# Title 28 — Judicial Procedure, Civil

## Chapter 28-22 — Exemptions

### § 28-22-01. Property exempt from all process.

Except as otherwise provided, the property mentioned in this chapter is exempt to the head
of a family, as defined by section 28-22-01.1, from attachment, prejudgment, or other mesne
process and from levy and sale upon execution and from any other final process issued from
any court.
### § 28-22-01.1. Head of a family defined.

The phrase "head of a family" as used in this chapter means:
1. The husband or wife when the claimant is a married person.
2. Every person who has residing on the premises with the person and under the
person's care and maintenance, any of the following:
a. That person's child or the child of that person's deceased spouse, whether by
birth or adoption.
b. A minor brother or sister or the minor child of a deceased brother or sister.
c. A father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother.
d. The father or mother or grandfather or grandmother of a deceased husband or
wife.
e. Any other of the relatives mentioned in this section who have attained the age of
majority and are unable to take care of or support themselves.
3. Every person who provides support for unmarried minor children of a previous
marriage of the person, even though the children do not reside on the premises with
the person.
### § 28-22-02. Absolute exemption.

The property mentioned in this section is absolutely exempt from all process, levy, or sale:
1. All family pictures.
2. A pew or other sitting in any house of worship.
3. A lot or lots in any burial ground.
4. One family Bible or other family primary religious text and all schoolbooks used by the
family and all other books used as a part of the family library.
5. All wearing apparel, not exceeding five thousand dollars in value, and all clothing of
the debtor and the debtor's family.
6. The in-kind provisions for the debtor and the debtor's family necessary for one year's
supply, either provided or growing, or both, and in-kind fuel necessary for heating the
debtor's home or operating the debtor's motor vehicle for one year.
7. The homestead as created, defined, and limited by law.
8. All crops and grain, both threshed and unthreshed, raised by the debtor on not to
exceed one hundred sixty acres [64.75 hectares] of land in one tract occupied by the
debtor, either as owner or tenant, as the debtor's home, but the provisions of this
subsection in no way affect seed, thresher, or landlord liens, and if the debtor takes
advantage of this subsection the debtor may not take any additional alternative
exemptions provided under this chapter.
9. All insurance benefits resulting from insurance covering any or all of the absolute
exemptions if the insurance benefits are in cash or have been invested in other
property capable of exemption under this chapter.
10. In lieu of the homestead, and subject to the same value limitations that exist with
respect to the homestead exemption, any housetrailer or mobile home occupied as a
residence by the debtor or the debtor's family, except that it is not exempt from
process, levy, or sale for taxes levied on it pursuant to chapter 57-55. This section
does not preclude the debtor from claiming a mobile home as a dwelling house as part
of the homestead. The exemption in this subsection is not available if the debtor has
chosen the exemption provided for under subsection 1 of section 28-22-03.1.

### § 28-22-03. Additional exemption for head of a family.

In addition to the absolute exemptions mentioned in section 28-22-02, except in
subsection 8 thereof, the head of a family, personally or by that person's agent, may select from
that person's other personal property, any goods, chattels, merchandise, money, and other
personal property not exceeding in value the sum of seven thousand five hundred dollars, which
also is exempt from all attachment or mesne process, levy and sale upon execution, and any
other final process issued from any court. The exemption under this section may not be used to
exempt a real estate interest of any kind.
### § 28-22-03.1. Additional exemptions for residents.

In addition to the exemptions from all attachment or process, levy and sale upon execution,
and any other final process issued from any court, otherwise provided by law, a resident of the
state may select:
1. In lieu of the homestead exemption, up to twenty-five thousand dollars. This exemption
is not available if the resident exemption claimant, the spouse of the resident
exemption claimant, or other head of the family of the resident exemption claimant has
chosen the homestead exemption provided for under subsection 7 of section
28-22-02.
2. A motor vehicle exemption in one vehicle not to exceed ten thousand dollars in value
over security interests and liens upon that vehicle, or a motor vehicle exemption in one
vehicle not to exceed fifty thousand dollars for a motor vehicle that has been modified
at a cost of not less than one thousand five hundred dollars to accommodate an
individual with a permanent physical disability who is the owner of that motor vehicle.
3. The debtor's aggregate interest, not to exceed ten thousand dollars in value, in any
tools, implements, or professional books of the trade of the debtor or the trade of a
dependent of the debtor.
4. Any unmatured life insurance contract owned by the debtor, other than a credit life
insurance contract.
5. The debtor's aggregate interest, not to exceed in value one hundred thousand dollars
less any amount of property transferred in the manner specified in 11 U.S.C. 542(d), in
any accrued dividend or interest under, or loan value of, any unmatured life insurance
contract owned by the debtor under which the insured is the debtor or an individual of
whom the debtor is a dependent. Any cash deposit not previously scheduled to be
made into a life insurance policy or nonqualified annuity over the previous twelve
months is not exempt. Benefits are not exempt from enforcement of any order to pay
spousal support, child support, or a qualified domestic order under sections
15-39.1-12.2, 39-03-14.2, and 54-52-17.6.
6. Professionally prescribed health aids for the debtor or a dependent of the debtor.
7. Retirement funds that have been in effect for at least one year, to the extent those
funds are in a fund or account that is exempt from taxation under section 401, 403,
408, 408A, 414, 457, or 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The value of
those assets exempted may not exceed two hundred thousand dollars for any one
account or four hundred thousand dollars in aggregate for all accounts. The dollar limit
does not apply to the extent this property is reasonably necessary for the support of
the resident and that resident's dependents. Retirement funds are not exempt from
enforcement of any order to pay spousal support or child support, or a qualified
domestic relations order under sections 15-39.1-12.2, 39-03.1-14.2, and 54-52-17.6.
As used in this subsection, "reasonably necessary for the support" means required to
meet present and future needs, as determined by the court after consideration of the
resident's responsibilities and all the present and anticipated property and income of
the resident, including that which is exempt.
8. The debtor's right to receive:
a. A social security benefit, except that the benefit is not exempt for enforcement of
any order for the support of a dependent child.

b. Veteran's disability pension benefits, not including military retirement pay, except
that the benefits are not exempt from process levy or sale for enforcement of any
order for the support of a dependent child.
c. A disability, illness, or unemployment benefit.
d. Alimony, support, or separate maintenance, but not property settlements, to the
extent reasonably necessary for the support of the debtor and any dependent of
the debtor.
e. A payment under a stock bonus, pension, profit-sharing, annuity, or similar plan or
contract on account of illness, disability, death, age, or length of service, to the
extent reasonably necessary for the support of the debtor and any dependent of
the debtor, unless:
(1) That plan or contract was established by or under the auspices of an insider
that employed the debtor at the time the debtor's rights under that plan or
contract arose;
(2) That payment is on account of age or length of service; and
(3) That plan or contract does not qualify under section 401(a), 403(a), 403(b),
or 408 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
9. The debtor's right to receive, or property that is traceable to:
a. An award under a crime victim's reparation law.
b. A payment on account of the wrongful death of an individual of whom the debtor
was a dependent, to the extent reasonably necessary for the support of the
debtor and any dependent of the debtor.
c. A payment under a life insurance contract that insured the life of an individual of
whom the debtor was a dependent on the date of that individual's death, to the
extent reasonably necessary for the support of the debtor and any dependent of
the debtor.
d. A payment, not to exceed eighteen thousand four hundred fifty dollars, on
account of personal bodily injury, not including pain and suffering or
compensation for actual pecuniary loss, of the debtor or an individual of whom
the debtor is a dependent.
e. A payment in compensation of loss of future earnings of the debtor or an
individual of whom the debtor is or was a dependent, to the extent reasonably
necessary for the support of the debtor and any dependent of the debtor.
### § 28-22-04. Specific alternative exemptions.

Repealed by S.L. 2009, ch. 276, § 12.
### § 28-22-05. Exemptions of an unmarried person without dependents.

In addition to the absolute exemptions mentioned in section 28-22-02, except in
subsection 8 thereof, an unmarried person without any dependents, in person or by that
person's agent, may select from that person's other personal property, goods, chattels,
merchandise, money, or other personal property not exceeding in value the sum of three
thousand seven hundred fifty dollars, which is exempt.
### § 28-22-06. Claim to be made within ten days.

Any claim for exemptions must be made by or on behalf of the debtor within ten days after
service of notice of levy.
### § 28-22-07. How exemptions claimed - Appraisal.

All property claimed as exempt must be selected by the debtor or the debtor's agent or
attorney regardless of whether levy has been made yet on the property by the sheriff or levying
officer. Failure to claim all exempt property at the time exemptions are claimed renders the
unclaimed property nonexempt for purposes of this chapter. The value thereof, when material,
must be determined by an appraisement made under the direction of the sheriff or other officer.
Whenever any debtor, against whom an execution, writ of attachment, or other process has

been issued, desires to claim the benefit of section 28-22-03, such debtor or the debtor's agent
or attorney, shall make a schedule of all of the debtor's personal property of every kind and
character, including money on hand and debts due and owing to the debtor, and shall deliver the
same to the officer having the execution, writ of attachment, or other process. The schedule
must be subscribed and sworn to by the debtor or the debtor's agent or attorney, and any
property owned by the debtor and not included in such schedule is not exempt. No claim for
exemptions may be disallowed for insufficiency as to form unless three days' notice in writing
has been given first of the insufficiency by the party in interest claiming such insufficiency to the
person making the claim for exemptions, and specifying in apt language the defect complained
of. The person claiming the exemption thereupon may amend the same to conform to the
objections made within three days, if that person desires so to do, by serving upon the proper
person an amended claim for exemptions.
### § 28-22-08. How appraisers selected.

To make the appraisement, the debtor or the debtor's agent or attorney shall select one
person, the creditor or the creditor's agent or attorney shall select another person, and these
two so selected shall select a third person. All persons selected must be disinterested residents
of the county, not related to either party nearer than the fourth degree. If the two fail to agree
upon the third person, the sheriff or other officer shall select the third person. If either the debtor
or creditor fails or refuses upon notice to select a person to act as one of the appraisers, the
sheriff or other officer shall select one for the debtor or creditor who failed or refused to make a
selection.
### § 28-22-09. Oath and duties of appraisers.

The three appraisers shall take and subscribe an oath before the sheriff or other officer, to
be attached to the inventory and appraisement, that they will truly, honestly, and impartially
appraise the property of the debtor. The property must be appraised at the actual value of the
several articles at the place where they are situated, as nearly as can be determined, and must
be set down in an inventory by articles or by lots, when definitely descriptive, with the value
opposite.
### § 28-22-10. Selection after appraisal.

If the appraisement of the whole property or of any class of alternative exemptions exceeds
the limitation in value of that which may be claimed by the debtor as exempt, the debtor, or the
debtor's agent or attorney, may select therefrom such property as the debtor, or the debtor's
agent or attorney, may wish within such limitations.
### § 28-22-11. Spouse or child over sixteen may act.

If in any case the debtor neglects or refuses, or for any cause fails, to claim the whole or
any of the exemptions to which the debtor is entitled, a spouse may make such claim or
demand, select and choose the property, select and designate one of the appraisers, and do all
other acts necessary in the premises the same and with like effect as the debtor might do, and if
the spouse neglects, refuses, or for any cause fails so to do in whole or in part, then one of the
children sixteen years of age or upwards, who is a member of the family, may do so in like
manner and with like effect.
### § 28-22-12. Sheriff's inventory of exemptions.

The sheriff or other officer having any process of levy or sale shall make return with the
sheriff's or officer's writ or warrant of any inventory and appraisement of any personal property
claimed as exempt.
### § 28-22-13. Partnership or limited liability company can claim but one exemption.

A partnership or limited liability company can claim but one exemption, which must be in the
amount in value or in alternative property allowed to the head of a family, if any one of the
partners or members is the head of a family, and must be in the amount in value allowed to a

single person if none of the partners or members is the head of a family. Such exemption may
be claimed out of the partnership or limited liability company property.
### § 28-22-14. Property not exempt in action for its purchase price.

No property is exempt from execution or attachment in an action brought for its purchase
price or any part thereof.
### § 28-22-15. When only absolute exemptions allowed.

Only absolute exemptions may be allowed against process:
1. For the wages of a laborer or mechanic who is, or had been, employed by the
judgment debtor;
2. Upon a debt incurred for property obtained under false pretenses;
3. For fines, penalties, or costs of criminal prosecutions;
4. Against a nonresident;
5. Against a debtor who is in the act of removing with the debtor's family from the state;
or
6. Against a debtor who has absconded, taking the debtor's family along.
### § 28-22-16. Exemptions limited in certain cases.

In addition to the absolute exemptions against process, on a judgment for forfeiture of an
undertaking or bond or of recognizance taken in criminal cases, there must be allowed as
exempt property, property of any kind to the value of five hundred dollars.
### § 28-22-17. Nonavailability of federal bankruptcy exemptions.

In accordance with the provisions of section 522(b) of the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978
[Pub. L. 95-598; 92 Stat. 2586; 11 U.S.C. 522(b)], residents of this state are not entitled to the
federal exemptions provided in section 522(d) of the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978. The
residents of this state are limited to claiming those exemptions allowable by North Dakota law.
### § 28-22-18. Wages - Exemption restricted.

The wages of a debtor are exempt from all process or levy only to the extent provided in
section 32-09.1-03.
### § 28-22-19. Exemptions from legal process - Public pensions, assistance, and awards.

The following amounts are exempt from liability for debts of the person to or on account of
whom the amounts are paid, and are not subject to seizure upon execution or other process:
1. All pensions or annuities or retirement, disability, death, or other benefits paid or
payable by, or amounts received as a return of contributions and interest from, a
retirement system established pursuant to state law by the state except as provided by
sections 15-39.1-12.2, 39-03.1-14.2, 54-52-17.6, and 54-52.2-03.3, a state agency, a
political subdivision of the state, or a firefighters relief association for retirement,
annuity, pension, disability benefit, or death benefit purposes. The exemption in this
subsection does not apply to the collection of child support unless federal law requires
an exemption or if complying with an execution or other process would require an
actuarial analysis to determine the current value of the amounts that are payable to the
debtor.
2. All awards made pursuant to chapter 54-23.4 as compensation for victims of crimes.
3. All payments of assistance as aid to dependent children pursuant to chapter 50-09.
