# Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-212: 46-16-212 Competency of spouses

> Montana · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-212

## Section

- **Citation:** Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-212
- **Heading:** 46-16-212 Competency of spouses
- **Jurisdiction:** Montana
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MT Code / Title 46 / Chapter 16 / Part 2 / Section 46-16-212

## Text

46-16-212 . Competency of spouses. (1) Neither spouse may testify to the communications or conversations between spouses that occur during their marriage unless:

(a) consent of the defendant-spouse is obtained;

(b) the defendant-spouse has been charged with an act of criminal violence against the other; or

(c) the defendant-spouse has been charged with abuse, abandonment, or neglect of the other spouse or either spouse's children.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (1), a spouse is a competent witness for or against the other spouse.

## Nearby sections

- [Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-201 46-16-201 Applicability of rules of evidence and civil rules](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-201.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-202 46-16-202 Evidence on trial for treason](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-202.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-204 46-16-204 Defendant presumed innocent -- reasonable doubt](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-204.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-211 46-16-211 Who are competent witnesses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-211.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-212 46-16-212 Competency of spouses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-212.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-213 46-16-213 Testimony of person legally accountable](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-213.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-215 46-16-215 Use of confession](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-215.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-220 46-16-220 Child hearsay exception -- criminal proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-220.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-221 46-16-221 Testimony of third person in cases of abuse of individual with developmental disability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-221.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-222 46-16-222 Testimony of third person in cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of incapacitated person or vulnerable adult](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-222.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-226 46-16-226 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-226.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-227 46-16-227 Raising issue of testimony of child witness outside presence of defendant -- motion by prosecution or defense](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-227.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-228 46-16-228 Hearing -- procedure -- evidence that may be received -- protection for child witness](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-228.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 46-16-229 46-16-229 Order for two-way electronic audio-video communication testimony -- finding by court -- procedure for conducting testimony](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-229.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T46_C16_P2_S46-16-212. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.