North Dakota Legal Costs (2026)
Complete breakdown of common legal fees in North Dakota — from forming a business to filing in court. All data sourced from official North Dakota government websites.
How North Dakota ranks vs all 50 states
Understanding legal costs in North Dakota before you file saves money and prevents surprises at the courthouse. Forming an LLC costs $135 in state filing fees , with a $50 annual report due each year after. If you need to sue someone in small claims court, you can recover up to $15,000 — and filing costs between $35 and $65. Divorce filing in North Dakota starts at $80, not counting attorney fees or service costs. All figures below are sourced directly from official North Dakota government and court websites and updated for 2026.
LLC Formation Costs in North Dakota
Full details →Forming an LLC in North Dakota requires filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and paying the $135 state fee. After formation, North Dakota LLCs must file an annual report and pay $50 each year to stay in good standing. Your estimated first-year total including filing is $135+.
North Dakota requires an annual report every year — don't miss the deadline.
Moderate fees and low business competition in many sectors.
Small Claims Court in North Dakota
Full details →North Dakota's small claims court — the Small Claims Court — handles disputes up to $15,000 without requiring an attorney. Filing costs between $35 and $65 depending on the claim amount. You must file within the statute of limitations: 6 years for written contracts and 6 years for oral agreements. Send a demand letter before filing — it costs nothing and often resolves the dispute without a court date.
North Dakota has one of the highest limits at $15,000.
Divorce Filing Costs in North Dakota
Full details →Filing for an uncontested divorce in North Dakota starts at $80 in court filing fees. Serving your spouse through the sheriff's office costs an additional $30. These are court fees only — attorney costs, if applicable, are separate and vary widely by case complexity.
North Dakota has one of the lowest divorce filing fees in the country. District court fees are flat and statewide.
Notary Fees in North Dakota
Full details →North Dakota caps notary fees by law. The maximum fee for an acknowledgment is $5 per signature. Jurat notarizations (sworn statements) cost up to $5. Remote online notarization (RON) is permitted in North Dakota and costs up to $5 per act. For documents requiring multiple signatures or notarial acts, fees multiply per signature — always confirm the total before your appointment.
$5 per act including RON.
Common Legal Cost Scenarios in North Dakota
Real-world combinations of legal fees you may face — based on official North Dakota filing costs.
How North Dakota Compares to Neighboring States
| State | LLC Filing | Divorce Fee | SC Limit | Notary Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota ◀ | $135 | $80 | $15,000 | $5 |
| Minnesota | $155 | $365 | $15,000 | $5 |
| South Dakota | $150 | $95 | $12,000 | $10 |
| Montana | $35 | $120 | $7,000 | $10 |
All fees from official state government sources. Compare all 50 states →
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