(a) Notice of limited appearance. If specifically so stated in a notice of limited appearance filed and served prior to or simultaneous with the proceeding, an attorney’s role may be limited to one or more individual proceedings in the action.
Rule 4.2.Notice of Limited Appearance and Withdrawal as Attorney
Enacted effective October 1, 2011 · Last verified June 26, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4.2 supplies the mechanics for limited-scope representation: an attorney files a notice limiting their role to specific proceedings, and that role ends automatically by filing a notice of completion — no court permission required.
Full Text of Rule 4.2
(b) At the conclusion of such proceedings the attorney’s role terminates without the necessity of leave of court, upon the attorney filing notice of completion of limited appearance.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 4.2 is the companion to Rule 4.1, and it handles the paperwork of limited representation. An attorney can confine their role to one or more specific proceedings by filing and serving a notice of limited appearance before or at the time of the proceeding.
Just as importantly, getting out is simple. When the limited proceedings are over, the lawyer’s role ends upon filing a notice of completion — without needing the court’s leave to withdraw. That removes a common obstacle to offering unbundled help: the fear of being stuck in a case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a lawyer make a limited appearance?
By filing and serving a notice of limited appearance that states the specific proceeding or proceedings, before or at the time of that proceeding.
Does the lawyer need the court’s permission to withdraw afterward?
No. When the limited proceedings conclude, the lawyer’s role ends upon filing a notice of completion of limited appearance, without leave of court.
Source & verification. Reproduced verbatim from the Montana Code Annotated as
published by the State Law Library of Montana and the Montana Legislature. This rule has not been amended since its adoption.
Adopted by the Supreme Court of Montana (AF 07-0157). Last verified June 26, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as: notice of limited appearancelimited appearance