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North Dakota · ND

North Dakota Custody Laws: Parenting Time & Relocation

A plain-English reference to North Dakota custody terminology, joint custody, parenting time, relocation, child preferences, and order changes.

Informational only—not legal advice. Laws and guidelines change. Verify the current rule with the official court resource and a licensed North Dakota family-law attorney.

Primary law and terminology

N.D.C.C. § 14-09-06.2 (best-interest factors). In North Dakota, courts generally describe the schedule as a parenting plan. The court's decision is based on the child's best interests, not simply a parent's preferred percentage of time.

Joint custody and parenting time

No presumption; 'parental rights and responsibilities' replaced custody terminology in 2009.

Child preference

A mature child's preference is factor (i).

Relocation and move-away cases

N.D.C.C. § 14-09-07 requires the other parent's consent or a court order to move out of state.

Changing an existing order

No motion within two years absent endangerment; after that, a material change is required.

Where to file

Under the UCCJEA the child generally must have lived in the state for the 6 months before filing (or since birth, if younger). 'Parental Rights and Responsibilities' replaced 'custody' in 2009.

Build a workable North Dakota parenting plan

Put regular time, holidays, exchanges, communication, and dispute steps in one written plan. Then keep the actual schedule and handoffs organized as circumstances change.

North Dakota custody questions

What are the custody laws in North Dakota?

North Dakota applies the statute or rule summarized above and decides parenting time by the child's best interests. Read the official court resource before filing.

Can a parent move with a child in North Dakota?

N.D.C.C. § 14-09-07 requires the other parent's consent or a court order to move out of state.

How do I change a North Dakota custody order?

No motion within two years absent endangerment; after that, a material change is required.

More North Dakota family-law resources

Compare the rule with your written plan, schedule, and records before you file or negotiate.

Last reviewed ·Reviewed by the CustodyTrac editorial team

How this is calculated

Terminology, parent-education requirements, and filing venue are taken from each state's court self-help materials and statutes. Requirements change — confirm with the court where you file.

CustodyTrac publishes educational information, not legal advice. Custody and support outcomes depend on facts a calculator cannot see — confirm anything that matters with a family law attorney in your state.