The figures on this page are general estimates. Laws, fees, thresholds, and prices differ by state and change often, and your own situation may change the result. Before you act, confirm the current numbers and rules for North Dakota with a licensed professional — an attorney, tax advisor, or licensed agent as appropriate. Reading this page does not create a professional relationship.
When the clock starts in North Dakota
The single fact that governs every other date on this page: in North Dakota the creditor-claim period runs from the date of first publication and mailing of the notice to creditors.
This is not the same in every state. Some states run the period from the date of death, others from the date letters are issued to the personal representative, others from first publication of the notice to creditors. A deadline calculated from the wrong event is simply wrong, and a missed claim deadline is not curable.
North Dakota deadlines at a glance
| Deadline | North Dakota | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory | Six months after appointment, or nine months after the decedent's death, whichever is later. The personal representative may file the inventory with the court, or mail it to the heirs or devisees and to any interested person who requests it. | N.D. Cent. Code §30.1-18-06 (UPC 3-706) |
| Creditor claim period | Three months after the date of first publication and mailing of the notice to creditors. Publication of the notice is optional in North Dakota; where the personal representative elects to publish, the notice must run once a week for three successive weeks and must also be mailed to creditors whose identities are known or reasonably ascertainable. | N.D. Cent. Code §§30.1-19-01, 30.1-19-03(1)(a) (UPC 3-801, 3-803) |
| Outer claim bar | Three years after the decedent's death where notice to creditors has not been published and mailed. | N.D. Cent. Code §30.1-19-03(1)(b) |
The inventory deadline, as written
Within six months after appointment, or nine months after the death of the decedent, whichever is later, a personal representative, who is not a special administrator or a successor to another representative who has previously discharged this duty, shall prepare and file or mail an inventory of property owned by the decedent at the time of the decedent's death, listing it with reasonable detail, and indicating as to each listed item, its fair market value as of the date of the decedent's death, and the type and amount of any encumbrance that may exist with reference to any item.
— N.D. Cent. Code §30.1-18-06 (UPC 3-706)
The creditor-claim period, as written
The notice must announce the personal representative's appointment and address and notify creditors of the estate to present their claims within three months after the date of the first publication or mailing of the notice or be forever barred.
— N.D. Cent. Code §§30.1-19-01, 30.1-19-03(1)(a) (UPC 3-801, 3-803)
What this page does not state
Where a figure is not recorded above, it is because it was not found in the statute cited — not because no deadline exists. Court rules, local rules, and standing orders set additional dates that are not part of the statutory text, and those are not reproduced here. Confirm every date against the North Dakota court handling the estate.
Sources
- Statutes: N.D. Cent. Code §30.1-18-06 (UPC 3-706); N.D. Cent. Code §§30.1-19-01, 30.1-19-03(1)(a) (UPC 3-801, 3-803); N.D. Cent. Code §30.1-19-03(1)(b)
- Authority: North Dakota Legislative Council, North Dakota Century Code (ndlegis.gov)
- Source URL: https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t30-1c19.pdf
- Verified: 2026-08-16
Related North Dakota guides
- How Long Does Probate Take in North Dakota? — the overall timeline these deadlines sit inside.
- How much does probate cost in North Dakota? — the cost side.
- How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in North Dakota? — compensation for the work.
- North Dakota Probate Fee Sheet — printable one-page reference.
- Executor Duties: The Complete Checklist — what the role involves.
Executor deadlines in other states
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This page reproduces North Dakota statutory deadlines as published at the time of verification. It is not legal advice. Statutes are amended, court rules impose additional dates, and application depends on the specific estate. Confirm every date with the North Dakota court or a licensed North Dakota attorney.