Montana § 31-1-235 - Delinquency Fee
Full text of Montana Montana Code Annotated § 31-1-235 — Delinquency Fee, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-1-235. Delinquency Fee
Delinquency fee. (1) The holder of a retail installment contract or a retail charge account agreement may collect a delinquency charge on each installment in default for a period not less than 10 days in an amount not to exceed $10 or, alternatively, the holder may calculate a fixed delinquency fee that is expressed as an interest rate not exceeding 15% of each installment in default. The delinquency charge expressed in this subsection as a simple interest rate represents a method of calculating a fixed delinquency charge and is not interest. (2) This section does not preclude a holder of a retail installment contract or retail charge account agreement from collecting, in addition to the delinquency charge, regularly accruing interest at the current contract rate applicable under the terms of the buyer's and seller's contract, provided the contract was made on simple interest and is not a precomputed contract. (3) A retail installment contract may provide for the payment of both a delinquency charge as permitted in subsection (1) and attorney fees not exceeding 15% of the amount due and payable under the contract when the contract is referred for collection to an attorney not a salaried employee of the holder of the contract and for court costs and actual and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the delinquency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana § 31-1-235
What does Montana Code Annotated § 31-1-235 cover?
Section 31-1-235 ("Delinquency Fee") is part of the Montana Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Montana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Montana § 31-1-235?
A common citation format is "Montana Code Annotated § 31-1-235" (Montana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Montana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Montana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Montana attorney.
How does Montana § 31-1-235 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Montana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Montana.