Full Answer
The court fees for filing the paperwork for a basic divorce in a North Dakota court is $289.00. However, the total costs for a divorce can be much higher - especially in the case of a contested divorce, where attorney fees and mediation costs average from $15,000 to $20,000 or more.
Divorce Filing Fees and Typical Attorney Fees by StateStateAverage Filing FeesOther Divorce Costs and Attorney FeesNorth Dakota$80Average fees: $8,000+Ohio$350 (District specific fees. This example is from Washington County Circuit.)Average fees: $9,000+Oklahoma$183Average fees: $9,000+Oregon$301Average fees: $10,00048 more rows•Jul 21, 2020
In North Dakota, uncontested divorce is designed as a method of obtaining a do-it-yourself divorce, without hiring lawyers. You may use the forms and process for uncontested divorce whether or not you have minor or dependent children with your spouse, and regardless of the type or value of your property.
If both parties agree on all major issues, known as an uncontested divorce, you can keep the costs relatively low. If you do your own divorce papers and your divorce is amicable, costs could be under $500. Of course, there are filing fees in all states, which increase the cost.
North Dakota is NOT a community property state, which means that marital property is not automatically divided 50/50 between the spouses in a divorce case.
North Dakota's divorce laws are fairly similar to those of other states, with a six-month residency requirement and access to "no-fault" divorce. In addition to "irreconcilable differences," one party may sue the other for divorce on grounds of adultery, cruelty, or other grounds.
Residency Requirement for Divorce The spouse starting the divorce, also called the Plaintiff or Petitioner, must meet the residency requirement for a North Dakota State District Court to grant a divorce. The Plaintiff or Petitioner must have been a resident of North Dakota at least 6 months before starting the divorce.
North Dakota has no formula to control the amount and length of alimony, or whether it shall be awarded; A judge wilLAWard alimony in whatever amount and length of time that has been deemed fitting for the circumstances.
Under North Dakota law, adultery is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison and fines of up to $1,000.
There are two types of divorces, contested and uncontested divorce. The uncontested divorce is the best and most cost effective for all parties concerned. It can be finalised within 4 weeks. If a divorce is contested it may take between 2 - 3 years, but most contested divorces do settle long before they go on trial.
If your partner disagrees with the divorce or the grounds for divorce you may need to go to court. However, before you go to court you will be encouraged to try alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation, arbitration or collaborative law.
The Actual Cost of a Divorce In addition to an attorney, you'll have to pay filing fees and other related costs. There is no way around this— and it can definitely be expensive. That doesn't mean, though, that you can't afford to get divorced.