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Legal Help for Single Mothers in North Dakota

Legal Help for Single Mothers in North Dakota [2025 Edition]

Last updated: September 2025

If you need fast legal help, start with the actions below and keep the Quick Help numbers handy. Links in this guide go straight to official forms and offices so you can act without guesswork.


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Quick Help — Keep These 5 at Your Fingertips

How to Use This Guide

You’ll find clear steps, links to official state forms, and phone numbers for real offices that answer. Use the tables to compare options, and the checklists to gather documents fast. When a plan fails, look for the “What to do if this doesn’t work” at the end of each section. For statewide forms and neutral how‑to information, bookmark the ND Legal Self Help Center and the ND Supreme Court site. (ndcourts.gov)

Family Safety First — Protection Orders and Immediate Legal Safety

A court order can require an abuser to stay away from you and your children, grant temporary custody, and remove guns. Start with the DVPO page for instructions, then ask a local advocate through CAWS North Dakota to help you fill out and file forms and plan safety. (ndcourts.gov)

North Dakota offers three civil options: the Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO), the Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order (DCRO), and the Sexual Assault Restraining Order (SARO); you can also register an out‑of‑state or tribal order via this process. (ndcourts.gov)

If you need a shelter or an advocate today, call YWCA Cass Clay at 701-232-3449 or Abused Adult Resource Center at 1-866-341-7009, and save the statewide FirstLink 2‑1‑1 number for nights and weekends. (ywcacassclay.org)

Protection Orders — What They Can Do and How to File

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: Ask LSND for advice on revising your petition, call ND Crime Victims Compensation at 1-800-445-2322 for counseling or medical bills, and request help from ND Child Support if you also need a support order. (lsnd.org)

Table — Protection Orders at a Glance

Order type Who it protects Key relief Where to start
DVPO Family/household members, dating partners No‑contact, move‑out, temporary custody, firearm surrender DVPO forms & instructions
DCRO Anyone facing harassment, stalking, human trafficking No‑contact, stay‑away, weapons surrender DCRO forms
SARO Survivors of sexual assault No‑contact, stay‑away SARO overview

(ndcourts.gov)

Custody, Parenting Time, and Child Support — Fastest Paths That Work

Start with the kits and checklists at the ND Legal Self Help Center and complete the child support calculation before you file; judges require the calculation even if parents agree. Use the Uncontested Parenting Responsibility packet or the Uncontested Divorce with Children packet if you both agree on everything. (ndcourts.gov)

Use the official Child Support Calculator and apply with ND Child Support if you need the state to establish or enforce an order; call 1-800-231-4255 to check on an existing case. (childsupport.dhs.nd.gov)

If you two cannot agree, consider the “file together” packets off the table; you’ll likely need to file a regular case with summons and complaint using the divorce or parenting responsibility materials, then ask about service and hearings through your local clerk listed on the Self Help contact page. (ndcourts.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: Ask LSND about full representation, call the State Bar referral line at 1-866-450-9579, and if safety is an issue, combine your family case with a DVPO for immediate boundaries. (lsnd.org)

Table — Filing Options for Parenting and Support

Situation Use these forms Must do first Help source
You both agree and have children Uncontested divorce with children Run the child support calculation ND Child Support
Never married, agree on parenting Uncontested parenting responsibility packet Verify ND is children’s “home state” Self Help Center
You disagree on key terms Divorce main page and general-use forms Plan for service and a hearing SBAND referral

(ndcourts.gov)

Housing, Evictions, and Discrimination — What to Do This Week

If you received a “notice to quit” or court papers, read the Eviction for Tenants guide and call LSND to see if an attorney can represent you at the hearing. For discrimination, get help from High Plains Fair Housing Center and consider filing with the ND Department of Labor & Human Rights. (ndcourts.gov)

Homeowners behind on payments can still apply to the ND Help for Homeowners (HAF) team at 701-328-1907, and ND Housing can discuss options at 1-800-292-8621; HAF is funded through August 2025 or until funds run out, so apply promptly. Check the state news release for scope and timelines. (ndhfa.org)

If you believe a landlord retaliated or threatened for reporting issues, contact High Plains Fair Housing Center at 1-866-380-2738 and file a discrimination complaint with the ND Labor & Human Rights office within one year of the last harm date. (highplainsfhc.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: Ask LSND about a motion for more time or repair orders, use 211 FirstLink for emergency shelter leads, and if you own your home, call ND Housing Finance Agency for loss‑mitigation guidance. (lsnd.org)

Table — Housing Contacts You’ll Use

Need Contact Why call
Eviction defense LSND intake Free civil legal help screening
Fair housing enforcement High Plains Fair Housing Testing, intake, and HUD‑backed help
File discrimination ND Labor & Human Rights State investigation within one year
Mortgage behind ND Help for Homeowners Mortgage/utility arrears relief

(lsnd.org)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in North Dakota Today

Call your utility, ask for a payment plan, and report any medical or disability status. ND rules require notice and allow stays for elderly, disabled, or medical emergencies, and ban disconnections on holidays, weekends, and after noon. If the utility won’t pause the shutoff, contact the ND PSC Consumer staff at 701-328-2400. (psc.nd.gov)

You may qualify for energy help through LIHEAP, which accepts applications year‑round and lists 2024–2025 income limits (60% of ND median income). For emergencies, call the Customer Support Center at 1-866-614-6005, and take your approval letter to your local Community Action office for weatherization or Energy Share help. (hhs.nd.gov)

ND administrative rules outline disconnection notice, payment arrangements, and medical hardship protections for electric and gas service. If a dispute persists, you can pay “under protest” and seek a PSC decision; see the disconnection sections of the electric rule and gas rule. (law.cornell.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: File a PSC complaint through Consumer Information, keep proof of payments and health letters, and re-apply to LIHEAP for crisis help and furnace work orders via Community Action. (psc.nd.gov)

Table — Utility Shutoff Quick Rights

Right Where it’s written What it means
10‑day shutoff notice and PSC phone on notice ND Admin Code (electric) You must get notice with options before shutoff
Stay for elderly/disabled/medical hardship ND Admin Code (electric/gas) Ask for a hold and payment plan
No Friday, weekend, or holiday shutoffs ND Admin Code (electric) Disconnections restricted by time/day

(law.cornell.edu)

Consumer, Debt, and Scam Problems — Where to Report and Get Help

If a business ripped you off or a collector harasses you, file a complaint with the ND Attorney General Consumer Protection Division at 701-328-3404 or 1-800-472-2600 (ND only) and read their Consumer Protection page for what they handle. For identity theft or deceptive practices, mediation often starts after your online complaint. (attorneygeneral.nd.gov)

If you’re sued on a debt, call LSND for defenses and settlement options, and ask the Self Help Center about fee waivers using the Filing Fee Waiver packet; common civil filing fees appear on that page so you can budget. (lsnd.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: Use SBAND Lawyer Referral to find a debt defense attorney with a low-cost consultation, and file a civil rights complaint with HHS Legal Division if a benefit agency denied language access or disability accommodations. (ndcourts.gov)

Public Benefits Appeals That Affect Your Kids and Budget

If HHS denied or cut your TANF, SNAP, CCAP, or LIHEAP, file an appeal within 30 days using SFN 162 Request for Hearing; you can appeal by phone, email, mail, or the form. The appeals office posts contact details and explains your rights and timelines. (hhs.nd.gov)

For program‑specific guidance and contacts, see TANF and SNAP pages, which also list the Customer Support Center (1-866-614-6005) and state office numbers, and review appeal instructions under “Submit an appeal.” (hhs.nd.gov)

For LIHEAP, the program page shows 2024–2025 income limits, emergency help steps, and appeal links; for a fair hearing on Medicaid, see Medicaid appeals. Always keep denial letters and proof of when you filed your appeal. (hhs.nd.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: Ask LSND to represent you at the hearing, request an interpreter or disability accommodation from HHS Appeals, and get case‑specific advice through FirstLink 2‑1‑1 if you need stop‑gap food or rent help while you appeal. (lsnd.org)

Table — Appeals You’re Most Likely to Use

Program Deadline to appeal Where to appeal
TANF, SNAP, CCAP, LIHEAP Usually 30 days from notice HHS Appeals — SFN 162
Medicaid 30 days from notice Medicaid appeals
LIHEAP specific Listed on program page LIHEAP page

(hhs.nd.gov)

Name Changes and Fixing Vital Records

If you need a legal name change for you or a child, use the Adult Name Change forms or related packets, and expect publication unless a judge waives it for safety or specific reasons. After a court order, update the birth record using HHS Vital Records steps for court‑ordered name changes and include the $15 amendment fee. (ndcourts.gov)

If you’re a survivor and need confidentiality on court records, ask LSND about safety options during the process, and talk to Self Help about sealing or limiting online access to portions of your case. (lsnd.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: Request a fee waiver with the Filing Fee Waiver packet, and ask the clerk whether you qualify for publication waiver as a domestic violence victim under the guidance on the name change page. (ndcourts.gov)

Criminal Records — New 2025 Options for Sealing and “Closing” Cases

ND allows sealing many misdemeanor records after a waiting period and some felonies after a longer period, with exceptions. In 2025, lawmakers added a process to automatically “close” non‑conviction court records 61 days after dismissal or acquittal (for cases resolved on or after Aug. 1, 2025), and to petition to close older non‑conviction records. See summaries from the Collateral Consequences Resource Center and recent coverage by Grand Forks Herald/Jamestown Sun. (ccresourcecenter.org)

Closing or sealing a court file does not erase your criminal history record held by the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation; the Attorney General’s page explains the difference between court records and criminal history. Review AG guidance on expunging criminal records before you file. (attorneygeneral.nd.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work — Plan B: Ask LSND about your eligibility, check the Self Help Center’s research guides, and consider a private attorney via SBAND referral if your case is complex. (lsnd.org)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

You can contact YWCA Cass Clay for 24/7 shelter in Fargo (701-232-3449), reach Abused Adult Resource Center in Bismarck (1-866-341-7009), or call Domestic Violence Crisis Center Minot at 701-852-2258 for crisis services. Use FirstLink 2‑1‑1 to locate faith‑based food, diapers, and counseling. (ywcacassclay.org)

In Grand Forks, CVIC runs a 24/7 crisis line (701-746-8900) and shelter, while High Plains Fair Housing can address illegal landlord treatment. You can also find statewide programs through ND HHS Domestic Violence Program. (helpmeconnect.web.health.state.mn.us)

Diverse Communities — Tailored Legal Help

LGBTQ+ single mothers: For civil rights or name changes, find legal info at ACLU of ND (legal intake) and understand federal workplace rights under EEOC guidance about sexual orientation and gender identity; ask the Self Help Center about name change safety options. Accessibility and protections are in flux; confirm current policy before filing. (aclund.org)

Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Call the ND Protection & Advocacy Project for school services, housing access, and benefit denials; use FirstLink for accessible resources. Ask agencies for TTY/Relay (711) or large print. (ndpanda.org)

Veteran single mothers: Contact your county Veterans Service Officer via ND Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and connect to the Bismarck Vet Center at 701-224-9751 for confidential counseling, or the Fargo VA Medical Center for comprehensive care. For housing stability, ask your VA social worker about HUD‑VASH and legal referrals. (veterans.nd.gov)

Immigrant and refugee single moms: For work integration and referrals, see ND’s Global Talent/Office of Legal Immigration news and state updates, and contact Bismarck Global Neighbors for mentoring and systems navigation. For U‑visa or VAWA self‑petition guidance, ask LSND for a referral to a DOJ‑recognized provider. (commerce.nd.gov)

Tribal‑specific resources: On Standing Rock, Dakota Plains Legal Services (Fort Yates) assists with civil matters; the Tribe’s main line is 701-854-8500 via Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. LSND also staffs small offices on Fort Berthold and Turtle Mountain and maintains outreach to Spirit Lake. (dpls.org)

Rural single moms with limited access: Use FirstLink 2‑1‑1 to find a ride, ask Community Action about weatherization or Energy Share, and ask courts about phone appearances where allowed. If internet is weak, ask for paper forms from the Self Help Center. (hhs.nd.gov)

Single fathers: Most services in this guide are gender‑neutral; ND Child Support works with both parents, and Self Help has the same parenting forms regardless of gender. (hhs.nd.gov)

Language access & Deaf/Hard‑of‑Hearing: Ask every agency for interpreters or large‑print forms, use ND Relay (711), and request civil rights help from HHS Legal Division if access fails. You may also text your ZIP to 898‑211 for FirstLink responses in plain language. (hhs.nd.gov)

Resources by Region (Examples You Can Use)

Fargo / Cass County: Call YWCA Cass Clay for shelter (701-232-3449), contact High Plains Fair Housing for landlord issues, and use FirstLink 2‑1‑1 for food and counseling. (ywcacassclay.org)

Bismarck–Mandan / Burleigh & Morton: Reach Abused Adult Resource Center for legal advocacy (1-866-341-7009), and contact the Bismarck PSC for utility disputes (701-328-2400). Apply to HAF if a mortgage is past due. (abusedadultresourcecenter.com)

Grand Forks / Grand Forks County: Use CVIC Crisis Line (701-746-8900) and High Plains Fair Housing; ask Red River Valley Community Action about weatherization. (helpmeconnect.web.health.state.mn.us)

Minot / Ward County: Call Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) at 701-852-2258 and contact Community Action Minot Region for heating help; use Self Help if you get eviction papers. (courage4change.org)

Williston / Williams & McKenzie: Try Community Action Williston for Energy Share, and use FirstLink 2‑1‑1 to locate nearest shelter. If tribal court is involved, ask about Standing Rock legal contacts or DPLS Fort Yates. (capnd.org)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing the child support calculation before filing a joint divorce or parenting packet; judges may dismiss your case if it’s missing. Use the Child Support Calculator and keep a copy. (childsupport.dhs.nd.gov)
  • Waiting on a utility shutoff until the day of disconnection; you’ll lose leverage. Call the utility early and the PSC if needed, and apply for LIHEAP even mid‑season. (psc.nd.gov)
  • Not appealing benefit cuts within 30 days. Use HHS Appeals — SFN 162 and keep proof you sent it. (hhs.nd.gov)

Reality Check — What to Expect in 2025

  • Legal aid capacity: Statewide LSND intakes run Monday–Thursday with phone lines that can be busy; call early and leave detailed voicemail. Use SBAND Lawyer Referral for a $30 consult if your deadline is tight. (lsnd.org)
  • Housing help funding: HAF mortgage relief is scheduled through August 2025 or until funds run out, so apply now and ask your servicer to pause action while your case is reviewed. See the state HAF announcement for program timing. (nd.gov)
  • Court forms limits: Self Help forms are not “official court forms” and a judge can decline them in complex cases. Always read the warnings on the Self Help pages and consider attorney advice. (ndcourts.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Topic First call Backup
Free civil legal help LSND SBAND Referral
Protection orders DVPO instructions CAWS ND advocates
Child support ND Child Support Calculator
Eviction Eviction for Tenants guide High Plains Fair Housing
Utility shutoff PSC Consumer line LIHEAP

(lsnd.org)

Application Checklist — Print or Screenshot

If Your Application Gets Denied — Troubleshooting That Works

Five Detailed Tables You Can Use

Table A — Statewide Legal Help Directory (Core Numbers)

Service Who it helps Contact
Legal Services of ND Low‑income and seniors, civil cases Under 60: 1-800-634-5263; 60+: 1-866-621-9886
Self Help Center Anyone representing themselves 701-328-1852; ndselfhelp@ndcourts.gov
SBAND Lawyer Referral Anyone able to pay a modest fee 1-866-450-9579
Child Support All parents 1-800-231-4255; TTY 1-800-366-6888

(lsnd.org)

Table B — Safety and Shelter

Region Primary center 24/7 line
Fargo/Cass YWCA Cass Clay 701-232-3449
Bismarck/Burleigh Abused Adult Resource Center 1-866-341-7009
Minot/Ward Domestic Violence Crisis Center 701-852-2258
Grand Forks/Grand Forks CVIC Crisis Line 701-746-8900

(ywcacassclay.org)

Table C — Utility and Energy Help

Step Who to call Link
Set up a payment plan/medical hold Your utility + PSC Consumer 701-328-2400
Apply for bill help LIHEAP 1-866-614-6005
Furnace/weatherization Local Community Action Regional offices statewide

(psc.nd.gov)

Table D — Housing Stability and Fair Housing

Need Primary step Back‑up
Behind on mortgage Help for Homeowners NDHFA Servicing 1-800-292-8621
Eviction defense LSND intake Eviction guide
Discrimination or retaliation High Plains Fair Housing ND Labor & Human Rights — Housing

(ndhfa.org)

Table E — Appeals and Complaints

Issue Where to file Timeline notes
Benefit denial HHS Appeals — SFN 162 File within 30 days
Utility dispute PSC Consumer Call ASAP, stays possible
Consumer fraud AG Consumer Protection Mediation may follow

(hhs.nd.gov)

FAQs — North Dakota Legal Help for Single Mothers (2025)

  1. How do I get a same‑day protection order if the clerk is busy? File the DVPO petition first, ask for a temporary order, and call a CAWS ND advocate to help the clerk route your file to a judge. Keep a copy with you. (ndcourts.gov)
  2. Can I change my child’s schedule if safety changed at home? Yes, you can seek temporary changes in parenting time through your pending case and request a DVPO if threats exist; use the parenting forms to start or modify if needed. (ndcourts.gov)
  3. What if my ex stops paying support? Apply for services at ND Child Support for enforcement options; track payments and ask about wage withholding. Use the Calculator to review amounts before seeking changes. (hhs.nd.gov)
  4. I got a 10‑day utility shutoff notice — do I have rights? ND rules require specific notice and allow medical/elderly hardship stays; call your utility and the PSC, and apply for LIHEAP the same day for emergency help. (psc.nd.gov)
  5. Where do I appeal if HHS denies my SNAP or TANF? Use HHS Appeals — SFN 162 within 30 days; keep copies and ask for interpreter or disability accommodations as needed. (hhs.nd.gov)
  6. Who helps with discrimination in housing? High Plains Fair Housing can investigate and assist, and the ND Labor & Human Rights office can open an investigation (one‑year deadline). (highplainsfhc.org)
  7. Is there help on reservations? Yes; Standing Rock residents can call Dakota Plains Legal Services (Fort Yates), and LSND has outreach on Fort Berthold, Turtle Mountain, and Spirit Lake. See LSND Native offices for details. (dpls.org)
  8. How do I seal an old dismissed charge? From Aug. 1, 2025, ND lets you petition to “close” older non‑conviction court records; newer non‑convictions close automatically after 61 days. See the CCRC summary and check Self Help research guides. (ccresourcecenter.org)
  9. Who can help if I’m disabled or my child needs services? Contact ND Protection & Advocacy for IEP, access, or benefit problems; use FirstLink 2‑1‑1 to find local providers. (ndpanda.org)
  10. I’m behind on my mortgage — how fast does HAF act? Apply to Help for Homeowners and call 701-328-1907; per the state, funding runs through August 2025 or until exhausted, so request your servicer place the account in review. See the state announcement. (ndhfa.org)

Español — Resumen Rápido (traducción generada con herramientas de IA)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general legal information, not legal advice. Laws, funding, and agency policies change. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines, and availability with the agency or court using the links and phone numbers provided. If you face an urgent legal deadline or safety risk, contact an attorney through LSND or SBAND Lawyer Referral and consider calling 911 for emergencies. (lsnd.org)

Notes on timelines and availability

  • Energy help (LIHEAP): 2024–2025 income limits and year‑round application remain current as posted by HHS; call to confirm current crisis processing times in your county. (hhs.nd.gov)
  • HAF: Program availability runs through August 2025 or until funds are exhausted; confirm before applying. (nd.gov)
  • Protection orders and forms: Self Help pages are updated regularly; judges may require additional documents on a case‑by‑case basis. (ndcourts.gov)

If you need help prioritizing next steps for your exact situation, reply with your county and what paperwork you received, and I’ll map the quickest path with the right links.

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