N.D. Cent. Code § 14-07-12
In case the husband or wife abandons the other and removes from the state and is absent therefrom for one year without providing for the maintenance and support of that person's family, or is sentenced to imprisonment either in the county jail or penitentiary for the period of one year or more, the district court of the county where the husband or wife so abandoned or not in prison resides, on application by affidavit of such husband or wife fully setting forth the facts and supported by such other testimony as the court may deem necessary, may authorize that person to manage, control, sell, or encumber the property of the husband or wife for the support and maintenance of the family and for the purpose of paying debts contracted prior to such abandonment or imprisonment. Notice of such proceedings must be given to the opposite party and must be served as a summons is served in ordinary actions.
N.D.C.C. § 14-07-12