Domestic Violence Protection Order forms North Dakota

Overview

In North Dakota, a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) is a civil court order issued by a district court under North Dakota Century Code § 14‑07.1 to prevent further domestic violence by creating clear legal boundaries between the protected person(s) and the respondent. The state’s Judiciary provides a “Legal Self Help Center” page which identifies the forms available for DVPOs and clarifies that the forms are provided as general guidance only—not official court forms—and that courts retain discretion to accept, modify, or reject them.
This article focuses specifically on the paperwork: the forms packet available for a DVPO in North Dakota, how to access them, how to fill them out correctly, common pitfalls, and best practices to ensure the forms align with the statute’s eligibility requirements and the court’s expectations. If you prefer, you can consult a lawyer via the State Bar Association of North Dakota Lawyer Referral & Information Service before or after filling the forms.

Who Benefits and Who Applies the Forms

The forms are designed for individuals in qualifying relationships under the statute—spouses or former spouses, parent-child, persons related by blood or marriage, current or former dating partners, persons living together or who have lived together, or those who share a child in common. The protected person (petitioner) uses the forms to request relief; if the protected person is a minor or lacks capacity, a parent or guardian may file. The forms packet from the Legal Self Help Center allows self-represented litigants to structure their application properly; but because the forms “aren’t official court forms” and “judges and courts aren’t required to accept them,” it’s vital that the petitioner ensures the factual narrative and relief requested match the statute and local court rules.
Courts benefit by receiving neatly-filled forms, which accelerate review, reduce clerical rejection, and allow earlier scheduling of hearings. Petitioners benefit by clarity and structure; the forms help ensure you don’t omit key fields like addresses, relationships, incident summaries, or relief requested. Because the forms are designed for the petitioner to complete, they streamline the initiation of a DVPO case.

Benefits of Using Correct Forms

Filing the correct forms—and completing them accurately—provides a foundation for the court’s decision-making. When the forms properly state the relationship-category, describe domestic-violence conduct, request appropriate relief, and include identifiers (case number, clerk’s office, parties, addresses), judges can grant temporary relief (ex parte) more confidently and schedule full hearings sooner. The Legal Self Help Center emphasizes that although the forms are not official, they are the most direct route for self-represented individuals to structure their filings.
Moreover, correct form-filling reduces risk of rejection: missing required fields may cause the clerk to refuse filing, or the judge to continue the hearing. Clear forms also support enforcement: when the court grants the order and it is entered in law-enforcement databases, a properly drafted “Order” that mirrors the petition helps officers understand distances, no-contact provisions, and parenting-time logistics. Therefore, investing time in the forms pays both in process efficiency and future enforceability.

Step 1: Locate and download the official DVPO Forms Packet

The first step is to locate the correct forms packet provided by the North Dakota Supreme Court’s Legal Self Help Center on the official judiciary website. On the DVPO webpage (“Domestic Violence Protection Order”), under the section “Domestic Violence Protection Order Forms,” you will find links labeled “Instructions,” “Petition for Protective Relief,” and “Domestic Violence Protection Order Cover Sheet.”
Click the “Instructions” link to download the PDF titled “Instructions for Requesting a Domestic Violence Protection Order.” The instructions explain how to complete the petition and cover sheet, what information the court expects, and what to expect at hearing. The “Petition for Protective Relief” is the form you complete and sign, sworn under oath, to initiate the case. The “Cover Sheet” is a brief front page that provides case-identifying details (clerk’s office, county, case number, parties). Note: the Legal Self Help Center clearly states these aren’t guaranteed to be accepted by every judge, and that you are representing yourself if you fill them out—so exercise caution and verify local court rules.
Download and save multiple versions: one master copy (for editing), one printed copy to bring to the clerk, and one electronic backup. Use Adobe Reader’s “Save As” function to preserve file integrity, and disable auto-fill features to reduce risk of erroneous form-field formatting. If your county uses e-filing, check with the clerk whether the forms must be “fillable PDF” or printed and scanned. Having the correct packet in advance prevents delays from needing to scramble for missing forms at filing time.

Step 2: Review the instructions and complete the petition for protective relief accurately

Once you have the packet, the next step is to review the instructions thoroughly and then complete the “Petition for Protective Relief” form. The instructions PDF begins by reminding you that the forms from the Legal Self Help Center “aren’t official court forms” and “courts aren’t required to accept them.” Read the entire instructions document before writing anything in the petition. Pay attention to the following:

• Parties and Relationship Category: Clearly identify the petitioner (your full legal name), the respondent (full legal name), the county of filing, and the statute’s qualifying relationship category (for example, spouse/former spouse, dating partner, co-resident). If you’re filing on behalf of a minor or person lacking capacity, identify your status as parent/guardian.
• Statement of Facts: The petition asks you to provide a narrative of incidents of domestic violence or the infliction of fear of imminent bodily harm. Use short, date-stamped paragraphs: date/time/location/what happened/your response/impact. If children witnessed it, mention that. If police or medical treatment occurred, list incident numbers or facility names.
• Relief Requested: On the petition you will check boxes or write out requests: no contact by any means, stay-away distances (home, workplace, school), exclusion from residence, temporary parenting-time logistics if applicable, firearm surrender. Each relief item must link logically to your facts (for instance, if the respondent came to your workplace three times, request a stay-away from workplace and describe facts accordingly).
• Verification: You must sign under oath (notarized if required or as instructed by the clerk). Write your mailing address for the clerk’s contact, and ask the clerk whether you can use an address-confidentiality option if needed for safety.

Use the petition form to craft your narrative, but do not deviate from the fields: the court expects the primary narrative in the “Statement of Facts” section, with incidents and supporting details. Attach a Cover Sheet, which acts as front matter and lists the clerk’s office, case number (if known), and summary. The DVPO webpage explains that forms are limited (“No forms for responding to a request for a DVPO are available on the site”) so the petitioner alone fills these forms; the respondent must respond at hearing.
Double-check entries: spelling of names, correct county, respondent’s full legal name, dates formatted properly, and your relationship category aligns with statute. Incomplete or mismatched details may lead to clerk refusal or hearing delay. If you like, you can use the State Bar’s Lawyer Referral service for a short consult to review your petition before filing.

Step 3: Print, sign, file the forms and request certified copies

After filling and verifying your forms, the final step in this part is to print, sign (and notarize if required), file with the clerk of the district court, and obtain certified copies. Here’s how:

1. Print two originals: one for filing with the clerk, one for your records. Use black ink, double-side only if allowed by your county. Keep a scanned copy for backup.
2. Sign and date: On the petition and cover sheet, sign under oath. Some counties may require the notarization or a clerk-administered oath; check with your court.
3. Filing: Take the originals to the clerk of the district court in the county where you’re filing (generally where you or the respondent lives, or where the violence occurred). Provide the cover sheet first so the clerk can docket the case properly. Pay any clearing service fee (filing is often fee-waived for DVPOs; check with clerk). Ask the clerk for a “file-stamped” copy with case number and hearing date filled in.
4. Request certified copies:

If you requested immediate relief (ex parte), notify the clerk that you need same-day review and ask how the judge will issue the temporary order. Once the order is entered, proceed to service of process and prepare for hearing (for Steps in Parts 2 and 3). The instruction PDF on the ND courts website notes that these forms and instructions remain “general-use” and “the court may not accept them”—so consistent follow-up with the clerk is wise.
Filing accurately positions your case. A clean filing means the clerk can set a hearing quickly and law enforcement can receive a valid order once issued. Mistakes in this step (missing file-stamp, no certified copies, multiple filings) often cause delays or confusion in enforcement later.

Step 4: Complete the Petition for Protective Relief and Cover Sheet accurately (field-by-field), aligning facts with relief

This step turns the instructions into ink on the core forms: the Petition for Protective Relief and the Domestic Violence Protection Order Cover Sheet. Begin with the Cover Sheet because it helps the clerk capture the case correctly. Enter the county, your full legal name as petitioner, the respondent’s full legal name, and any protected minor(s) if you are filing on their behalf (identify your status—parent or guardian). If you know the respondent’s date of birth or other identifiers, include them to improve service and database matching after an order issues. List safe contact information for the court’s notices. If disclosure of your address increases risk, ask the clerk about address-confidentiality options recognized by the court; do not leave required fields blank—ask what to provide instead. The North Dakota Courts’ DVPO page explains that these are general-use forms meant to assist self-represented litigants and that judges have discretion over what they accept; neatly completed front-matter reduces friction at the counter and later in chambers.

Move to the Petition. The first block identifies the parties and your relationship category under Chapter 14-07.1 (spouse/former spouse; parent/child; related by blood or marriage; current or past dating; lived together; share a child). Check the box or write the category precisely. Next is the sworn “Statement of Facts.” Draft in short paragraphs, each with date, time, location, conduct, and effect on you or children. Replace conclusions (“abusive,” “harassment”) with specifics (“on March 2 at 7:15 p.m. in our garage, he grabbed my arm and shoved me into the door; I cried out; our 8-year-old saw; I feared further harm”). Attach incident numbers when you have them. If you sought medical care, name the facility and the date; if you have photos or screenshots, note “See Exhibit A” etc., but keep the petition legible—exhibits will be separate. The Instructions PDF from ndcourts.gov reminds filers that these packets are guides, not “official court forms,” so supply enough detail for a judge to act without guessing.

In the “Relief Requested” section, align asks to facts. If the respondent calls or messages in bursts from different numbers, request “no contact by any means, including electronic and third-party”; if they appear at your workplace, request a stay-away radius and state the exact address; if you share a residence and incidents occur at night, request temporary exclusive possession (exclusion) with a clear move-out directive; if you co-parent, propose neutral, supervised, or third-party exchanges and list the location and time windows so law enforcement can enforce the terms. If your facts show “immediate and present danger,” ask for a temporary ex parte DVPO pending the hearing and explain why a delay increases risk (recent escalation, threats upon learning of court action, access to firearms). Use the Petition’s oath/verification exactly as instructed—sign in front of a notary or clerk if required in your county, print your name clearly, and date all signatures.

Common pitfalls to avoid: (1) leaving relationship or address fields blank; (2) using only general labels instead of incident facts; (3) requesting relief that doesn’t match your narrative; (4) illegible handwriting on critical identifiers; (5) forgetting to add protected children to the caption and body consistently. Before printing, proofread names and dates, and confirm the county venue. If you want to minimize form-fill errors, you can prepare the North Dakota DVPO packet through LegalAtoms by answering structured questions; it maps your answers to the same petition and cover-sheet fields the clerk expects. Finally, keep one unmarked clean copy for filing, one for your records, and plan to ask the clerk for certified copies after an order issues. Refer to the DVPO page and the Instructions PDF on ndcourts.gov for wording cues and filing expectations.

Step 5: File the packet and coordinate service—sheriff handoff, proof of service, and avoiding delays

Bring your completed Cover Sheet and Petition to the district-court clerk in the appropriate county (where you or the respondent lives, or where the violence occurred). Tell the clerk if you’re requesting a temporary ex parte order; ask whether the judge can review same-day and whether you should wait in the building. If the judge grants temporary relief, obtain a file-stamped copy before you leave. The next milestone is service of process—ensuring the respondent receives the petition, any temporary order, and the hearing notice. Many North Dakota courts route papers to the county sheriff for personal service. Confirm with the clerk whether service will be initiated automatically or whether you must take documents to the sheriff’s civil unit. Provide complete locator information: home and work addresses, usual hours, vehicle description, and any reliable alternate locations.

Ask for a contact number or tracking reference from the sheriff so you can check status. If you know the respondent avoids service, give actionable details (“arrives for the 6 a.m. shift at [address], parks in the south lot, uses east door badge at 5:55–6:05 a.m.”). If language access could affect service, alert the clerk. Keep a simple log of your follow-ups: date, time, person spoken to, and status (“no answer,” “left card,” “not at address”). If service fails repeatedly, ask the clerk what the judge requires to consider alternate service (rules can vary by judge; due process must be preserved). If the respondent is out of state or incarcerated, ask how to coordinate service there; starting early avoids a last-minute continuance.

Monitor proof of service. Some sheriff’s offices return a signed affidavit directly to the court for docketing; others hand it to you to file. Without valid proof, the court may be forced to continue the hearing. For safety, update your plan around service windows—many escalations occur right after service. Provide a copy of any temporary order to your local police department, workplace security, and your child’s school or daycare. If you requested exclusion from the residence, ask the sheriff how move-out enforcement is handled if the court ordered it. Keep your file-stamped copies together with your ID to present at any point of contact with law enforcement.

Finally, double-check your hearing date, courtroom, and any local rule about bringing children or witnesses. If you intend to supplement with newly obtained records (for example, a medical note you didn’t have at filing), ask the clerk how and when to file supplemental materials. The ndcourts.gov DVPO page and Instructions PDF emphasize that forms are general-use aids and that judges retain discretion—clearly organized filing plus active coordination with the sheriff sharply reduces delay. If you want a short legal consult on service challenges or alternate methods, the State Bar Association of North Dakota (SBAND) Lawyer Referral & Information Service can connect you with a North Dakota attorney before the hearing.

Step 6: Assemble a hearing packet from your forms—exhibits, witness outlines, and a statute-mapped script

Turn your filed forms into a persuasive, judge-ready packet. Create three tabs: (1) Pleadings — Cover Sheet, Petition, and any temporary order; (2) Exhibits — labeled A, B, C… with a one-line caption for each; and (3) Witnesses & Script — a bullet outline mapping statute → facts → relief. Your outline should open with the statutory relationship (“former spouse,” “past dating,” etc.) and then list the two or three most dangerous, recent incidents with dates, places, conduct, and resulting fear or injury. Cross-reference to exhibits (“Exhibit A — screenshot 09/12, 10:04 p.m., ‘I’ll find you at work’”). The North Dakota Supreme Court’s DVPO page and the Instructions PDF anticipate a prompt hearing focused on specific, credible facts tied to requested relief; a structured packet keeps you aligned with what the court needs to rule.

Curate exhibits for clarity over volume. Photos should be dated and labeled; text messages must show the sender’s number or handle and timestamps; social-media posts need platform and account identifiers; medical records should include the visit date and relevant diagnosis or notes. Avoid over-redaction—if you must redact, leave an annotation like “redacted non-relevant PHI.” Print electronic proof at legible size. For each exhibit, add a one-sentence “why it matters”: e.g., “Exhibit C corroborates approach within 200 feet of workplace (requested 300-foot stay-away).” If you included children as protected parties in the caption, add a brief sub-section explaining any child-related risks and the child-safety terms you propose (neutral exchanges, third-party handoffs, precise windows).

Prepare witnesses deliberately. Identify who can authenticate exhibits or corroborate incidents (neighbor who heard threats, school staff who documented disruptions, a coworker who saw the respondent appear on premises). Ask them to focus on “what they saw or heard,” not opinions. If time is limited, one neutral witness can be more impactful than multiple overlapping relatives. Write a few direct questions you will ask, in order, and be ready for the judge to take over questioning. For self-represented petitioners, the Legal Self Help materials emphasize courtroom etiquette and staying factual; practice delivering answers that are specific, not argumentative.

Finally, rehearse your statute-mapped script. Start with eligibility (relationship category), then give a crisp timeline of incidents with exhibit references, then the relief list exactly as it appears in your petition. Keep a spare set of exhibits to hand to the respondent if the court requires. If new incidents occurred after filing, ask the clerk in advance about supplementing, and bring three extra copies. If you want a lawyer to review your packet or represent you at hearing, contact SBAND’s Lawyer Referral & Information Service for a limited-scope consultation; a brief review can tighten your presentation so the judge can adopt clear, enforceable terms.

Step 7: Translate the ruling into final paperwork—certified copies, distribution, and out-of-state recognition

When the judge rules, capture the result on paper and make it enforceable in daily life. If a final DVPO is granted, ask the clerk for multiple certified copies immediately. Confirm that the order entered into the court’s system matches what was said on the record—no-contact language, stay-away addresses and distances, exclusion from residence if ordered, parenting-time logistics (exact exchange site, windows, third-party facilitator), and any firearm-related provisions. If you believe a detail is unclear or missing, respectfully ask the court to clarify before leaving. The clearer the text, the easier it is for law enforcement and third parties (schools, employers, property managers) to understand and act on it.

Distribute the certified copies to: your local police department; your employer’s security or HR as appropriate; your child’s school/daycare with a brief cover note indicating who is authorized to pick up children; and your building management if access control is relevant. Keep one certified copy with you (in your bag or wallet) and one in a safe place at home. Record the case number and the order’s expiration date on your phone with reminders set for 60 and 30 days before expiration—renewal timing matters, and filing early avoids a protection gap. If a temporary ex parte order had been in place and the court modified terms at the final hearing, destroy old copies after the new order is distributed to prevent confusion about which document controls.

For travel or relocation, understand interstate recognition. The North Dakota Courts provide guidance for registering foreign protection orders in North Dakota; the same page helps you understand the verification mechanics you might encounter when presenting your North Dakota order in another state. Registration is not required for enforcement, but optional registration can simplify verification if you move. Upon relocation, bring a certified copy to the new local law-enforcement agency and ask how they prefer to notate it for quick look-up. Keep your distribution list current—if you change jobs or schools, repeat the distribution step.

If the court denied relief, request a file-stamped copy of the order denying the DVPO and ask—politely—what was missing (insufficient service, not enough credible evidence of qualifying conduct, relationship category mismatch). If new incidents occur, document them immediately and consider refiling; the DVPO page and Instructions PDF outline filing mechanics. Whether granted or denied, consider a short consult through the State Bar Association of North Dakota’s Lawyer Referral & Information Service to calibrate next steps—modification, renewal strategy, or evidence development for any future hearing. If your petition included specific, step-by-step form-filling, and you want to avoid repeated paper mistakes, you can use LegalAtoms to prepare updated North Dakota DVPO forms by answering guided questions and producing court-ready PDFs.

Step 8: Amend, extend, or correct forms after filing — keeping accuracy through the life of the case

Filing is rarely the end of paperwork; small errors or factual updates sometimes surface later. North Dakota’s district courts permit petitioners to correct or supplement previously filed forms through written amendments. The Legal Self Help Center explains that you should re-file only the corrected page(s) and attach a brief statement identifying what changed and why. For example, if you mis-spelled the respondent’s name or entered an old address, submit an “Amended Cover Sheet” with a short note: “Corrected respondent address — no substantive change.”
If you discover new incidents of violence or threats after filing but before the hearing, prepare an Amended Petition for Protective Relief describing those events by date, time, and location. Label it clearly so the clerk can attach it to the same case number.

If the court has already issued a temporary (ex parte) DVPO, do not alter that document directly. Instead, file a motion to modify supported by an affidavit or declaration summarizing the update. Common corrections include clarifying children’s names, adding new addresses, or tightening relief wording (“no contact by any means, including messaging apps X and Y”). Each addition should tie to the evidence. Judges appreciate precise amendments that make enforcement easier rather than vague rewrites.
Clerks may also require a fresh notarized signature if your changes touch the sworn factual section. Ask before re-signing. Maintaining clean, accurate records ensures law-enforcement databases reflect correct addresses and parties; mismatched information can delay enforcement or lead to officer confusion.

Extensions follow the same procedural logic: file before expiration (ideally 30–45 days in advance) using a motion and a short affidavit explaining continued risk. Attach your existing order and reference new or ongoing violations to justify renewal. This preserves protection without gaps. Conversely, if you need to terminate or narrow relief—perhaps because the respondent has moved permanently or completed counseling—file a motion stating the reasons and request hearing time.
The Century Code § 14-07.1 authorizes courts to modify orders “at any time” upon showing of good cause. Accuracy in forms supports credibility: a petitioner who updates information promptly demonstrates responsibility, and a respondent who supplies verified changes (for example, new employment address for stay-away calculations) signals compliance. Keep every amendment stamped and dated; your file becomes the historical record courts and officers rely on.

Step 9: Enforce the order forms through certified distribution and coordination with agencies

Once a Domestic Violence Protection Order is issued, its forms turn into enforceable instruments. The judge’s signature and clerk’s seal transform your petition and draft order into a certified court order under North Dakota Century Code § 14-07.1-06. Enforcement begins with distribution. Ask the clerk for multiple certified copies and confirm entry into the law-enforcement database (CJIS).
Deliver copies to local police, county sheriff, your employer’s security, and any school or daycare involved. For peace of mind, keep one certified copy with you and one secure at home. Each recipient needs the version that carries the embossed seal or “certified true copy” stamp, not a plain photocopy. Officers rely on that certification to verify legitimacy.

When a violation occurs—text, call, drive-by, or third-party message—report it immediately. Present your certified copy and identify the violated paragraph (“No contact by any means,” “Stay 100 yards away from residence”). Request an incident number and record it.
Maintain a simple enforcement log: date, time, incident description, officer name, and report number. This creates a factual backbone for contempt motions or criminal charges later.
If law enforcement hesitates or cannot locate the order, show the certified copy and direct them to CJIS. Ask them to confirm the case number. Full faith and credit under federal law means your ND order remains enforceable across state lines, so if you travel or move, carry it and optionally register it with the new jurisdiction.

If violations repeat, return to court with your enforcement log and police reports. You can file a “Motion for Contempt” citing the violation dates and attach exhibits. The judge may impose sanctions or modify the order for stronger protection (for example, greater distance requirements or technology restrictions).
The DVPO page explains that these actions keep the order active and enforceable. The State Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service can connect you to an attorney for targeted enforcement advice, especially if the respondent lives in another county or state.
Clear paperwork equals faster enforcement; sloppiness breeds delay. Treat every certified copy as vital evidence—keep them legible, current, and secured.

Step 10: Maintain organized records, renew timely, and integrate safety planning with future filings

A DVPO case doesn’t end when the hearing concludes; ongoing maintenance protects your safety and eligibility for renewals. Build a simple binder (physical or digital) with five sections:
1️⃣ Filed forms (Cover Sheet, Petition, Orders).
2️⃣ Certified copies.
3️⃣ Service proofs and sheriff receipts.
4️⃣ Violation logs and police reports.
5️⃣ Amendments or renewal motions.
Label each clearly and add new material chronologically. This archive will serve you if you must extend or re-file later.

Mark the expiration date on your phone and calendar with 60- and 30-day reminders. When renewal approaches, print the current order, draft a short affidavit explaining continued need, and attach any new incidents or ongoing risks. The ndcourts.gov instructions encourage concise, dated facts over lengthy narratives. Early renewal filing prevents a gap in protection; once an order expires, enforcement stops until a new one is granted.
If you relocate, register your ND order in the new state if desired under the Violence Against Women Act’s full-faith-and-credit framework. Carry a certified copy and contact local law enforcement to verify recognition procedures.

Integrate safety planning with paperwork habits: update trusted contacts on status, store digital backups in a secure cloud folder, and keep Lawyer Referral Service info handy. When life circumstances change (new job, new address, school for children), review your order and consider an amendment for coverage continuity. If you used LegalAtoms for your initial forms, you can regenerate updated packets reflecting new facts without starting from scratch.
Long-term success with a DVPO relies on precision, timeliness, and proactive coordination with courts and law enforcement. Treat your forms as living documents — accurate, accessible, and always ready for presentation.

Associated Costs

North Dakota law waives standard civil filing fees for Domestic Violence Protection Orders. You may pay nominal charges for extra certified copies (typically a few dollars each) or for mailing expenses if you request out-of-county service. Attorney fees apply only if you hire private counsel. Consult the Legal Self Help Center for county-specific policies and fee waivers.

Time Required

DVPO filings move quickly because they involve personal safety. Upon submission, a judge may grant temporary (ex parte) relief within hours if “immediate and present danger” is shown, and schedule a full hearing within approximately 14 days. Service timing varies by county and sheriff workload. Renewal motions should be filed weeks before expiration to avoid lapses.

Limitations

DVPO forms are civil tools and cannot grant criminal penalties or property division. Courts must find a qualifying relationship and credible evidence of domestic violence or fear of harm. Incomplete forms may be rejected, and judges may tailor orders differently from your requests. Follow each county’s local rules and verify service to ensure jurisdiction.

Risks and Unexpected Problems

Typical risks include delays in service, clerical errors on cover sheets, or respondent retaliation after service. Mitigate by providing detailed addresses to sheriffs and by notifying trusted contacts of court dates. If the respondent files counter-motions or misuses court process, document each event and seek legal guidance from the State Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service. Keep backups of every file-stamped document and update your contact info with the clerk immediately if you move or change phones.

Sources

• North Dakota Courts — Domestic Violence Protection Order (Legal Self Help)
• Instructions for Requesting a Domestic Violence Protection Order (PDF)
• North Dakota Courts — General-Use Forms

Need help avoiding common form-fill errors and making sure your petition and cover sheet are court-ready? Consider using LegalAtoms to prepare North Dakota DVPO forms by answering friendly, guided questions.