North Dakota Small Claims Court Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in North Dakota — dollar limits, filing fees, court locations, and step-by-step guidance.
North Dakota Quick Facts
Maximum Claim
$15,000
Filing Fee
$30–$75
Court fees added to your case — not due today
Court
Small Claims Court (District Court)
Overview
Small Claims in North Dakota
North Dakota small claims court is a division of the District Court and handles civil disputes where the amount claimed does not exceed $15,000. The court provides a simplified and affordable process for resolving monetary disputes, provided the claim is less than 6 years old. North Dakota's generous jurisdictional limit is among the higher in the nation.
Filing fees in North Dakota range from $30 to $75 depending on the claim amount and county. These fees are recoverable as court costs if you win your case. The informal proceedings are designed for self-represented litigants, and attorneys are not permitted to appear on behalf of parties in small claims court. The simplified rules of evidence make it practical for people without legal training.
North Dakota small claims court is commonly used for collecting unpaid debts, recovering security deposits, seeking compensation for property damage, and resolving breach of contract matters. The court can award monetary judgments, including filing fees and court costs, which are recoverable from the losing party.
To file, you must submit a claim form to the District Court serving the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred. After filing, the court issues a summons for service on the defendant, typically by certified mail or a private process server. The hearing is usually scheduled within 30 to 60 days, and the judge typically rules immediately.
Where to File
File in the District Court of the county where the defendant lives, works, or where the incident occurred. For business defendants, file where the business is located or where the contract was to be performed.
Service of Process
Service may be completed by certified mail, sheriff, or a private process server. Certified mail is commonly used for small claims cases in North Dakota. The defendant must be served at least 14 days before the hearing.
Statute of Limitations
Written contracts: 6 years. Oral contracts: 6 years. Property damage: 6 years. Personal injury: 6 years. Fraud: 6 years from discovery.
Appeal Rules
Either party may appeal to the District Court within 30 days. The case is retried de novo.
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