If, in a controversy which has arisen between the occupants of adjoining lands as to their rights in a partition fence, it shall appear to the proper fence viewers that either of the occupants, before the making of a complaint, had voluntarily erected all, or more than that occupant's just share, of the fence or otherwise had become proprietor thereof, the other occupant shall pay for as much of the fence as shall be assigned to that occupant to repair and maintain. The amount that shall be paid to the aggrieved party shall be ascertained and recovered as provided in section 47-26-08.
N.D.C.C. § 47-26-10