Filing for divorce in North Dakota without an attorney costs $80 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 6 months in North Dakota. North Dakota is a equitable distribution state. An uncontested divorce typically takes 1-2 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with North Dakota-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $80 (The filing fee is approximately $80—one of the lowest in the United States.) |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months in North Dakota |
| Waiting Period | None |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irreconcilable differences (no-fault), Adultery, Extreme cruelty, Willful desertion, Willful neglect, Habitual intemperance, Conviction of felony |
| No-Fault Only? | No (fault grounds available) |
| Uncontested Timeline | 1-2 months |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in North Dakota, you must meet the following residency requirement: 6 months in North Dakota.
At least one spouse must have been a resident of North Dakota for at least 6 months before filing for divorce.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet North Dakota's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in North Dakota without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been a resident of North Dakota for at least 6 months before filing for divorce.
Download the official North Dakota divorce forms: Complaint for Divorce, Summons, Financial Statement. All forms are available from the North Dakota courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (SFN 2045) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the North Dakota court and pay the filing fee of $80. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to North Dakota rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by North Dakota law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
North Dakota has no mandatory waiting period. Once all requirements are met and paperwork is complete, the divorce can be finalized.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in North Dakota, this typically takes 1-2 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in North Dakota. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates divorce
Notifies spouse
Financial disclosure
Final judgment
The filing fee to start a divorce in North Dakota is $80. The filing fee is approximately $80—one of the lowest in the United States.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $80 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $150-$700 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, North Dakota offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in North Dakota, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. North Dakota courts are strict about service requirements.
North Dakota is a equitable distribution state.
North Dakota divides marital property equitably. The court considers length of marriage, age, health, earning capacity, estate, and conduct of parties. The starting point is equal division, with adjustments as needed.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how North Dakota law applies to your specific property.
North Dakota uses the Income shares model per ND Child Support Guidelines.
North Dakota uses income shares guidelines. Combined net incomes of both parents determine the basic support, allocated based on each parent's share of income and custody arrangement.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your North Dakota divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $80 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
None - North Dakota has no mandatory waiting period. Once all requirements are met and paperwork is complete, the divorce can be finalized.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
One of lowest filing fees in U.S. ($80)
No waiting period
Both fault and no-fault grounds
Starting point is equal property division
Strong self-help court resources
Common questions about filing for divorce in North Dakota without an attorney.
Get 24/7 guidance specific to North Dakota's forms, procedures, and requirements.
North Dakota-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
Financial disclosure wizard
Complete your financial affidavit step-by-step
Child support calculator
Using North Dakota's exact guidelines
AI document drafting
Create properly formatted legal documents
Evidence notebook
Organize and categorize case documents
24/7 AI guidance
Ask Victoria anything, anytime
AES-256 encryption, SOC 2 ready infrastructure. Your documents are protected.
Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All North Dakota divorce information verified from official state court sources.
Victoria is ready to guide you through every step of the North Dakota divorce process. Start your free trial today.
7-day free trial • Cancel anytime • Charged after trial ends