u/Brilliant-Swan1572

Last night a buddy and I decided we both needed to let our hair down. (He’s got hair…I’m bald, so you know what I mean. 😂)
We head downtown Bozeman, sit down next to a couple, and within the first minute the woman smiles and says, “Oh, you must not be from here.”
She seemed genuinely excited because she thought we’d have “not being from here” in common.
I laughed and said, “Actually, I am. I’m “The Montana Boy” I’m a music producer/artist, and I love this state.”
The conversation got awkward almost instantly.
I didn’t change my attitude. I stayed kind, friendly, and we ended up having a great night afterward—dancing salsa, meeting some cool people, and enjoying ourselves.
But that first interaction stuck with me.
Since when did “You’re not from here, right?” become the opening line? It felt less like curiosity and more like trying to separate people into “locals” and “everyone else.”
Montana is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and I hope we don’t lose the part of our culture that welcomes people before labeling them.
Maybe I’m reading too much into one conversation. Maybe not.
Either way, I’d rather connect over music, stories, family, or what brings someone joy than whether they were born within state lines.
Just a strange moment that left me thinking.

I am a dealer and haven’t heard about outage issues just the portal website issues until today!! Is any else experiencing network outage. I have multiple customers that can text but not call. Dealer support says the accounts look fine 😖

Where can I go?

Research / appellate procedure question for anyone familiar with Montana appeals or appellate briefing generally:

If an appealed order labels a litigant vexatious or imposes filing restrictions/sanctions, how much of the prior procedural history can appropriately be discussed in the opening brief when arguing abuse of discretion and due process concerns?

In my situation, the appealed order arose after a long sequence of unresolved motions and disputed parenting-plan enforcement issues. Earlier in the case there was also a hearing involving serious allegations where:
- I was not permitted to fully testify,
- impeachment material against a witness was not admitted,
- and substantial restrictions were imposed afterward.

That hearing transcript is part of the record and, in my view, provides important context for the procedural history leading to the appealed sanctions order.

I am not asking for legal advice or representation — I am self-represented and trying to better understand appellate framing and organization.

More specifically, I’m trying to understand:
- how appellate courts distinguish relevant procedural history from attempting to relitigate prior rulings,
- whether prior hearing transcripts can be used to demonstrate a broader pattern of due process concerns,
- and how much historical context is generally appropriate in an opening brief challenging sanctions/prefiling restrictions.

Any general insight on appellate structure, research direction, or examples of how courts analyze this would be appreciated.

Looking for a Montana law student, paralegal, or someone with appellate/legal writing experience to help review and organize a pro se Montana Supreme Court appeal brief.

Mainly looking for help with:
- formatting/citations
- table of authorities
- appellate organization
- checking record citations

This is a family law / parenting-plan appeal involving abuse-of-discretion and due-process issues.

Not looking for legal representation or formal legal advice — more like research/writing assistance and a second set of eyes from someone familiar with appellate formatting and legal structure.

Paying $35/hour. Remote is fine.

Please message me with:
- your background/experience
- whether you’ve worked with appellate briefs before
- availability over the next couple weeks

4062102121