The state is a real party in interest for purposes of establishing paternity and securing repayment of benefits paid, future support, and costs in action brought to establish, modify, or enforce an order for support of a child in any of the following circumstances: 1. Whenever aid under chapter 50-09 or 50-24.1 is provided to a dependent child. 2. Whenever application is made and accepted for services provided by the child support agency. 3. Whenever duties are imposed on the state or its public officials under chapter 14-12.2.
14-09-09.27. Attorney represents people's interest in the enforcement of child support obligations. In any action brought to establish paternity, secure repayment of governmental benefits paid, secure current or future support of children, or establish, enforce, or modify a child support obligation, the child support agency may employ or contract with a licensed attorney. An attorney so employed or contracted represents the interest of the people of the state of North Dakota in the enforcement of child support obligations. Nothing in this section may be construed to modify confidentiality required of the child support agency. Representation by the employed or contracted attorney may not be construed to create an attorney-client relationship between the attorney and any party or witness to the action, other than the people of the state of North Dakota, regardless of the name in which the action is brought.