North Dakota family-law guide · reviewed August 22, 2026
North Dakota Residential Responsibility & Parenting Time
Current, source-linked North Dakota terminology and rules without imported out-of-state formulas.
Legal information, not legal advice. North Dakota law and local practice can change. Verify forms, fees, filing methods, service, and hearing procedure with the State District Court receiving your case.
North Dakota terminology
Residential responsibility
Where the child primarily lives.
Primary residential responsibility
More than 50% of residential responsibility.
Parenting time
The scheduled time with each parent.
State District Court
Where North Dakota family cases are heard.
Core rules
- North Dakota uses 'residential responsibility', 'parenting time', and 'decisionmaking responsibility'
- The court decides based on the child's best interests (NDCC 14-09-06.2)
- A parenting plan is required when parenting time is established or modified (NDCC 14-09-30)
- Cases are heard in the North Dakota State District Court
Support and modification cautions
North Dakota uses a percentage-of-income model under N.D. Admin. Code ch. 75-02-04.1 — child support is based on the obligor's income. Extended parenting time (75-02-04.1-08.1) is a court-ordered schedule exceeding 100 overnights annually and provides an adjustment. Equal residential responsibility (75-02-04.1-08.2) is calculated and offset separately.
Official sources reviewed August 22, 2026
- NDCC ch. 14-09 — parental rights and responsibilities
- ND Courts Legal Self Help
- Establish parenting responsibility
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the State District Court clerk handling your case.