N.D. Cent. Code § 9-01-05 : — CONTRACTS AND OBLIGATIONS01 - GENERAL PROVISIONS —01-05 - Origin and enforcement of obligations TEXT PDF An obligation arises from: 1. The contract of the parties; or 2. The operation of law. An obligation arising from operation of law may be enforced in the manner provided by law or by civil action or proceeding. N.D.C.C. § 9-01-05