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North Dakota Small Claims Court Limits
North Dakota small claims court limit is $15,000 for all plaintiffs.
Court Name: Small Claims Court (District Court)
Official Website: https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/small-claims
Filing Fees in North Dakota
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $30-60 |
Filing fees vary. Additional fees for service of process.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 10 days before the hearing date.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by sheriff
- Certified mail
- Process server
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 10 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 30-60 days for your hearing date.
No Lawyers Required: Attorneys are NOT allowed in North Dakota small claims court except for corporations.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to District Court within 10 days for a new trial.
North Dakota Statute of Limitations
You must file your lawsuit within these time limits from when the dispute occurred:
| Type of Claim | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Written Contract | years |
| Oral Contract | years |
| Property Damage | years |
| Personal Injury | years |
Do I Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?
Sending a demand letter is recommended to show you attempted resolution before filing.
Create Your Free Demand Letter
Before going to court, try sending a demand letter. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and often resolves disputes without filing.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in North Dakota?
The North Dakota small claims court limit is $15,000 for all plaintiffs.
Can I have a lawyer in North Dakota small claims court?
No. Attorneys are not permitted in North Dakota small claims court, except for corporations which must have attorney representation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in North Dakota?
North Dakota has a 6-year statute of limitations for most civil claims including contracts, property damage, and personal injury.
How do I appeal a North Dakota small claims judgment?
Either party may appeal to District Court within 10 days. The appeal results in a new trial.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup