Emergency Family-Law Resources in North Dakota

Temporary orders involving children

North Dakota does not promise same-day rulings on any private interim filing. Emergency hearings are limited. Use the State District Court procedure for interim relief and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.

A parent can request an interim residential-responsibility order through the State District Court procedure. For an immediate threat, a civil protection order is a separate, faster route.

Civil protection orders (NDCC ch. 14-07.7)

North Dakota's civil protection order is filed under NDCC ch. 14-07.7 (effective January 1, 2026). A temporary domestic-violence order may issue without notice and may include no-contact, residence exclusion, temporary primary residential responsibility/parenting time, and weapon surrender. A full hearing is set no later than 14 days after the temporary order unless good cause permits later. A domestic-violence order requires actual or imminent domestic violence.

North Dakota child protective (HHS CPS)

Reports of suspected abuse or neglect go to North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Child Protection Services; call 911 for immediate. The HHS Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Line is 1-833-958-3500, available weekdays 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Central. For immediate danger, contact local law enforcement or 911. An unsubstantiated report does not prove it was knowingly false and does not by itself end residential responsibility.