§ 14-08-01 Action against husband or wife for support of spouse and minor children – When maintained
§ 14-08-02 Power of court to render judgment
§ 14-08-03 Procedure for action
§ 14-08-04 What payments made by spouse pending action
§ 14-08-05 Security required – Receiver
§ 14-08-06 Modifying or vacating judgment

Terms Used In North Dakota Code > Chapter 14-08 - Action for Spousal or Child Support

  • children: includes children by birth and by adoption. See North Dakota Code 1-01-18
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Equitable: Pertaining to civil suits in "equity" rather than in "law." In English legal history, the courts of "law" could order the payment of damages and could afford no other remedy. See damages. A separate court of "equity" could order someone to do something or to cease to do something. See, e.g., injunction. In American jurisprudence, the federal courts have both legal and equitable power, but the distinction is still an important one. For example, a trial by jury is normally available in "law" cases but not in "equity" cases. Source: U.S. Courts
  • Person: means an individual, organization, government, political subdivision, or government agency or instrumentality. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.