North Dakota Divorce Forms — Complete Guide (2026)
North Dakota divorce forms are available at: ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/family-law/divorce — North Dakota Courts legal self-help.
Where to Get North Dakota Divorce Forms
ND Courts Self-Help: ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/family-law/divorce — official forms.
District Court Clerk's Office: In-person at the courthouse in your county.
Legal Services of North Dakota: legalnd.org — free civil legal help statewide.
Core Forms — Agreed Divorce
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Complaint for Divorce | Filed by Petitioner; alleges irreconcilable differences |
| Summons | Served on Respondent |
| Acceptance of Service | Respondent waives formal service |
| Separation Agreement | Filed with Complaint — all property, debts, support, custody |
| Judgment of Divorce | Judge's final order |
| If children: Parenting Plan | Required; comprehensive |
| If children: Child Support Worksheet | ND Guidelines calculation |
Separation Agreement — Filed with the Complaint
North Dakota files the Separation Agreement with the Complaint for Divorce. Complete and execute it before filing. It must cover:
Marital Real Property:
- Full address and legal description
- Agreed FMV; mortgage balance; marital equity
- Assignment: who keeps (buyout; refinancing deadline; fallback; Quitclaim Deed → ND Recorder) or sale (proceeds split; timeline)
Marital Financial Accounts:
- Institution, type, balance; assignment; transfer
Retirement Accounts:
- QDRO for employer plans (marital portion from date of marriage to date of separation)
- IRA: transfer incident to divorce
- NDPERS (North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System): ndpers.nd.gov — DRO after Judgment
Vehicles: Assignment; loan assumption; ND DMV title transfer
Marital Debts: Creditor, balance, who assumes, indemnification
Separate Property Acknowledgment: Each spouse's separate property explicitly confirmed
Spousal Support: Award with amount, duration, payment terms — or explicit waiver
If Children:
- Legal and physical custody designations
- Comprehensive Parenting Plan
- Child support per North Dakota Child Support Guidelines
North Dakota Child Support Guidelines
North Dakota uses an income shares model:
- Determine both parents' gross monthly income
- Apply allowable deductions
- Look up combined obligation in the ND Child Support Schedule
- Allocate proportionally by income share
- Adjust for health insurance, childcare, parenting time
Duration: North Dakota child support generally continues to age 18 or through high school graduation (not to exceed 19).
Spousal Support — North Dakota Factors (NDCC § 14-05-24.1)
North Dakota courts consider all relevant factors, including:
- Duration of the marriage
- Age, health, earning capacity of each party
- Standard of living established during the marriage
- Contribution to the other's education or career
- Homemaker contributions
- Relative financial circumstances
- Tax consequences
No formula — judicial discretion. Rehabilitative and permanent spousal support are both available.
Last reviewed: March 2026 | ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/family-law/divorce | Separation Agreement filed with Complaint | "Irreconcilable differences" (NDCC § 14-05-03.1) | Equitable distribution (NDCC § 14-05-24) | Spousal support: NDCC § 14-05-24.1 | ND Recorder for deed recording | NDPERS for state employees | legalnd.org
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.