North Dakota Century Code Title 27. Judicial Branch of Government § 27-20.1-18. Appointment of emergency guardian of a child

1. Upon petition by a person interested in the child's welfare, the court may appoint an emergency guardian if the court finds that compliance with the procedures of this chapter will likely result in substantial harm to the child's health, safety, or welfare. Immediately upon receipt of the petition for an emergency guardian, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to advocate for the best interests of the child.

2. An emergency guardian may be appointed without hearing or notice to the child, the child's parent or legal custodian, or the child's guardian ad litem only if the court finds from affidavit or other sworn testimony that the child will be substantially harmed before a hearing can be held. If the court appoints an emergency guardian without hearing or notice to the child, the child's parent or legal custodian, or the child's guardian ad litem, the child, the child's parent or legal custodian, and the child's guardian ad litem must be given notice of the emergency appointment by the petitioner within forty-eight hours after the emergency appointment. The court shall hold a hearing on the appropriateness of the emergency appointment within ninety-six hours after the emergency appointment or filing of the petition.

3. Reasonable notice, either oral or written, stating the time, place, and purpose of the hearing must be given to the child, if fourteen years of age or older, and, to the child's parents or legal custodian, if they can be found. If oral notice is provided, the petitioner must file an affidavit stating that oral notice including the time, place, and purpose of the hearing has been provided.

4. The court shall determine if there is probable cause to believe the emergency appointment is in the best interest of the child and one of the provisions of subsection 1 of section 27-20.1-11 is met.

5. If the emergency guardian is found to be appropriate, the court may order the emergency guardian remain in place for no more than sixty days from the date of the hearing. The court may extend the emergency order for up to six months.

6. A request for an emergency guardian may be included in a petition for appointment of a guardian of a child under section 27-20.1-05.