Steps to prepare evidence for a Domestic Violence Protection Order hearing in North Dakota

Overview

Preparing persuasive, well-organized evidence is the single best way to help a North Dakota district court judge understand what happened and why a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) should be granted or continued. North Dakota’s DVPO law (N.D.C.C. ch. 14-07.1) empowers district courts to issue civil protective relief when the record shows domestic violence or fear of imminent domestic violence involving a qualifying family or household relationship. In practice, judges rely heavily on the quality of the evidence you present—dates and times, screenshots with visible sender information, photographs tied to a clear timeline, medical or repair records, and witness statements that confirm what you describe. The North Dakota Courts’ Legal Self Help Center explains DVPO basics and stresses that filings must be factual and specific; the judge decides whether those facts meet the statute.

This guide is a practical playbook for assembling, authenticating, and presenting your evidence. It shows you how to build a credible incident timeline, capture messages and call logs so they are usable in court, gather third-party documents (police reports, medical notes), and prepare witnesses for testimony. It also explains where to file, what to bring, and how to package exhibits so a judge can move quickly—especially when you’re requesting temporary (ex parte) relief. If you need form templates for motions or declarations, the Courts’ General-Use Forms page is a good starting point; some judges accept them as drafted, and others may ask for adjustments.

Who benefits and who can apply (including on behalf of someone else)

These steps are for self-represented petitioners (or their limited-scope attorneys) preparing for a DVPO hearing in district court. A DVPO is available when the respondent is a family or household member, a current or former spouse or intimate partner, someone with whom you share a child, or a person who has lived with you; the statute lists these qualifying relationships and defines domestic violence for DVPO purposes. Parents and legal guardians can file on behalf of minors; trusted adults may also support vulnerable petitioners by helping organize evidence, arrange transportation, or accompany them to the clerk’s office. The Legal Self Help page summarizes eligibility and the civil nature of DVPOs in North Dakota.

Benefits of thorough evidence preparation

Meticulous evidence preparation (1) shortens hearings, (2) improves the court’s ability to issue tailored relief (e.g., residence exclusion, no-contact zones, child-exchange logistics), (3) reduces continuances caused by missing pages or illegible screenshots, and (4) supports straightforward renewals if protection must continue. When your packet is organized and complete, the clerk can route your case efficiently, the judge can find key facts quickly, and law enforcement can enforce the order without ambiguity. The Legal Self Help site and the statute work together: the site explains the process; the statute supplies the legal standard the judge must apply.

Step 1: Build a precise incident timeline and map each item of proof to the statute

Begin by writing a simple, chronological timeline—one line per event—with dates, approximate times, locations, and the people who were present. Keep it factual and neutral: “July 5, 8:42 p.m., respondent parked near my apartment; texted ‘I’m outside’ from ###-###-####.” This style mirrors how judges read records and helps you later connect each event to an exhibit (a screenshot, photo, call log, or report). Highlight any escalation: a threat that follows a prior push, a break-in after repeated drive-bys, a surge of late-night calls. Your goal is to show the court a pattern as defined in N.D.C.C. ch. 14-07.1—physical harm, threatened harm, or fear of imminent harm within a qualifying relationship. Put the statute heading (“NDCC § 14-07.1-01(2) — definition of domestic violence”) at the top of your notes as a reminder to tie each event to that standard.

Next, make a two-column mapping table (you can hand-draw it): Column A lists each timeline entry; Column B lists the proof for it. For example: “7/5 8:42 p.m. — Exhibit A: screenshot of text; Exhibit B: photo of vehicle; Exhibit C: neighbor statement.” If the incident was reported, include the police case number (you’ll request the report when available). If you sought medical care, note the clinic name and date. If property was damaged, note repair estimates or invoices. This mapping prevents gaps and ensures you don’t show the court an allegation without backup—or a document that lacks context. When you later assemble your exhibit packet, the judge can flip between the timeline and the labeled pages without hunting.

Filter your draft ruthlessly: remove duplicates, illegible screenshots, or chats missing headers (sender, date, time). If a crucial message is buried in a long thread, extract that page and the immediately preceding page to show the sender and timestamp. If you capture social-media content, print from a web view that shows the profile name/handle and time; cross-note the URL if possible. The Legal Self Help Center emphasizes clear, specific facts; your timeline and mapping exercise operationalize that advice. Finally, number the events (1..N) and maintain that numbering through exhibits (“Exhibit 3 relates to Event 3”). This consistency will save time if the judge asks questions.

If you’re unsure how to format a short declaration to accompany your timeline, start from the Courts’ General-Use Forms page (for declarations, motions, notices) and adapt the captions for your county and case. While the forms aren’t “official,” many judges accept them if completed clearly.

Step 2: Capture messages, calls, photos, and device data so they are usable in court

The most common exhibit problems in DVPO hearings are formatting problems, not truth problems. Judges frequently receive screenshots that don’t show who sent the message, when it was sent, or how it relates to the petitioner. To avoid this:

• Text messages: Capture screenshots that include the sender’s name/number at the top of the screen and the time/date stamps for the relevant messages. If your device truncates headers, scroll slightly up and take an additional screenshot that shows the header and the first message. Print both, label them “Page 1/2” and “Page 2/2,” and circle the key message to guide the judge’s eye.
• Messaging apps/social media: Print from a web interface where the profile name/handle and timestamp are visible. Include one page of context before and after the key message to show continuity. If your username or photo appears, that helps confirm whose device is shown.
• Call logs/voicemails: Export call history or take a clear photo showing the incoming/outgoing calls with numbers and timestamps. If a threatening voicemail exists, save it, transcribe it, and be ready to play it only if the court permits (bring headphones and your phone on silent). Note the device model in your declaration.
• Photos/videos: Print photos with date taken (many phones embed this in “info” views). If the photo shows damage, add a caption (“Front door splintered after forced entry, 6/21, 2:15 a.m.”). Tie each photo to an event on your timeline.

When you print, use a consistent footer (“Case No. ___, Exhibit A, Page 1 of 2”). Staple multi-page exhibits and put a small sticky tab on the first page with the exhibit letter; judges appreciate tidy packets. If you file electronically or by mail, follow the clerk’s guidance on exhibit labeling. The Legal Self Help site explains service and general filing mechanics for civil actions; align your exhibit format with those instructions so your packet isn’t rejected for technical reasons.

If you need a simple declaration or motion cover to introduce your exhibits, start from the Courts’ General-Use templates. Add a short statement: who you are, how you captured the screenshots, and that the attached pages are true and correct copies from your device. While North Dakota’s evidence rules aren’t the focus of the self-help pages, courts routinely accept this practical foundation in protection-order matters.

Tip: If your evidence includes sensitive information (home address, children’s school), ask the clerk about confidentiality practices. You can also request targeted redactions while preserving the evidentiary value (e.g., show the school name but blur a student ID number). The judge may order protective handling for exhibits that must be part of the record but should not be widely disseminated.

Step 3: Gather third-party corroboration (police, medical, repair, employment, school) and prepare witnesses

Independent documentation makes your record much stronger. If you called police, request the incident number and, if available, a copy of the report before your hearing. If medical care was needed (ER, urgent care, clinic), ask for a short visit summary that lists the date and basic findings (“bruising to left forearm; patient reports injury during domestic incident”). If the respondent damaged property, keep repair estimates, invoices, and photos taken before/after repairs. If you missed work due to the incident, ask your employer’s HR for a neutral confirmation letter noting dates absent and (if you consent) that a protection-order case is pending. If a school adjusted pick-up procedures or issued a trespass warning to the respondent, obtain a short letter confirming those safety steps. Bundle these third-party records behind your own exhibits to show the court that outside institutions observed the impact you describe.

Consider witness statements. Neighbors who saw the respondent at your residence, co-workers who overheard threats, relatives who saw injuries, or school staff who documented pick-up interference can submit short declarations. Ask witnesses to write in their own words, include the date/time of what they saw or heard, and sign and date the page. If a witness can attend the hearing, even better—coordinate their availability with the scheduled time. Keep statements factual: who/what/when/where; avoid speculation about motives. Tie each statement to your timeline (“Witness 2 corroborates Event 6”).

Make sure your qualifying relationship is clear. Include a one-page relationship sheet: married from X–Y; cohabited 20XX–20XX; child in common (include initials and birth year only); or dating relationship (approximate start/end and nature of contact). Judges apply Chapter 14-07.1’s definitions for family/household members when deciding DVPOs; a clean relationship summary eliminates confusion about jurisdiction. The Legal Self Help page gives the DVPO overview and points to the statute that the court must apply.

Service and notice: if you are making a new filing (or a motion to modify/extend), follow the Courts’ civil-service guidance so the respondent receives your papers properly; improper service can lead to delay. The Legal Self Help section on civil service provides instructions and cautions that self-help forms are not “official” and local practice can vary—call the clerk with questions about your county.

If you want an attorney to polish your packet or coach you for testimony without full representation, contact the State Bar Association of North Dakota Lawyer Referral Service for a limited-scope consult in your county. The Courts’ site lists the referral option, and SBAND operates the program statewide.

Step 4: Assemble a clean exhibit packet — indexing, labeling, and cross-referencing to your timeline

Turn your raw materials into a judge-friendly exhibit packet. Begin with a one-page Exhibit Index that maps each item to your timeline (“Event 3 → Exhibit C: photo of broken door, taken 6/21 02:15; Event 4 → Exhibit D: text screenshot, 6/22 23:07”). Use simple, sequential lettering (A, B, C …). For multi-page items, add page counts (“Exhibit D, pp. 1–3”). Then apply identical labels to the footer of each page: “Case No. ____ • Petitioner’s Exhibits • Exh. D p. 1/3.” This small discipline lets the judge or clerk re-stack documents quickly if anything gets separated.

Print screenshots large enough to read; avoid grayscale if it kills timestamps. For each screenshot series, include one page that clearly shows the conversation header (contact name/number and date) and at least one page immediately before and after the key message to prove context. If you have a long chat, include only the dates tied to your timeline; irrelevant small talk invites confusion. The North Dakota Courts’ DVPO self-help page underscores that petitions must present facts capable of judicial review; your packet’s clarity is how facts become usable in court.

Group exhibits by category to make the record intuitive: (1) communications (texts, DMs, emails); (2) photos/video stills; (3) official records (police incident numbers, medical visit summaries, school/work letters); (4) witness statements. Within each group, keep chronological order. Insert a divider page before each group with a short sentence: “Communications relating to Events 2–6.” Judges typically review quickly; an index plus dividers reduces time spent hunting and increases time spent evaluating substance.

Finally, prepare two physical sets (court and you) and, if possible, a third for the respondent. Ask the clerk about your county’s preference for electronic vs. paper exhibits; some districts accept emailed PDFs while others want paper at the hearing. The Service in a Civil Action page explains notice mechanics and cautions that local practice varies by district—follow the clerk’s instructions closely so your exhibits are accepted without delay.

If your packet includes new forms (motion to continue, notice of filing, affidavit), the General-Use Forms library provides adaptable templates for captions, certificates of service, and declarations. If you want to eliminate drafting errors and auto-generate the index and labels, use LegalAtoms to assemble the exhibits after answering guided questions; it outputs a neatly labeled PDF set aligned to your county caption, ready for filing.

Step 5: Draft your sworn declaration and witness statements — foundation, relevance, and clarity

Your sworn declaration is the backbone of the case: a concise, chronological narrative that ties each fact to an exhibit. Use short paragraphs headed “Event 1,” “Event 2,” etc., matching your timeline and index. Keep the voice factual (“On 7/5 at 8:42 p.m., I received a text from ###-###-#### stating ‘I’m outside.’ See Exh. D p. 1”), not argumentative. Under N.D.C.C. ch. 14-07.1, the judge evaluates whether your sworn facts establish domestic violence or fear of imminent domestic violence in a qualifying relationship; your job is to present those facts with clarity and proper foundation (how you know what you claim and how the exhibit shows it).

Foundation basics: for messages, state they were captured from your phone and the number belongs to the respondent (or was used by them, as shown by prior context); for photos, state when/where you took them; for call logs, identify the device and that entries are true and correct copies; for medical notes, state you received them from the provider’s portal; for police incidents, state the agency name and incident/case number. Attach the documents immediately after the paragraph that references them. The General-Use Forms provide declaration shells you can adapt for DVPO matters even if the page isn’t DV-specific.

For witness statements, keep to first-hand observations. Provide a short template: “I, [name], declare: (1) On [date/time] I observed/heard …; (2) I recognize the respondent because …; (3) Attached is a photo I took ….” Have witnesses sign and date; include a phone number for the clerk if testimony by phone/video becomes necessary. If a witness can appear, note their availability window on your hearing day.

Avoid common pitfalls: (1) copying long message threads without dates or contact headers; (2) submitting photos with no captions; (3) offering speculation (“he did it because …”) instead of facts; (4) burying key incidents behind minor ones. The DVPO self-help page stresses specificity; your declaration should read like a clear, dated log with exhibits attached and labeled. If you want a checkup before filing, schedule a short limited-scope consult via the State Bar Association of North Dakota’s Lawyer Referral Service.

Where your declaration references how to fill court forms (captions, certificate of service), consider using LegalAtoms to auto-populate those fields; it reduces copying errors and keeps exhibit lettering consistent throughout.

Step 6: Secure third-party records (police, medical, 911 audio, school/work letters) and plan for admissibility

Third-party documents add credibility because they come from neutral sources. For police, call the records unit with your incident number; ask for a brief narrative or event printout before the hearing. For medical, request a visit summary (date, provider, brief findings). For 911 audio, ask dispatch how to request a copy or log; even if audio isn’t available in time, a CAD log with timestamps corroborates your account. For school or employer letters, request a short factual note (“trespass warning issued,” “schedule modified for safety,” “missed work on X/Y”). Put these items in your packet’s “Official Records” section.

Think about admissibility as you collect. Although the self-help materials don’t teach the evidence code, courts routinely accept practical foundations in DVPO hearings. In your declaration, authenticate each record: “Attached is a true and correct copy of the [agency/provider] record I received.” If a record isn’t ready, include the incident number now and supplement when available. The DVPO page and Service in a Civil Action guidance emphasize getting the paperwork to the court and the other side properly—serve any late additions according to your clerk’s instructions so they’re considered at the hearing.

If you anticipate pushback (e.g., the respondent denies ownership of a phone number), prepare a one-page foundation sheet explaining why you know it’s theirs (past calls, saved contact, messages referencing shared facts). For social-media screenshots, include the profile handle and a prior message where the respondent identifies themselves. If you need tailored language, the General-Use Forms can be adapted to create a short “Certification of Exhibits” signed under penalty of perjury.

LegalAtoms can generate request letters and cover sheets for police/medical/school records and slot returns into your packet automatically, maintaining the same exhibit letters and index you started with.

Step 7: Rehearse your presentation and hearing logistics — what to say, what to bring, and how to deliver it

Judges appreciate brevity plus organization. Practice a two-minute opening: (1) the qualifying relationship; (2) the most recent and serious incidents, with exhibit references; (3) the relief you need (no-contact, residence exclusion, child-exchange logistics, distance buffers). Bring your exhibit packet (two copies), your declaration, and a pen-and-paper index. If witnesses attend, seat them where the clerk can swear them in quickly; if remote, confirm access details with the clerk a day ahead. The DVPO self-help page explains that the district court issues these orders and that procedure can vary—arrive early and check in with the clerk.

When testifying, anchor every point to an exhibit: “Event 4 is Exhibit D, page 2.” If the court asks for dates, read directly from your timeline. If the respondent disputes authenticity, restate your foundation (“I took this photo at 2:15 a.m. on my phone; metadata shows the same”). Do not argue; return to facts and exhibits. If the judge signals time is short, prioritize the three most recent/serious incidents; offer to rely on the rest as written and attached. If you need an interpreter or accessibility accommodation, notify the clerk in advance; accommodations are standard and free in district court.

Be ready for outcomes: (1) ex parte (temporary) relief issued and a final hearing set; (2) a final DVPO issued with tailored terms; (3) a request by the court for additional proof (in which case you’ll file a short supplement and serve it properly). If the order issues, ask the clerk about certified copies and ensure the sheriff receives the order for statewide enforcement. If you’ll move or change jobs, request language covering new addresses or “any place petitioner resides, works, or attends school,” consistent with local practice.

If you want a quick legal check the day before the hearing, the SBAND Lawyer Referral Service can connect you to limited-scope counsel who will review your packet and rehearse your opening with you. If your packet references specific form fields, LegalAtoms can regenerate corrected forms instantly so you don’t retype captions or exhibit letters under time pressure.

Step 8: Day-of-hearing exhibit handling — authentication, objections, and presenting a clear record

On the hearing date, your goal is to transform months of careful preparation into a record the judge can rely on immediately. Arrive early, check in with the clerk, and set your packet on the counsel table so that the Exhibit Index is visible on top. When your case is called, start with a brief roadmap: “Your Honor, I’ll summarize our qualifying relationship, then the most recent and serious incidents, and I will reference Exhibits A through H as I go.” A short roadmap helps the judge organize attention and reassures the clerk that your packet is already labeled and ready for marking. North Dakota’s district courts issue protection orders under N.D.C.C. ch. 14-07.1, and the Legal Self Help materials emphasize factual specificity; think of your presentation as connecting those statutory dots with the clearest possible exhibits.

As you testify, authenticate each exhibit in one sentence before you describe its content. For text screenshots: “Exhibit D is a true and correct screenshot from my phone showing a message from the respondent’s number ###-###-####, sent on July 5 at 8:42 p.m.” For a photograph: “Exhibit C is a photo I took of my front door at 2:15 a.m. on June 21, immediately after the police left.” For a call log: “Exhibit E is the call history display from my phone; I printed it from the device settings yesterday.” For a medical visit summary: “Exhibit F is the summary I downloaded from the clinic portal; it reflects the visit date and findings.” You do not need to recite formal evidentiary rules; practical foundations like these are routinely sufficient in DVPO proceedings so the judge can focus on the statutory standard and safety planning. See the Courts’ guidance on DVPO filings and the general-use declarations framework for how sworn facts are evaluated in civil self-help matters. Source, Source.

Expect objections to relevance or completeness. Stay calm and return to structure: identify the timeline event, then the exhibit page and why it matters (“Event 4 shows the escalation from drive-bys to direct threats; Exhibit D p.2 is the first text that uses the phrase ‘I’m outside.’”). If the respondent claims “that isn’t my number,” answer factually: prior messages from the same number reference your shared child’s pickup time; caller ID has shown the same number for months; or law enforcement called the number during an earlier report. If the respondent disputes a photo’s date, explain how the device stores the timestamp (or refer to a police incident number created the same night). The judge’s task is to decide whether to grant or continue a civil order under Chapter 14-07.1; your task is to make the facts findable and credible. Source, Source.

If time is short, triage to the strongest, most recent incidents and offer the court the remainder “as written.” Keep a pencil on your index: if the judge or clerk renames exhibits to match the court’s numbering (e.g., Court’s Exhibit 1), jot the conversion so you don’t lose your place. If the court allows remote appearance for a witness, have their phone number ready and your exhibits emailed or delivered in advance per the clerk’s instruction (see the Courts’ pages on civil service/filing mechanics for local practice). Service in a Civil Action.

When the judge indicates a ruling is likely, respectfully state the specific relief you seek, tailored to your evidence: no-contact and distance; exclusive possession of the residence; child-exchange instructions at a safe location; technology no-contact; and surrender of firearms as appropriate to law. If any part of your presentation included how to complete or correct form fields (captions, certificates of service), you can immediately update those using LegalAtoms so the clerk receives clean, court-ready PDFs during or right after the hearing. For attorney input without full representation, the State Bar Association of North Dakota Lawyer Referral Service can arrange a limited-scope review.

Step 9: Post-hearing steps — minute order, certified copies, and coordination for enforcement

After the judge rules, confirm with the clerk what will be entered the same day (minute order) and what will arrive shortly (signed protection order). Ask for at least two certified copies and confirm whether your district automatically forwards the order for law-enforcement entry. Protection orders are civil orders issued by the district court; once signed, they are enforceable statewide. The North Dakota Courts’ DVPO page explains that each district clerk manages the case record and that processes can vary—clarify whether you’ll be notified by phone or mail when the signed copy is ready. Source.

Next, distribute copies to the places implicated by your evidence: local police or sheriff; your child’s school (front office and principal); your employer’s security desk or HR; your apartment management office. If the order includes workplace or school distance provisions, provide the contact who controls access (badges, visitor lists) with a certified copy. If you plan to move or change jobs, ask the judge to include language that tracks the location (“any place the petitioner resides, works, or attends school”), consistent with local practice.

If you testified about technology harassment, save your packet because you may need to report violations. Violations should be reported to law enforcement promptly and can also be raised via a civil motion for contempt. The Courts’ General-Use Forms library provides motion/declaration shells that many self-represented litigants adapt for post-order filings. File and serve supplements according to the clerk’s instruction (see the Courts’ Service in a Civil Action page).

Before leaving the courthouse (or the same day if remote), review your renewal calendar. Many final DVPOs run one to two years; renewals should be filed early enough to avoid gaps. Your well-organized evidence packet becomes the backbone of any renewal request. If you want an attorney to review your draft renewal or contempt motion without entering a full appearance, use the SBAND Lawyer Referral Service for a limited-scope consult tailored to your county’s practice.

If the court denied some requested relief, ask how to supplement the record. You may file a short declaration with additional exhibits (e.g., medical note that arrived after the hearing). Follow local filing and service rules so the judge can consider your supplement without delay. The Court’s self-help pages highlight that local procedure can differ; when unsure, call the clerk. Source.

Step 10: Maintaining an evidence system for renewals, modifications, and potential violations

A DVPO case does not end with a signed order; it moves into a maintenance phase where good evidence hygiene protects you from future disputes and enables fast action if circumstances change. Start by keeping a living timeline file (paper or digital) that follows the same structure as your hearing packet: date, time, place, what occurred, witnesses, and “proof available” (screenshot, photo, call log, school note). Add entries only when incidents occur; short, factual notes are easier to trust later. Store new exhibits in the same four categories you used before—communications, photos/video, official records, and witness statements—so a renewal or contempt motion can be assembled in minutes rather than days.

Create reminders for renewal windows (60 and 30 days before expiration) and plan backward for service and scheduling. When you draft a renewal declaration, lead with what has changed since the original order: any new contacts, proximity attempts, or indirect messages through friends/relatives. Keep your ask aligned to Chapter 14-07.1’s framework and to the relief the court can grant in a civil protection order. The Legal Self Help page and General-Use Forms library provide the procedural backbone for motion practice in North Dakota’s district courts.

If a violation occurs, act quickly: call law enforcement, get an incident number, and then decide (possibly with the prosecutor or an advocate) whether to file a contempt motion in the civil case. The same organization that won your order—clear timeline, labeled exhibits—will make violation enforcement smoother. If you need targeted legal input, the SBAND Lawyer Referral Service can provide limited-scope counsel to review your filings.

Finally, standardize your privacy practices. Redact children’s full names from public filings (initials are typically sufficient), avoid publishing your residence on social media, and use a P.O. Box or other safe mailing address if the clerk offers confidentiality. If you must update work or school addresses, consider asking the court for order language that covers “any place the petitioner resides, works, or attends school” to future-proof the document. If your evidence system involves form updates (new captions, service certificates, exhibit indexes), LegalAtoms can regenerate court-ready packets with your existing case number and parties, preserving consistency and reducing errors.

Associated Costs

Filing for a DVPO and submitting evidence in North Dakota’s district courts does not carry a standard civil filing fee. Typical optional costs include extra certified copies, printing exhibits, postage for service by mail (when applicable), or a short limited-scope attorney consult. The Courts’ DVPO self-help page confirms access through district court; for general fee-waiver information in civil matters, see the Courts’ self-help resources.

Time Required

With clear, sworn facts, judges may grant ex parte (temporary) relief the same day; the full hearing typically follows after service. Post-hearing distribution (certified copies, notices to school/work) can often be completed the day the order is signed. Renewals should be started 30–60 days before expiration to avoid gaps. See the Courts’ DVPO self-help materials for process flow and local-practice cautions. Source.

Limitations

DVPOs are civil orders; they are not criminal convictions and cannot award final custody or divide property. Relief must fit Chapter 14-07.1 (e.g., no-contact, distance, residence exclusion, temporary child-exchange logistics). Evidence rules are applied pragmatically, but vague or unauthenticated exhibits may be discounted. Always align your ask to the statute and use the court’s filing/service practices. Source, Source.

Risks and Unexpected Problems

Common pitfalls include: (1) unreadable screenshots without headers/timestamps; (2) disorganized packets that force the court to hunt for key facts; (3) missing the renewal window and letting the order lapse; (4) service mistakes that delay hearings; and (5) asking for relief that the statute does not authorize. Mitigate by following the DVPO self-help guidance, using the general-use forms for declarations and motion shells, and, when in doubt, obtaining a short limited-scope review via the SBAND Lawyer Referral Service. Source, Source.

Sources

• North Dakota Courts — Domestic Violence Protection Order (Self Help)
• North Dakota Courts — General-Use Forms
• North Dakota Courts — Service in a District Court Civil Action
• North Dakota Century Code — Chapter 14-07.1 (Protection Orders)
• State Bar Association of North Dakota — Lawyer Referral Service

If the content above includes specific instructions for filling forms (captions, service certificates, exhibit indexes), you can immediately use LegalAtoms to prepare the North Dakota DVPO packet by answering friendly questions. It outputs a court-ready PDF set with a paginated exhibit index and consistent labels.