What must I do if I am a respondent named in this notice?

Serve an Answer or response on the petitioners' attorney within 30 days after the last publication date listed.

Where can I get copies of the summons and petition?

Copies are available from the Clerk of Court in Ward County or from the petitioners' attorney at Humphrey Law Office, P.C.

What happens if I don’t respond within 30 days?

A default judgment may be entered and the court can issue a Decree of Adoption terminating your parental rights.

Court Notice Notice (51-2026-DM-00033)

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Termination and adoption

Affects:DefendantsHeirsGovernment Agencies

A verified petition to terminate parental rights and adopt minor R.N.A.W.F. has been filed in Ward County District Court, North Dakota. Respondents must file an answer within 30 days after the last publication or a default judgment and adoption decree may be entered against them.

Key Takeaways

Petition to terminate parental rights and adopt filed
Respondents must answer within 30 days after last publication
Default judgment and adoption decree if no response
Copies of summons and petition available from court or petitioners' attorney

Deadline · Response Deadline

June 26, 3006

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Published: May 13, 2026 · 6 days ago
Category: Court Notice
Case #: 51-2026-DM-00033

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If you don't respond

If a respondent does not serve an Answer within 30 days after the last publication date, the court may enter a default judgment and a Decree of Adoption will be entered against them.

What to do next

1
Locate last publication date
Confirm the final publication date (May 27, 2026) and count 30 days from that date to determine your response deadline.
2
Serve an Answer
Prepare and serve an Answer or response on Petitioners' attorney Bonnie P. Humphrey at Humphrey Law Office, P.C., P.O. Box 2045, Minot, ND 58702-2045, phone (701) 852-5777, within the 30-day deadline.
3
Request counsel if needed
If you cannot afford an attorney, ask the court for a court‑appointed lawyer when you file your Answer or contact the Clerk of Court for guidance.

Frequently asked questions

What must I do if I am a respondent named in this notice?: Serve an Answer or response on the petitioners' attorney within 30 days after the last publication date listed.
Where can I get copies of the summons and petition?: Copies are available from the Clerk of Court in Ward County or from the petitioners' attorney at Humphrey Law Office, P.C.
Can I get a court-appointed lawyer if I can’t afford one?: Yes; the notice says you may have the right to court‑appointed counsel if you cannot afford an attorney.
What happens if I don’t respond within 30 days?: A default judgment may be entered and the court can issue a Decree of Adoption terminating your parental rights.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Verified Petition: A sworn written request filed with the court stating the facts supporting the legal action.
Decree of Adoption: A court order that legally makes the petitioner the child's parent and terminates prior parental rights.
Default judgment: A judgment entered against a party who fails to respond or appear in court.

Full Notice Text

Notice of PublicationSTATE OF NORTH DAKOTAIN DISTRICT COURTCOUNTY OF WARDNORTH CENTRAL JUDICIAL DISTRICT
In the Adoption of R. N. A. W. F., Minor ChildMagen Danae Friend, f/k/a Magen Danae Smith, and Dustin Ryan Friend,Petitioners,vs.Samantha Alexa-Rea Lomaintewa, f/k/a Samantha Alexa-Rea Ochoa, Respondent Mother;Emery George Lomaintewa, a/k/a Emery George Lomaintewa, Jr., Respondent Father;Unknown, Respondent Father;Executive Director, Department of Human Services,Respondents.
Case No. 51-2026-DM-00033
NOTICE OF PUBLICATIONTO: RESPONDENTS:[¶1.] You are hereby notified that a Verified Petition for termination of parental rights and adoption by Petitioners has been filed against you in the District Court of Ward County, North Dakota in regard to the above child.[¶2.] You must serve an Answer or response upon the Plaintiff's attorney within thirty (30) days after the last publication of this notice. Failure to do so will result in default judgment and Decree of Adoption being entered against you.[¶3.] Copies of the Summons and Verified Petition are available from the Clerk of Court or the Petitioners' attorney.[¶4.] You may have the right to court-appointed counsel if you cannot afford an attorney.Dated this 1st day of April, 2026./s/ Bonnie P. Humphrey, ND ID #04991Attorney for PetitionersHumphrey Law Office, P.C.1344 So Main St.P.O. Box 2045Minot, ND 58702-2045Phone: (701) 852-5777Email: bonnie@ndfamilylaw.comPublished: May 13, 20, 27, 2026. COL-103218