N.D. Cent. Code § 27-20.6-09: Prima facie review of petition

1.Upon filing of a petition for the re-establishment of the legal parent and child relationship, the court shall consider the petition without oral argument or evidentiary hearing and shall deny the petition unless the court finds the petitioner has established a prima facie case justifying that re-establishment of parental rights is in the child's best interest. If a prima facie case is not established, the court shall dismiss the petition.

2.If a prima facie case is established, the court shall set a date for an evidentiary hearing. The clerk of district court or juvenile court shall provide a copy of the petition and summons to any interested party.