Short answer

If your mother died without a will in North Dakota, her property will be distributed under North Dakota’s intestate succession rules. To claim your share you typically must identify yourself as an heir, open the estate in probate (or use a small‑estate procedure if available), obtain legal authority to collect assets (letters of administration), and then receive your share when debts and expenses are paid. The exact share depends on whether a surviving spouse, other children, parents, or other relatives also survive.

Detailed answer — step by step

This section explains the common steps someone in your position should expect. This is general educational information and not legal advice.

1. Confirm there is no valid will. Contact the county courthouse where your mother lived and search probate records. Check with close family members and her lawyer to confirm no will exists.
2. Learn how North Dakota determines heirs. When a person dies intestate (without a will) North Dakota law sets the order of heirs and how the estate will be divided. Typically, children and a surviving spouse are first in line; if no spouse or children survive, the estate may go to the decedent’s parents, siblings, or more remote relatives. For the current statutes and details, consult the North Dakota Century Code and probate resources: https://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode and https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-resources/probate.
3. Gather documents proving your relationship and the decedent’s assets. Common documents the court and institutions will want include the death certificate, your birth certificate or other proof you are the decedent’s child, the decedent’s marriage certificate (if applicable), account statements, deeds, titles, and insurance policies.
4. Decide whether full probate is required or a simplified procedure applies. Many estates can be administered through informal or simplified procedures where available (for example, small‑estate affidavits for certain personal property or simplified administration if the estate is small or there is no real property). Whether you qualify depends on the types and values of assets and the presence of creditors. Check North Dakota probate rules and local court guidance: https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-resources/probate.
5. If full probate is needed: petition the county court to open probate and appoint an administrator. Any interested person (an heir or creditor) can petition the district court in the county where your mother lived to open an estate and request appointment of a personal representative (often called an administrator where there is no will). The court will provide letters of administration, which are the authority banks and others usually need to release estate assets.
6. Give notice to heirs and creditors and inventory the estate. The administrator must notify heirs and publish or mail notices to creditors as required by North Dakota procedure, gather and value assets, pay valid debts and expenses, then prepare a proposed distribution under intestacy rules.
7. Receive distribution (or challenge it if needed). After creditors and expenses are handled, the administrator distributes remaining assets to heirs according to state law. If you believe the distribution is incorrect, you can ask the court for an accounting or file a claim. If someone appointed as administrator refuses to act, an interested person may petition the court to remove or replace them.

Important practical points

• Proof of family relationship matters. To claim an inheritance you must prove you are an heir. Birth certificates, adoption records, or other official documents are typical proof.
• Banks and title companies usually require court documents. Most institutions will not transfer accounts or real estate without letters of administration or other court authorization.
• Estate pays debts first. Creditors have priority. Your share comes only after valid debts, taxes, and administration costs are paid.
• Timeframe can vary. Simple estates may close in a few months; complex estates can take a year or longer.
• Consider mediation before litigation. If family members dispute shares, courts often encourage settlement or mediation to avoid expensive litigation.

Where to start right now

1. Obtain several certified copies of your mother’s death certificate from the county health department.
2. Collect proof of your relationship (birth certificate, adoption decree) and any documents showing assets (bank statements, deeds, life insurance policies).
3. Contact the county district court clerk where your mother lived for probate filing requirements and local forms: https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-resources/probate.
4. If the estate seems small and mostly personal property, ask the court clerk about any small‑estate affidavit or summary procedure that might let you recover assets without formal probate.

Helpful hints

• Keep organized copies of all documents you submit to the court or to banks.
• Ask the court clerk for a probate checklist and required forms for your county.
• If multiple siblings are involved, communicate early and share documents to reduce conflict.
• If you are named administrator, keep a clear record of all transactions and receipts; courts require accurate accounting.
• Beware of time limits for creditor claims; follow the court’s notice schedule closely.
• If you suspect a hidden will, check with attorneys who practiced near your mother or search will registry services the court may provide.