What must I do if I was named as a respondent?

Serve an Answer or response on the petitioners' attorney within 30 days after the last publication to avoid default.

When is the deadline to respond?

Thirty days after the last publication; the notice's last published date is May 27, 2026.

Where can I get copies of the summons and petition?

From the Ward County Clerk of Court or from the petitioners' attorney at Humphrey Law Office, P.C.

Public Notice — 1344 S Main St, Minot, ND (51-2026-DM-00033)

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Affects:DefendantsHeirsGeneral Public

A verified petition to terminate parental rights and adopt a minor has been filed in Ward County District Court; respondents must file an answer within 30 days after the last publication or risk a default judgment and an adoption decree. Court-appointed counsel may be available.

Key Takeaways

Petition to terminate parental rights and adopt filed
Respondents must answer within 30 days after last publication
Failure to respond leads to default judgment and adoption decree
Summons and petition available from court or petitioners' attorney
Court-appointed counsel may be available if you cannot afford an attorney

Published: May 20, 2026 · yesterday
Category: Other
City: Minot
Address: 1344 S Main St, Minot, ND

Case #

51-2026-DM-00033

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If you don't respond

If you do not serve an Answer within thirty (30) days after the last publication (May 27, 2026 is final published date), a default judgment will be entered and a Decree of Adoption may be issued against you.

What to do next

1
Obtain the documents
Request copies of the Summons and Verified Petition from the Ward County Clerk of Court or Humphrey Law Office immediately.
2
File and serve an Answer
Serve an Answer on the petitioners' attorney within 30 days after the May 27, 2026 publication deadline to avoid default judgment.
3
Contact counsel if needed
Call Humphrey Law Office at (701) 852-5777 or seek court-appointed counsel if you cannot afford an attorney.

Frequently asked questions

What must I do if I was named as a respondent?: Serve an Answer or response on the petitioners' attorney within 30 days after the last publication to avoid default.
When is the deadline to respond?: Thirty days after the last publication; the notice's last published date is May 27, 2026.
Where can I get copies of the summons and petition?: From the Ward County Clerk of Court or from the petitioners' attorney at Humphrey Law Office, P.C.
Can I get a lawyer if I cannot afford one?: Yes, you may have the right to court-appointed counsel if you cannot afford an attorney.

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 to the court stating facts supporting the legal action.
Default judgment: A court decision entered against a party who fails to respond or appear.
Decree of Adoption: A court order that legally establishes a child-parent relationship with adoptive parents.

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

Related Notices

Notice

DateCategoryCity

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.

May 13, 2026Court Notice

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