North Dakota · Custody and support · Updated Oct 2026

Child custody and support in North Dakota

For divorcing parents in North Dakota: the legal term for custody, the official support calculator, custody mediation and the child support agency.

In short

North Dakota law uses the term “primary residential responsibility, decision-making responsibility and parenting time” for custody. North Dakota publishes an official child support calculator or guidelines.

Custody term
Primary residential responsibility, decision-making responsibility and parenting time
Child support calculator
Official child support calculator or guidelines
Child support agency
North Dakota Child Support (ND Health and Human Services)

Custody terms in North Dakota

Primary residential responsibility, decision-making responsibility and parenting time (parenting plan)

Mediation

For contested custody or parenting time, the court's Family Law Mediation Program gives up to 6 hours of orientation and mediation free (N.D.R.Ct. 8.1).

Child support in North Dakota

Children in a North Dakota divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use North Dakota's term for custody: primary residential responsibility, decision-making responsibility and parenting time.

  2. Mediation

    For contested custody or parenting time, the court's Family Law Mediation Program gives up to 6 hours of orientation and mediation free (N.D.R.Ct.

  3. Child support

    The official calculator or guidelines: Official child support calculator or guidelines

  4. The child support agency

    North Dakota's child support agency: North Dakota Child Support (ND Health and Human Services)

Questions about custody and child support in North Dakota

What is child custody called in North Dakota?

North Dakota uses the term “primary residential responsibility, decision-making responsibility and parenting time (parenting plan)”.

Is there an official child support calculator for North Dakota?

Yes. North Dakota's official calculator or guidelines: Official child support calculator or guidelines

Which agency handles child support in North Dakota?

North Dakota Child Support (ND Health and Human Services).

Is mediation required for custody in North Dakota?

For contested custody or parenting time, the court's Family Law Mediation Program gives up to 6 hours of orientation and mediation free (N.D.R.Ct. 8.1).

More about divorce in North Dakota

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.