In a proceeding for a grant of custodial responsibility pursuant to sections 14-09.3-11 through 14-09.3-21, the following rules apply:

Terms Used In North Dakota Code 14-09.3-15

  • following: when used by way of reference to a chapter or other part of a statute means the next preceding or next following chapter or other part. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
  • written: include "typewriting" and "typewritten" and "printing" and "printed" except in the case of signatures and when the words are used by way of contrast to typewriting and printing. See North Dakota Code 1-01-37

1.    A prior judicial order designating custodial responsibility in the event of deployment is binding on the court unless the circumstances meet the requirements of law of this state other than this chapter for modifying a judicial order regarding custodial responsibility.

2.    The court shall enforce a prior written agreement between the parents for designating custodial responsibility in the event of deployment, including an agreement executed under sections 14-09.3-07 through 14-09.3-10, unless the court finds that the agreement is contrary to the best interests of the child.