North Dakota child support laws in 2025: If you’re navigating child support in North Dakota, you’re not alone — and 2025 brings some important updates you should know about. Whether you’re a paying parent, a receiving parent, or planning to file a claim, understanding how North Dakota child support laws in 2025 work is essential for protecting your financial and parental rights.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• Who has to pay child support in ND
• How child support is calculated (with 2025 updates)
• Minimum and maximum child support amounts
• Filing, modifying, and enforcing support orders
• Common FAQs and resources to help

👨‍👩‍👧 Who Has to Pay Child Support in North Dakota?

Under North Dakota law, the parent who doesn’t have primary physical custody of the child — often called the obligor — typically pays child support to the obligee, or custodial parent.

Common scenarios include:

• Divorced or separated parents
• Never-married couples
• Parents with shared custody agreements (support may still be owed)

Whether you’re a father or mother, if you’re the non-custodial parent, you’re likely responsible for child support — even if you’re actively involved in the child’s life.

📊 How Child Support is Calculated in North Dakota (2025 Updates)

Calculations in 2025 still use the North Dakota Child Support Guidelines, but updated rules may change how much you owe or receive. The state uses an income shares model, considering:

• Gross income of both parents
• Number of children
• Parenting time / visitation schedule
• Costs for childcare and health insurance

🧮 Use the Official North Dakota Child Support Calculator

👉 ND Child Support Calculator (2025)

🔄 2025 Guideline Updates (What’s New?)

• Adjustments to cost-of-living figures
• Refined formulas for split custody or equal parenting time
• Updated income thresholds for low-income parents

📌 Use SEO-friendly terms like “North Dakota child support calculator 2025” or “how child support is determined in ND 2025” when searching or linking.

💵 Minimum and Maximum Child Support Amounts

✅ Is There a Minimum Child Support Amount in ND?

Yes. North Dakota ensures that even unemployed or low-income parents contribute a minimum amount based on statewide standards. As of 2025:

• Minimums are determined based on poverty guidelines.
• Maximums are calculated based on high-income adjustments and number of dependents.

⚖️ Special Considerations:

• Low-income parents may qualify for reduced support.
• High-net-worth individuals may owe more, depending on lifestyle and actual expenses.

📝 How to File for Child Support in North Dakota

Whether you’re establishing a new order or seeking back pay, here’s how to file:

✅ Step-by-Step Filing Process:

1. Gather documents: income, custody agreements, childcare/medical bills.
2. Apply through ND Child Support Enforcement (CSE):
   👉 ND CSE Application Page
3. Submit supporting documents online or via mail.
4. Attend hearings or mediation, if required.

🔄 Online vs. Offline Filing

North Dakota offers both digital and in-person services. Learn more in our post:
👉 How to File for Child Support Online in North Dakota

🔁 Modifying an Existing Child Support Order

Life changes — and so can your support obligation.

🔄 What Qualifies as a “Substantial Change”?

• Job loss or major income change
• Medical emergencies
• Changes in custody/visitation

📅 How Often Can You Request?

• Typically, every 18 months — unless there’s a major life event

📝 How to Modify:

1. File a Request for Review with ND CSE
2. Submit updated financial documents
3. Attend a modification hearing, if needed

Tip: Use the phrase “modify child support in North Dakota” when searching for legal resources or lawyers.

⛔ Enforcement of Child Support Orders in North Dakota

Not paying child support is serious business in ND.

🛠️ Tools ND Authorities Use:

• Wage garnishment
• Tax refund interception
• Driver’s license suspension
• Passport denial
• Property liens

The North Dakota Child Support Enforcement Unit (CSE) works with courts and agencies to ensure timely payment.

👉 Learn more at: ND Child Support Enforcement

⚖️ Rights and Responsibilities of Both Parents

🔹 Obligations of the Paying Parent:

• Make timely payments
• Provide health insurance (if ordered)
• Notify the court of income changes

🔹 Rights of the Receiving Parent:

• Receive payments via ND CSE
• Request enforcement if payments stop
• Ask for modification based on changing needs

Co-parenting & legal custody don’t change the obligation unless support is officially modified.

🔗 Useful Resources

• 🔹 North Dakota Child Support Division
• 🔹 ND Child Support Calculator
• 🔹 ND Family Law Self-Help Center
• 🔹 Find a Family Law Attorney in ND

🧠 Conclusion

Understanding the North Dakota child support laws in 2025 is essential whether you’re paying, receiving, or about to file. Knowing your rights — and responsibilities — helps ensure a fair outcome for your child.

📣 Have questions? Leave a comment below, or reach out to a qualified North Dakota family law attorney.

👉 Like this post? Share it with other parents navigating child support.

Top 20 FAQs on North Dakota Child Support Laws (2025)

1. What is child support and who pays it in North Dakota?

Child support is a financial obligation paid by the non-custodial parent (obligor) to the custodial parent (obligee) to help cover the child’s living expenses. This includes costs for food, housing, clothing, medical care, and education. Even if custody is shared, one parent may still be required to pay, depending on income and time spent with the child.

2. How is child support calculated in North Dakota in 2025?

North Dakota uses an income shares model, meaning both parents’ gross incomes are considered. The 2025 formula factors in:

• Number of children
• Income of both parents
• Parenting time allocation
• Health insurance costs
• Work-related childcare expenses

Use the official ND Child Support Calculator to estimate payments.

3. Has North Dakota changed its child support laws in 2025?

Yes. In 2025, North Dakota updated its support guidelines to better reflect modern cost-of-living figures, refine treatment of equal/shared parenting time, and adjust income thresholds for low-income parents.

4. Is there a minimum child support payment in North Dakota?

Yes. Even if a parent has minimal or no income, the court typically sets a minimum support amount based on federal poverty guidelines unless the parent is medically disabled or incarcerated.

5. What if the paying parent is unemployed or underemployed?

The court may impute income — meaning it assigns an income level the parent should be earning based on work history, education, or job availability. Intentional unemployment doesn’t excuse payment.

6. Can parents agree to a different amount of child support?

Yes, but the court must approve any private agreement to ensure it meets the best interests of the child. If it’s significantly lower than guideline amounts, it may be rejected.

7. How long does child support last in North Dakota?

Child support typically continues until the child turns 18, or 19 if still attending high school full-time. Support may be extended in cases of disability or by agreement between parties.

8. What if the obligor moves out of North Dakota?

North Dakota can enforce support across state lines under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). Wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and other enforcement tools still apply.

9. Can I file for child support without a court order in ND?

You can apply for services through Child Support Enforcement (CSE) without a custody case, but for enforceability, a court order is required. CSE can help establish this order.

10. How do I apply for child support in North Dakota?

You can:

• Apply online at ND Child Support Services
• Submit necessary documents (income proof, custody info)
• Attend hearings (if required)

11. Can a support order be modified? How?

Yes. You can request a modification every 18 months, or sooner if there’s a substantial change in circumstances, such as:

• Job loss or gain
• Custody change
• Medical emergency

File a request through the CSE or family court.

12. What qualifies as a “substantial change in circumstances”?

Examples include:

• 20% or more income change
• Loss of employment
• Change in parenting time
• New child from another relationship
• Child’s special needs

13. Can child support cover extracurricular activities or college?

Basic support doesn’t include extracurriculars unless specifically ordered by the court. College expenses are not mandatory in ND, but parents can agree to share costs.

14. How is parenting time factored into the child support amount?

The more time a non-custodial parent spends with the child, the lower their support obligation might be. ND recognizes shared or equal parenting time and adjusts payments accordingly.

15. How is child support enforced in North Dakota?

The Child Support Enforcement Unit (CSE) can:

• Garnish wages
• Intercept tax refunds or stimulus checks
• Suspend driver’s/professional licenses
• Report to credit agencies
• Deny passport applications

16. Can child support be waived in North Dakota?

No. A parent cannot waive the right to child support on behalf of the child. Courts will not approve agreements that deprive a child of financial support, even if both parents agree.

17. What happens if I don’t pay child support in ND?

Consequences include:

• Wage garnishment
• License suspension
• Property liens
• Contempt of court charges (which may lead to jail time)

18. Do step-parents have any child support obligation?

No. Only biological or legal parents are responsible for child support in ND, unless a step-parent has adopted the child.

19. Can grandparents be required to pay child support?

Only in rare circumstances where a grandparent becomes the legal guardian or is assigned parental responsibility by the court.

20. Can I still receive child support if I receive public assistance?

Yes, but support payments may be redirected to reimburse the state for public assistance provided. You may receive a portion of support, depending on your case.