Best Divorce Lawyers in Fargo

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Fargo, North Dakota?

  If you need police assistance for a non-emergency, contact the Fargo Police Department at 701-235-4493.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Fargo, North Dakota?

  Request for copies of incident police reports can be filed at the Fargo Police Department Records Bureau at 105 25 St., N. Fargo, ND 58102.

• What does it mean by "best interest of the child" in Fargo?

  Courts take into account a variety of factors when deciding on legal and physical custody and visitation, including:

  1. Emotional bond between parent and child
  2. Presence of an extended family nearby
  3. Access to education, or the need for the child to switch schools
  4. Neglectful household
  5. Each parent's capacity to maintain a safe home
  6. The child's viewpoints, assuming that he or she is old enough to make wise and informed decisions (supported by demonstrated behavior, academic records, etc.)

• What is spousal support determined in Fargo?

  Several criteria impact the amount of spousal support:

  1. The degree to which each partner is self-sufficient, as evidenced by their age, physical condition, emotional and mental stability, and financial security;
  2. Each party's potential for employment, and/or need for education and training in order to become self-sustaining;
  3. Living standards of the couple throughout their marriage;
  4. The length of their marriage;
  5. The ability of the party who would be paying spousal support to reasonably support themselves while doing so.

• How are the assets and debts of the married couple divided during a divorce in Fargo?

  Under the North Dakota Supreme Court statute Section 14-05-24, trial courts are to "the court shall make an equitable distribution of the property and debts of the parties." They also are to consider the following factors in their decisions:

  1. the respective ages of the married couple;
  2. their earning potential;
  3. the length of the marriage;
  4. the conduct of the partners during the marriage;
  5. their socioeconomic status;
  6. their personal circumstances and requirements;
  7. their physical and mental well-being;
  8. their financial standing is based on the property they owned at the time; and
  9. their net worth and income-generating capacity before, during, and after the marriage.

• What documents should I gather in filing for a divorce in Fargo?

  Make sure you have copies of the following records in order to make the most of your initial consultation with your lawyer and save time and money:

  1. Tax returns for the past five years;
  2. Paystubs, 1099's, and W-2's of both parties for the past year;
  3. Real estate documentation including titles, mortgages, tax assessments, and legal descriptions of all real property;
  4. Business documentation, including ownership, assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses;
  5. Personal and business bank statements for the past year;
  6. Statements of debt, promissory notes, and loan applications and agreements
  7. Investment information on pensions, IRAs, stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, and the like;
  8. Insurance contracts, applications, and statements;
  9. Financial statements; and
  10. Automobile records.

• What are the residential requirements to file a divorce in Fargo?

  In Fargo, the plaintiff must be a resident of North Dakota for at least six months before the divorce can be granted. The court may still issue the divorce even if the defendant is residing off-state or is uncooperative, provided that the plaintiff satisfies the six-month residency requirement.