North Dakota

North Dakota Legal Resources

Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of North Dakota. Know your rights and find help.

Legal Aid Organizations

Legal Services of North Dakota

Provides free civil legal help to low-income North Dakotans statewide in housing, family, consumer, and Native American law matters.

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North Dakota Legal Self Help Center

Offers free legal information, forms, and self-help resources for North Dakota residents.

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Spirit Lake Victim Assistance

Provides legal advocacy for victims of crime on the Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota.

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Legal Services of North Dakota

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents statewide in housing, family, and benefits matters.

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North Dakota Legal Self Help Center

Offers self-help resources and limited legal assistance to individuals representing themselves in court.

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Court System Overview

The Supreme Court of North Dakota is the court of last resort with five justices. There is no intermediate appellate court (though the Supreme Court may assign cases to a temporary Court of Appeals panel). District Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction across seven judicial districts. Municipal Courts handle city ordinance violations.

Key State Laws & Protections

North Dakota Residential Landlord-Tenant Law

Governs rental relationships under NDCC Chapter 47-16, covering security deposits (one month max, or two months for pet deposits), maintenance obligations, and eviction procedures.

North Dakota Human Rights Act

Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, lending, and government services based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, and public assistance status.

North Dakota Consumer Fraud Act

Prohibits deceptive acts or practices in business, trade, or commerce under NDCC 51-15.

North Dakota Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption

Provides significant property tax reductions for disabled veterans, with full exemption available for veterans with 50% or greater disability.

North Dakota Residential Landlord-Tenant Law

Governs rental relationships under NDCC Chapter 47-16, covering security deposits (max 1 month), habitability, and eviction.

North Dakota Human Rights Act

Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and government services.

Bar Association

State Bar Association of North Dakota
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Legal Aid Hotline

Need Immediate Legal Help?Call Legal Services of North Dakota at 1-800-634-5263 for free legal help.

Emergency Legal Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential support

1-800-799-7233

ND DV/SA Hotline

Statewide domestic violence and sexual assault support

1-800-472-2911

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for crisis support

988

Recent Legal Updates (2025–2026)

ND Property Tax Reform (2025)

Legislative measures to reduce property tax burden, including increased homestead credits and school funding reforms.

ND Child Care Workforce (2025)

New programs and tax incentives to address child care worker shortages and improve access to affordable child care.

Related Guides

Know Your RightsFind a LawyerLegal Aid ResourcesCourt Preparation

Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

Personal Injury

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Contract Disputes

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Property Damage

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Medical Malpractice

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Fraud

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Court Filing Fees

Small Claims Court

Typical filing fee: $10-$30 (claims up to $15,000)

Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.

Civil Court

Typical filing fee: $80-$200

Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.

Family Court

Typical filing fee: $80-$150

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.

Free Legal Aid Organizations

Legal Services of North Dakota

Statewide free civil legal help for low-income residents in housing, family, consumer, and public benefits matters.

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North Dakota Legal Self-Help Center

Online resources and court self-help services for unrepresented litigants.

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Disability Rights North Dakota

Free legal advocacy for North Dakotans with disabilities on issues of access and civil rights.

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State Bar Resources

State Bar Association of North Dakota

Referral: Lawyer Referral Service: (701) 255-1404

Pro Bono: ND Pro Bono Program coordinates volunteer attorney services.

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Frequently Asked Legal Questions in North Dakota

North Dakota has multiple legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help to income-eligible residents. You can also contact your local bar association for pro bono referrals, or visit our Legal Aid Finder to search by zip code.
In North Dakota, tenants generally have the right to a habitable dwelling, proper notice before eviction, the return of security deposits within a specified timeframe, and protection from housing discrimination. Specific rules vary — visit our Tenant Rights Checker for North Dakota-specific details.
North Dakota allows expungement or record sealing for many misdemeanor and some felony convictions, typically after a waiting period and no subsequent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge type, sentence served, and time elapsed. Use our Expungement Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify.
North Dakota sets its own minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. Many cities within the state may have even higher local minimums. Use our Wage & Overtime Calculator to check the current North Dakota minimum wage and calculate your pay.
The statute of limitations in North Dakota sets the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury or dispute. It varies by case type — personal injury, contracts, and criminal charges all have different limits. Use our Legal Deadline Calculator to find your specific deadline in North Dakota.