Burleigh Cty. Social Service Bd. v. Rath 2024 ND 161

Summary

The North Dakota Supreme Court affirmed the contempt order requiring Rath to pay monthly amounts toward his child-support arrears. It held that Rath was not entitled to appointed counsel because incarceration was not automatic and procedural safeguards protected his ability to obtain counsel before any imprisonment. The court also held that support continued during temporary governmental custody, laches did not bar the arrears, the State and obligee had standing after the child reached majority, and the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act did not limit collection of the support debt.