North Dakota · Legal help by topic · Updated Oct 2026

Legal help in North Dakota: get back what you're owed

Eight free guides for North Dakota, in one place: the key facts and deadlines from each, and a direct link to the full guide. Start with the problem you have.

Small Claims Map

Small claims court in North Dakota

If someone owes you money and won't pay, you can sue without a lawyer.

Most you can sue for
$15,000
Court
small claims court
Filing fee
$20
Lawyers
Optional

Facts from Small Claims Map. About this topic

Tenant Rights Map

Renters' rights in North Dakota

If you rent, state law sets how fast a deposit comes back, what the landlord must repair and the notice before an eviction case.

Deadline to return a deposit
30 days
Security deposit limit
1 month's rent (with exceptions)
Notice before an eviction case for unpaid rent
3 days
Notice before the landlord enters
Notice and your consent (no set hours)

Facts from Tenant Rights Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Wage Claim Map

Unpaid wages in North Dakota

If your employer didn't pay you, a state office may collect it for free.

File a wage claim with
North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights
Minimum wage (2026)
$7.25
Final paycheck if fired
Next payday
Deadline to file a wage claim
2 years

Facts from Wage Claim Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Lemon Car Map

Lemon law in North Dakota

If a new car keeps going back to the shop for the same defect, the maker may owe you a refund or a replacement.

Lemon law period
12 months
What makes it a lemon
4 repairs · 30 business days
Covers used cars
No
Before you sue
If maker has a program

Facts from Lemon Car Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Tax Appeal Map

Property tax appeals in North Dakota

If your home's assessed value is too high, you can appeal it, but only within a short window.

Deadline to appeal
April 1–15 (city board)
Where you appeal first
City or township board of equalization (April)
Median effective tax rate
0.99%
Median yearly tax on a home
$2,468

VariesThe 2026 city, county and State Board appeal windows have all closed for this year. A formal abatement application for the 2026 value can be filed once the State Board finishes its work, and it is due by November 1 of the year after the tax becomes delinquent. The next city and township boards meet in April 2027, after value notices are delivered at least 15 days before each board meets. (as of October 21, 2026)

Facts from Tax Appeal Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Exemption Map

Property tax exemptions in North Dakota

If you own and live in your home, you may qualify for breaks that lower your property tax. You usually have to apply.

Homestead exemption
See the rules
Homestead deadline
See the guide
Senior break
Yes
Disabled veterans
See the rules

Facts from Exemption Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Owed Map

Unclaimed money in North Dakota

Old bank accounts, deposits, refunds and checks end up with the state. Searching and claiming is free.

Official search
North Dakota Unclaimed Property
Held by the state
See the guide
Cost to search and claim
Free
On MissingMoney.com
Yes

Facts from Owed Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Divorce Law Map

Divorce in North Dakota

Before you can file, one of you usually must have lived in the state for a set time, and many states make you wait before the divorce is final.

Residency before you can file
6 months
Waiting period
No set waiting period
Filing fee
$160

Facts from Divorce Law Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Deadlines at a glance in North Dakota

Short forms of each guide's rule. Every deadline has details (when the clock starts, exceptions, how to count days): read the full rule in the guide before you rely on it. “See the guide” means our data has no short form for it.

Deadlines at a glance in North Dakota
TopicDeadline or time limitRuleGuide
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: written contract6 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: verbal agreement6 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: property damage6 yearsSmall Claims Map
Renters' rightsDeadline to return a deposit30 daysTenant Rights Map
Renters' rightsNotice before an eviction case for unpaid rent3 daysTenant Rights Map
Unpaid wagesDeadline to file a wage claim2 yearsWage Claim Map
Unpaid wagesFinal paycheck if firedNext paydayWage Claim Map
Lemon lawLemon law period12 monthsLemon Car Map
Lemon lawDeadlineYou must file suit within 6 months after whichever comes first: the end of the express warranty, or 18 months after original delivery (N.D. Cent. Code § 51-07-21).Lemon Car Map
Property tax appealsDeadline to appealApril 1–15 (city board)Tax Appeal Map
Property tax exemptionsHomestead deadlineSee the guideExemption Map
Unclaimed moneyDeadline to claimSee the guideOwed Map
DivorceResidency before you can file6 monthsDivorce Law Map
DivorceWaiting periodNo set waiting periodDivorce Law Map

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