legal assistance to low-income
persons. If you are eligible for services, Montana Legal Services may be able to give
you advice on filing your Answer.

It has been a pleasure to interact with you today. I hope you find this information useful and that you CLICK THE SMILEY FACE so that I can get credit for answering the question. Thank you.