# N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-03: 14-09.4-03. Requirements for order of custody or visitation

> North Dakota · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-03

## Section

- **Citation:** N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-03
- **Heading:** 14-09.4-03. Requirements for order of custody or visitation
- **Jurisdiction:** North Dakota
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** ND Code / Title 14 / Chapter 14-09.4 / Section 14-09.4-03

## Text

14-09.4-03. Requirements for order of custody or visitation

1. A court may order custody or visitation to a nonparent if the nonparent proves:

a. The nonparent:

(1) Is a consistent caretaker; or

(2) Has a substantial relationship with the child and denial of custody or

visitation would result in harm to the child; and

b. An order of custody or visitation to the nonparent is in the best interest of the

child.

2. A nonparent is a consistent caretaker if the nonparent without expectation of

compensation:

a. Lived with the child for not less than twelve months, unless the court finds good

cause to accept a shorter period;

b. Regularly exercised care of the child;

c. Made day-to-day decisions regarding the child solely or in cooperation with an

individual having physical custody of the child; and

d. Established a bonded and dependent relationship with the child with the express

or implied consent of a parent of the child, or without the consent of a parent if no

parent has been able or willing to perform parenting functions.

3. A nonparent has a substantial relationship with the child if:

a. The nonparent:

(1) Is an individual with a familial relationship with the child by blood or law; or

(2) Formed a relationship with the child without expectation of compensation;

and

b. A significant emotional bond exists between the nonparent and the child.

## Nearby sections

- [N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-01 14-09.4-01. Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-01.md)
- [N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-02 14-09.4-02. Scope](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-02.md)
- [N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-03 14-09.4-03. Requirements for order of custody or visitation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-03.md)
- [N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-04 14-09.4-04. Presumption for parental decision](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-04.md)
- [N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-05 14-09.4-05. Commencement of proceeding - Jurisdiction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-05.md)
- [N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-06 14-09.4-06. Verified petition](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-06.md)
- [N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-07 14-09.4-07. Sufficiency of petition](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-07.md)
- [N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-08 14-09.4-08. Notice](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-08.md)
- [N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-09 14-09.4-09. Appointment - Interview of child - Court services - Limitation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-09.md)
- [N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-10 14-09.4-10. Emergency order](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-10.md)
- [N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-11 14-09.4-11. Best interest of child](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-11.md)
- [N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-12 14-09.4-12. Presumption arising from child abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-12.md)
- [N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-13 14-09.4-13. Order of custody or visitation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-13.md)
- [N.D. Cent. Code § 14-09.4-14 14-09.4-14. Modification of custody or visitation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ND_T14_C14-09.4_S14-09.4-03. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.