North Dakota Guide
What to do when someone dies in North Dakota.
A step-by-step guide for families navigating death administration in North Dakota. Covers death certificates, cremation rules, probate, and average costs.
First 24 Hours in North Dakota
Getting a Death Certificate in North Dakota
How many do you need? Plan to order at least 10–12 certified copies. You will need them for banks, insurance companies, government agencies, retirement accounts, and courts. It is much cheaper to order extras upfront than to reorder later.
North Dakota Legal Requirements
North Dakota allows simplified proceedings for estates under $50,000.
Average Funeral Costs in North Dakota
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many death certificates do I need in North Dakota?
Plan for at least 10–12 certified copies. Each financial institution, insurance company, government agency, and court requires its own original certified copy. It costs $7 per copy per copy from the North Dakota Department of Health.
How long does probate take in North Dakota?
Straightforward probate in North Dakota typically takes 6–12 months. Complex estates with disputes or significant assets can take 2–3 years. Estates under $50,000 may qualify for a simplified process.
How soon can cremation happen in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires a 24 hours waiting period before cremation. All paperwork must be completed and signed by the authorized next-of-kin before cremation can proceed.
What happens if someone dies without a will in North Dakota?
If someone dies without a will ("intestate") in North Dakota, the estate is distributed according to state intestacy laws. Generally assets pass to the spouse first, then children, then other relatives in a specific legal order determined by the probate court.