You may want to consider speaking with a Minnesota divorce lawyer to learn more about how to file for divorce in Minnesota. Regardless of the reason behind your divorce, it can be challenging to navigate the process and finalize the end of your marriage without legal support and knowledge.
While it’s wise to work with an experienced divorce attorney who has experience working on divorce cases, it’s also crucial that you understand the state’s divorce laws yourself. That way, you can be sure you’re protecting yourself and your family’s interests. At Santana Law, PLLC, our team has experience navigating all types of family law cases in Minnesota, and we’re ready to help with yours.
The state of Minnesota has relatively low divorce rates, with approximately 52% of Minnesota’s population being married. However, there are still a few areas with higher divorce rates, like Bloomington and Minneapolis, for example.
To get divorced in Minnesota, you or your spouse must have been living in the state for at least 180 days, and you must file your petition within the county court where you or your spouse lives. Either spouse has the right to file for divorce, and blame does not need to be put on any party in order for a divorce to be granted.
Whether you’re contemplating filing for divorce or were just served papers in Minnesota, don’t wait to reach out to a skilled Minnesota divorce lawyer who can help you learn more about what’s to come.
Filing for divorce is a big deal, which is why it’s helpful to understand what the process may involve. The divorce process starts with one party filing a petition with the court and serving a Summons to their spouse. Once the other party responds, you can enter negotiations to discuss all the facets of your divorce. This includes:
If you and your spouse can reach an agreement on each of these matters outside of court, you may present that agreement to your local court for approval. If you’re unable to agree on these terms, which is the most common scenario seen in Minnesota divorces, you may have to go to trial to have your divorce finalized. At this point, a judge will hear each spouse’s case and make decisions on each matter based on what they believe to be fair.
In some cases, you may not have to go through the traditional divorce process in Minnesota. Instead, you may be eligible to file for a summary dissolution, which is an expedited version of the divorce process. Couples that can take advantage of this process must agree on all issues and meet all financial limits and other requirements. To file for summary dissolution, you must:
Santana Law is a solo practice founded by Attorney Ronnie Santana. As a practiced family attorney and former prosecutor, Ronnie holds a unique legal edge that allows him to successfully navigate countless family cases with ease.
Over the years, Ronnie has gained experience in a variety of legal fields, including divorce. As a bilingual and bicultural Minnesota divorce lawyer, Ronnie has the skills and resources to help any family through their divorces, no matter how difficult they may seem. Whether you need a simple question answered or you want hands-on support through every step of the process, the team at Santana Law is here to help.
A: Minnesota doesn’t recognize a mandatory stay before a divorce can be finalized, so the time it takes to finalize your divorce ultimately depends on how quickly you and your spouse can come to an agreement. It’s possible to settle your divorce out of court through negotiations or arbitration, which is generally more efficient. If you go to court, you must do everything on their schedule, which can extend the process.
A: Minnesota courts do not require you to work with an attorney to file for divorce. It’s important to note that as a self-represented litigant, you are expected to know the law as well as how your legal proceedings will go. It’s highly recommended that you seek help from an experienced Minnesota divorce lawyer when filing for a divorce or while going through proceedings to ensure your interests and rights are protected.
A: Minnesota is not considered a 50/50 divorce state. Instead, it’s known as an equitable distribution state. This means that all assets and debts acquired during a marriage are going to be divided equitably, but not necessarily 50/50. Marital property in Minnesota can include bank accounts, businesses, investments, real estate, retirement accounts, and vehicles, as well as any loans, outstanding balances, and debts.
A: Getting divorced can be a complicated process because it involves a variety of important matters that must be addressed. When you file for divorce, you can expect to go over all the facets of your marriage to determine what happens now that you’re separating. These will include child custody and visitation, child support, property division, and spousal maintenance.
Filing for divorce doesn’t have to be complicated, and it won’t be with the right legal representation on your side. No matter the details of your situation, you can count on Santana Law, PLLC, to protect your interests and fight for you. We can help evaluate your case, negotiate agreements, and represent you in court when needed. Our dedicated team is just one phone call away. Contact the office to set up your appointment today.