North Dakota § 14-07-16 - Abandonment or nonsupport of spouse - Penalty
Full text of North Dakota North Dakota Century Code § 14-07-16 — Abandonment or nonsupport of spouse - Penalty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14-07-16. Abandonment or nonsupport of spouse - Penalty
Every husband or wife who, without lawful excuse, deserts that person's spouse with intent wholly to abandon that spouse or who willfully fails to furnish such food, shelter, clothing, and medical attention as is reasonably necessary and sufficient to keep the life of the spouse from danger and discomfort and the spouse's health from injury, is guilty of a class C felony. If a husband or wife while in another state and having left that person's spouse in this state, willfully and intentionally and without lawful excuse deserts that person's spouse and abandons the spouse, or while in such other state, willfully and intentionally fails to furnish such food, shelter, clothing, and medical attention as is reasonably necessary, as herein provided, while that person's spouse is in this state, such abandonment and failure to support must be construed to have been committed in this state and all of the laws of this state with reference to punishment apply with the same force and effect as if such abandonment and failure to support had occurred in this state and the abandoning spouse is subject to the penalty as in this section provided.
Source: official North Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota § 14-07-16
What does North Dakota Century Code § 14-07-16 cover?
Section 14-07-16 ("Abandonment or nonsupport of spouse - Penalty") is part of the North Dakota Century Code, the codified statutory law of North Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Dakota § 14-07-16?
A common citation format is "North Dakota Century Code § 14-07-16" (North Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Dakota attorney.
How does North Dakota § 14-07-16 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Dakota.