(1) The salary of the judge pro tempore or special master and the court reporter and all other expenses associated with the trial are the responsibility of the parties to the action. The amount of salaries and other expenses and the manner of payment must be established by written agreement. (2) The judge pro tempore or special master may not withhold judgment as security for compensation.
Compensation -- Expenses
Mont. Code Ann. § 3-5-116, under Definition of Districts and Assignment of Judges.
Mont. Code Ann. § 3-5-116