This bill amends various sections of the North Dakota Century Code to modernize the legal definitions and language surrounding marriage and marital relationships. A significant change is the redefinition of "spouse" to refer to "individuals married to each other," replacing the traditional terms "husband and wife." The bill also clarifies that necessary force may be used to protect a spouse's property and establishes mutual obligations of respect, fidelity, and support between spouses. Additionally, it allows "two married individuals" to adopt together and recognizes the rights of both spouses in property and support matters.

Furthermore, the bill removes outdated language that defines marriage as a union between "one man and one woman," affirming it instead as a civil contract between "two individuals." It addresses various legal contexts, including domicile, desertion, and the rights and liabilities of spouses, ensuring equal treatment under the law. The amendments also clarify the status of surviving spouses, stipulating that divorced or annulled individuals are not considered surviving spouses unless they remarry the decedent. Overall, the bill aims to reflect contemporary understandings of marital relationships and modernize the legal framework governing marriage and family law in North Dakota.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 12.1-23-09, 14-02-07, 14-03-01, 14-03-08, 14-05-06, 14-05-18, 14-07-01, 14-07-03, 14-07-04, 14-07-06, 14-07-07, 14-07-08, 14-07-12, 14-07-13, 14-07-14, 14-12.2-28, 14-14.1-30, 14-15-03, 14-15-20, 14-18-05, 14-18-08, 20.1-03-06, 30.1-10-02, 30.1-10-04, 35-01-04, 47-18-04, 47-18-05, 47-18-14, 50-25.1-10, 54-52.4-02, 57-38-31, 57-40.3-04, 57-40.3-07, 57-40.5-03