Overview
Ransom County is located in North Dakota with a population of approximately 5,590. The Ransom County District Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
North Dakota probate is governed by North Dakota Century Code Title 30.1 (Uniform Probate Code). The process begins with filing a Petition for Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
North Dakota offers a simplified process for small estates valued at $100,000 or less (less liens and encumbrances). This can be done via an Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (Form 1) at least 30 days after death.
North Dakota does not have a statutory fee structure for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be reasonable based on services provided.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Ransom County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Ransom County District Court
Probate matters in Ransom County are handled at the Ransom County Courthouse.
Address: 205 5th Ave W, Lisbon, ND 58054
Phone: (701) 683-6120 (Clerk of District Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The District Court is located within the Ransom County Courthouse in Lisbon.
Parking and Access
Street parking is available around the courthouse.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $100,000 or less (less liens/encumbrances) and includes no real property, you may use an affidavit 30 days after death.
- Summary Administration: For estates where the value of the entire estate, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed the homestead allowance, exempt property, family allowance, costs and expenses of administration, reasonable funeral expenses, and reasonable and necessary medical and hospital expenses of the last illness of the decedent.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative with the Ransom County District Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Application for Informal Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- $80 filing fee
- Statement of Informal Probate
Attorneys are required to e-file. Self-represented litigants may file in paper or use the Odyssey File & Serve system.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 14 days before the hearing
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Ransom County for three successive weeks
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 2 to 4 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish notice to creditors in the Ransom County Gazette once a week for three successive weeks. Creditors have three months from the first publication to file claims.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within three months of appointment
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Ransom County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Mandatory for attorneys; optional for self-represented litigants via Odyssey File & Serve.
- Form Requirements: Use standard North Dakota Legal Self Help Center forms.
- Filing Fee: $80 filing fee for probate petitions.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Ransom County for three successive weeks.
Check with the Clerk of Court for any specific local scheduling preferences.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Ransom County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $80
- Small Estate Affidavit Filing: approximately $10 (if filed)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $10 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Copy fees: approximately $1 per page
North Dakota does not set statutory attorney or executor fees; they must be reasonable.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, check, or money order. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee if paying online.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
Creditor claim period is 3 months after publication.
Local Resources
Ransom County Court Resources
- Court Website: ndcourts.gov
- Probate Self-Help: ND Legal Self Help Center
- North Dakota Probate Forms: ND Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar Association of North Dakota: (866) 450-9579 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Services of North Dakota: (800) 634-5263 — Low-income legal assistance
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: sband.org
Publication
- Ransom County Gazette: (701) 683-4128 — Official county newspaper for legal notices.
- The Fargo Forum: (701) 235-7311 — Regional newspaper covering the area.