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Ramsey County, ND Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Ramsey County details |
|---|---|
| Court | The district court in Ramsey County, sitting at the Ramsey County Courthouse in Devils Lake (N.D.C.C. § 27-05-06). Papers are filed with the clerk of district court in Ramsey County (N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 46). |
| Courthouse address | Ramsey County Courthouse, 524 4th Ave NE, Unit 4, Devils Lake, ND 58301 |
| Mailing | No separate mailing address is published. Use the courthouse address. |
| Phone | (701) 662-1309 |
| Hours | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday |
| Fee to open a Title 30.1 case | $160, effective July 1, 2025 (N.D.C.C. § 27-05.2-03; North Dakota Court Fee Schedule) |
| Local forms | No Ramsey County probate forms or local cover sheet are published. Use the statewide North Dakota Legal Self Help Center materials at ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help. |
| E-filing | Represented parties file electronically through Odyssey. A self-represented filer is exempt from the electronic filing requirement and may file on paper in person, by mail, or by commercial carrier, or may use Odyssey (N.D.R.Ct. 3.5). Original wills may be filed on paper (N.D.R.Ct. 3.5). |
| Case search | North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry at https://publicsearch.ndcourts.gov/. Choose Civil, Family & Probate Case Records and select Ramsey County. Information is current through the end of the previous business day. |
| Remote appearance | A court may allow reliable electronic means for a proceeding on its own motion or on a party's written motion, subject to the rule (N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 52). |
| Court website | https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/ramsey-county |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you choose a filing path in Ramsey County, make a working list of the assets, debts, titled property, beneficiary designations, and accounts that may or may not pass through estate settlement. That first inventory tells you whether a court filing in Devils Lake is likely needed and which documents the personal representative will need.
Sunset's 2,300-institution asset discovery helps families look for accounts and benefits before they prepare a probate packet. That matters in Ramsey County because the court packet, the fee, and any later letters testamentary or letters of administration depend on what the estate actually includes (N.D.C.C. § 30.1-14-07).
Which court handles jurisdiction
North Dakota has no separate court for decedents' estates and no separate probate forum of any kind: estate settlement is a case class of the state's single district court, which sits in all 53 counties, and the papers are filed with the clerk of district court at the Ramsey County Courthouse (N.D. Const. art. VI, §§ 1, 8; N.D.C.C. § 27-05-06; N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 46). The separate county-level forum that once heard these cases was abolished on January 1, 1995, and its files became district court files (N.D.C.C. § 27-05-00.1).
Probate for Ramsey County is filed with the clerk of district court at the county courthouse in Devils Lake. Ramsey County is one of the 11 counties in the Northeast Judicial District, which is how judges and district administration are organised; the case itself is filed at this county's own courthouse (N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 6; N.D.C.C. ch. 30.1-13).
The Devils Lake courthouse serves Ramsey County communities including Devils Lake, Edmore, Churchs Ferry, and surrounding rural townships near Devils Lake and Grahams Island State Park. For an informal application, North Dakota asks for the county and state of the decedent's domicile at death, and if the decedent was not domiciled in North Dakota, a statement showing venue (N.D.C.C. § 30.1-14-01; N.D.C.C. ch. 30.1-13).
The jurisdiction process
- Gather the will, death certificate, asset list, debt list, beneficiary information, and the names and addresses of interested persons before filing in Ramsey County.
- Choose the correct opening document. Informal probate uses an application under N.D.C.C. ch. 30.1-14. Formal proceedings use a petition under N.D.C.C. ch. 30.1-15.
- Prepare the statewide forms that fit the situation. If there is an original will, plan to deliver it to the Ramsey County Courthouse on paper because original wills may be filed as paper documents (N.D.R.Ct. 3.5).
- File with the clerk of district court at the Ramsey County Courthouse, 524 4th Ave NE, Unit 4, Devils Lake, ND 58301 (N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 46; N.D.C.C. § 27-05-06). Represented parties use Odyssey, while a self-represented filer may file paper documents in person, by mail, or by commercial carrier, or may use Odyssey (N.D.R.Ct. 3.5).
- Pay the $160 fee to open a Title 30.1 case, effective July 1, 2025 (N.D.C.C. § 27-05.2-03; North Dakota Court Fee Schedule). If you need a fee waiver, use the North Dakota court fee waiver materials at ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/fee-waiver.
- Handle notice. A personal representative may publish and mail notice to creditors under N.D.C.C. § 30.1-19-01, and creditor claim timing is governed by N.D.C.C. ch. 30.1-19.
- If the matter requires a hearing, follow the court's scheduling instructions. A party who wants reliable electronic means must first contact the other parties, then file a written motion under N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 52.
- The court reviews the application, makes the statutory findings, issues a written statement of informal probate when applicable, and issues letters testamentary or letters of administration within ten working days after all requirements for informal proceedings have been met (N.D.C.C. §§ 30.1-14-02, 30.1-14-03, 30.1-14-07).
- After appointment, administer the estate, follow the inventory and appraisement rule in N.D.C.C. § 30.1-18-06, address allowed claims under N.D.C.C. ch. 30.1-19, distribute property, and finish the estate under N.D.C.C. ch. 30.1-21.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Ramsey County
Ramsey County does not publish its own probate forms or a local probate cover sheet. A Ramsey County filer uses the statewide North Dakota Legal Self Help Center materials at ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help, including the informal administration guidebook and related forms.
The statewide informal set includes commonly used documents such as Form 2, Application for Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of a Personal Representative, Form 3, Statement of Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of a Personal Representative, Form 4, Letters Testamentary, Form 17, Application for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative in Intestacy, Form 18, Statement of Informal Appointment of Personal Representative, and Form 19, Letters of Administration (ndcourts.gov; N.D.C.C. §§ 30.1-14-02, 30.1-14-07).
The Center warns that its forms are not guaranteed to be accepted in every situation and that its form set does not cover formal proceedings under N.D.C.C. ch. 30.1-15 or every informal situation. If your Ramsey County matter does not fit the statewide materials, create the needed document or work with a lawyer.
Local nuance
Ramsey County-specific considerations
Ramsey County is in the Northeast Judicial District, and Devils Lake is itself one of that district's chamber cities (N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 6). The supreme court's stated intent is that residents receive judicial services in their own county without the need to travel to the chamber cities, but that is an intent statement, not a promise about any particular hearing (N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 6).
No clerk email address is published for Ramsey County. For filing questions, use the Ramsey County judiciary website or call the clerk of district court in Ramsey County at (701) 662-1309 (N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 46).
Recent updates
Scenarios
| Situation | Likely Ramsey County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with co-owned home | Start by separating nonprobate assets from assets that need estate settlement. If a Ramsey County case is needed, file the application with the clerk of district court in Devils Lake, deliver the original will on paper if there is one, and pay the $160 fee, effective July 1, 2025 (N.D.C.C. § 27-05.2-03; N.D.R.Ct. 3.5; N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 46). | Sunset helps locate accounts, organize title information, and generate a Ramsey County-ready packet for review before filing. |
| Out-of-state adult child with small estate under N.D.C.C. ch. 30.1-23 | A self-represented filer may use paper filing by mail or commercial carrier, or may choose Odyssey, so much of the Ramsey County filing can be handled without a trip to Devils Lake (N.D.R.Ct. 3.5). If there is an original will, it still needs to reach the courthouse on paper (N.D.R.Ct. 3.5). | Sunset helps identify whether accounts exist, prepare the estate settlement checklist, and connect you with local counsel if the facts do not fit a simple path. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | A sale usually requires an appointed personal representative with letters testamentary or letters of administration. File in Devils Lake, then the court issues letters within ten working days after the informal requirements are met (N.D.C.C. § 30.1-14-07). Certified copies are $20 each and additional copies of the same document are $10, effective July 1, 2025 (N.D.C.C. § 27-05.2-03; North Dakota Court Fee Schedule). | Sunset helps assemble asset information, prepare the probate packet, and find a vetted attorney for sale, title, or family-dispute issues. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps | Link or phone |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Legal Self Help Center | Publishes statewide probate forms, the informal administration guidebook, the personal property collection page under N.D.C.C. § 30.1-23-01, and fee waiver materials. | https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help |
| Informal probate of an estate | Explains informal probate under N.D.C.C. ch. 30.1-14 and links to the guidebook and forms. | https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/informal-probate |
| Formal probate of an estate | Explains formal proceedings under N.D.C.C. ch. 30.1-15 and states that the Center's form set does not cover that path. | https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/formal-probate |
| North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry | Search Civil, Family & Probate Case Records, select Ramsey County, and remember that information is current through the end of the previous business day. | https://publicsearch.ndcourts.gov/ |
| Attorney Search | Search for North Dakota lawyers through the court system's lawyer directory. | https://www.ndcourts.gov/lawyers |
| Legal Services of North Dakota | Statewide civil legal aid intake. Call to ask whether your issue fits its services. | https://lsnd.org; 1-800-634-5263 for under age 60; 1-866-621-9886 for age 60 and over |
When to hire an attorney
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches across more than 2,300 institutions to help families identify accounts, insurance, retirement assets, and other property before the Ramsey County filing is prepared.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset turns the information you provide into an organized estate settlement packet for the Ramsey County courthouse, with the right court address, filing path, and original-will reminder under N.D.R.Ct. 3.5.
Find a local probate attorney. When the case needs legal judgment, Sunset helps connect families with a vetted attorney who handles North Dakota estate settlement issues.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset to organize assets, understand next steps, and decide whether a Ramsey County probate filing is needed without paying Sunset a fee.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Ramsey County?
File with the clerk of district court at the Ramsey County Courthouse, 524 4th Ave NE, Unit 4, Devils Lake, ND 58301 (N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 46; N.D.C.C. § 27-05-06).
What are the clerk's hours in Devils Lake?
The published courthouse hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call (701) 662-1309 before traveling if timing is critical.
Do I have to e-file in Ramsey County if I am self-represented?
No. A self-represented filer is exempt from the electronic filing requirement and may file paper documents in person, by mail, or by commercial carrier. A self-represented filer may also use Odyssey if desired (N.D.R.Ct. 3.5).
Can I mail the original will to Ramsey County?
Original wills, codicils, and other documents of independent legal significance may be filed as paper documents (N.D.R.Ct. 3.5). If you mail an original will, use the Ramsey County Courthouse address and consider calling the clerk of district court in Ramsey County first (N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 46).
How much does it cost to file probate in Ramsey County?
The fee to open a Title 30.1 probate case is $160, effective July 1, 2025 (N.D.C.C. § 27-05.2-03; North Dakota Court Fee Schedule).
Are there Ramsey County probate forms?
No local Ramsey County probate forms are published. Use the statewide North Dakota Legal Self Help Center materials at ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help, and remember that the Center states its form set does not cover formal proceedings under N.D.C.C. ch. 30.1-15 or every informal situation.
Can I look up a Ramsey County probate case online?
Use the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry at https://publicsearch.ndcourts.gov/. Choose Civil, Family & Probate Case Records, select Ramsey County, and remember that information is current through the end of the previous business day.
Is there a clerk email for Ramsey County?
No clerk email address is published for Ramsey County. Call (701) 662-1309 or use the Ramsey County judiciary website for contact information (N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 46).
Will I have to travel to another city for a hearing?
The supreme court's stated intent is that residents receive judicial services in their own county without the need to travel to chamber cities, but that is not a guarantee for a specific case (N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 6). Devils Lake is one of the Northeast Judicial District chamber cities (N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 6).
Can I appear by video in a Ramsey County probate matter?
A court may conduct a proceeding by reliable electronic means on its own motion or on a party's written motion (N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 52). A party's motion must first address whether the other parties agree or object, must be served at least seven days before the proceeding, and any response is due at least four days before the proceeding unless the court shortens time for good cause (N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 52).
How long until letters are issued in Ramsey County?
For informal proceedings, the court must issue letters testamentary or letters of administration within ten working days after all requirements for informal proceedings have been met (N.D.C.C. § 30.1-14-07).
Shaped by the families we've helped
Thank you to the thousands of families who have trusted Sunset to help settle their loved ones' estates. This page is shaped by the questions they actually asked and the obstacles they actually hit — and that hard-won experience is what keeps it accurate, current, and genuinely useful to the families who come next.