Ronnie Santana is the founding attorney at Santana Law PLLC, serving Minneapolis and surrounding areas with dedicated divorce representation. With experience handling contested and uncontested divorces, he takes a client-first, solutions-focused approach to protecting your rights, assets, and future. Ronnie is committed to guiding clients through the divorce process with clarity, efficiency, and strong advocacy.
Minneapolis Divorce Lawyer
Divorce Attorney in Minneapolis, MN
Going through a divorce is never easy. Whether you are involved in a contested divorce, property dispute, or child custody battle, it is important to have an experienced Minneapolis divorce lawyer on your side. The stress of dissolving a marriage is difficult enough without having to worry about understanding the various divorce laws and procedures. At Santana Law, PLLC, we are dedicated to protecting what’s important to you and providing you with peace of mind.
About Santana Law, PLLC
At Santana Law, PLLC, our compassionate and results-oriented attorney provides legal representation for families who are experiencing trying issues, including divorce, child custody, and property division. Lead attorney and former Minnesota prosecutor Ronnie Santana has practical courtroom experience and is intimately familiar with Minnesota family law.
A native Spanish speaker, he is also proud to work with and advocate for the Hispanic community. Attorney Santana often works in the Hennepin County Family Court located in downtown Minneapolis, where he approaches each case with thorough preparation, integrity, and the personal touch that addresses each situation as it is unique.
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Understanding Divorce Laws in Minnesota
Minnesota is a “no-fault” divorce state. To file for divorce in Minnesota, you are not required to prove any fault on your spouse’s part. The court only has to determine that the marriage has experienced an “irretrievable breakdown.” This no-fault divorce standard makes it easier for parties to move forward and focus on important decisions rather than the underlying reasons for the marriage’s end.
When filing for divorce in Minnesota, one spouse must have lived in Minnesota for a minimum of 180 days. Most divorce cases are filed in the district court of the county of residence for one of the spouses. Once filed, the process of divorce typically involves service of divorce papers, financial disclosures, mediation (mandatory in most cases), and trial if the parties cannot reach an agreement.
The divorce process can take a varying amount of time, and no two divorces are the same. Many divorces reach completion within several months, but cases that involve child custody disputes or significant assets alongside contested issues tend to extend the resolution timeline.
According to one source, Minnesota has a divorce rate of 10.91. In 2022, 989,518 women reported having a divorce in the U.S., up from 948,862 in 2021.
Common Issues in Divorce Cases in Minneapolis
Divorce often comes with more than just dissolving a relationship. There are a number of other issues that must be resolved when two people divorce. Some of the most common issues include:
- Property division. Minnesota divides property according to the “equitable distribution” principle. This indicates that, while not always equally, the court divides marital property fairly. Income, homes, retirement accounts, and debts accumulated during a marriage are typically considered marital property. Generally speaking, non-marital property, such as inheritances or assets acquired prior to marriage, remains distinct.
- Child custody. When deciding on custody agreements, courts give the child’s best interests top priority. They take into account things like the relationship between each parent and the child, their capacity to care for the child, and their desire to build a good rapport with the other parent. The purpose of parenting time schedules is to provide children with consistency and access to both parents.
- Spousal maintenance. One spouse may occasionally be required to provide the other with spousal maintenance, also known as alimony. The length of the marriage, the income gap, and the financial needs of each spouse are among the variables the court takes into account.
- Child support. Under Minnesota law, child support is determined using a particular formula that takes into account a number of variables, including each parent’s income and parenting style. After a divorce, the objective is to guarantee that children receive steady financial support.
Your future may be greatly impacted by each of these areas. Your case will be handled with care and precision if you work with a Minneapolis divorce attorney who is familiar with the local courts and family law processes.
The Divorce Process
Every divorce is unique. This means that each divorce will not follow the exact same steps and formula. However, there is a general process that each divorce can expect. This typically involves:
- Petition filing. A “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage” is submitted to the court by one spouse, known as the petitioner. This provides a basic overview of the marriage and the requested relief.
- Formal service. The other spouse, or respondent, is formally served with the petition and given a chance to respond.
- Temporary order request. While the case is pending, either party may ask the court for temporary orders pertaining to living arrangements, child support, or custody. If domestic assault is alleged, one party may also request protective orders.
- Discovery. To determine the assets and debts of the marriage, both parties exchange financial records.
- Mediation. Before going to trial, Minnesota encourages couples to settle their differences through mediation or negotiations.
- Trial, if necessary. Not all divorces go to court, but if there are issues that haven’t been resolved, these issues can be presented in front of a judge who can decide the outcome
- Final judgment and decree. Once all issues are settled, a final decree is issued, ending the marriage.
Even in simpler divorces, small mistakes can cause delays or financial harm. It’s important to hire a divorce lawyer early in the process to ensure their rights and interests are protected and properly filed and fought for.
Post-Divorce Considerations
You may need a lawyer even after your divorce is final. Issues such as enforcing custody orders, modifying child support, or responding to a relocation request can come up months or years after your divorce is final. A new job, remarriage, or change in income are all examples of events that may merit a review by the court.
An attorney can help you file the appropriate motions, go to court on your behalf, and ensure your agreements continue to serve you as circumstances change. Minnesota law allows for modification when there has been a substantial change in circumstances for one or both parties.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation and collaborative divorce can be attractive to many couples in Minneapolis. These methods are less adversarial than courtroom litigation, and they allow spouses to talk and work together to solve problems and reach win-win agreements with the assistance of neutral professionals. Unlike traditional trials, mediation provides a quicker solution that costs less money while maintaining confidentiality.
It does still benefit from the assistance of your own attorney to review your agreements and help you to ensure that your interests are protected. Collaborative divorce also allows spouses to work together, but with a team approach.
Hire a Minneapolis Divorce Lawyer
Choosing to manage your divorce without professional help might seem like a way to save money, but the risks and difficulties are substantial. With a divorce lawyer in your corner, you have an ally who knows the family court system in Minnesota and can help you fight for reasonable and fair outcomes.
A skilled attorney can help you avoid expensive mistakes in your filings and omissions in financial disclosures. You also want someone in your corner to negotiate to help you achieve the most beneficial possible settlement. A lawyer can make sure your legal rights to property, custody, and support are protected. It is important to have competent legal counsel to make sure your case is on solid legal ground, particularly if your spouse is represented by counsel.
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Meet Our Founding Attorney – Roonie Santana |
FAQs
How Much Does a Divorce Attorney Cost in MN?
The cost of a divorce attorney in Minnesota depends on the case, the attorney, and whether the attorney bills by the hour. Attorneys in Minnesota bill in a variety of ways, and some offer flat rates for services that are not billed by the hour. The average cost of a contested divorce or divorce involving high assets, child custody, or spousal support is higher than the simple dissolution of marriage.
Does It Matter Who Files for Divorce First in MN?
It usually does not matter who files for divorce first in Minnesota. Minnesota is a no-fault divorce state, so the court does not take the petitioning party into account when dividing property or when determining custody of children. It may affect convenience or timing, but it will not give either party a legal advantage in the settlement or in court.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Divorce in Minneapolis, MN?
There is no law in Minnesota that forces you to have a divorce lawyer to get a divorce, but it is highly recommended. It is most beneficial to get legal advice since every divorce is different, and to make sure that any agreement you make is fair, legal, and enforceable in the courts of Hennepin County or the county in which you reside.
What Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in Minneapolis?
In Minneapolis, either spouse, regardless of gender, has a right to an equitable division of marital property, which may include assets, debts, and in some cases, retirement accounts. The court evaluates factors including the marriage duration and both spouses’ contributions, along with their future income potential.
Child support and spousal maintenance receive separate evaluations from custody decisions to ensure children’s needs take precedence while providing balanced support to both spouses.
Contact Santana Law, PLLC
If you are going through a divorce, Santana Law, PLLC, can help you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected. Contact us today to get started.
Minneapolis, MN Divorce Law Resources
- How Long Does It Take to Divorce in Minnesota?
- What Can Be Used Against You in a Divorce in Minnesota?
Minneapolis, MN Divorce Law Legal Resources
Our Minneapolis Family Law Firm Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Ronnie handled my legal matter in a very timely and professional manner. He continued to follow up with the necessary parties to try to move the process along and get a favorable outcome. He was considerate about the financial burden it was placing on me and did whatever he could to minimize the effect. I would greatly recommend him to anyone. He is a great attorney.” – Phil Jungwirth
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I’ve had several cases with Ronnie and found him to be great to work with and very reasonable. His cases weren’t just paperwork he was shuffling. He gave them an individual look and worked to tailor a fair outcome.
In addition to Ronnie’s compassionate approach, he’s fiercely intelligent. More importantly, he’s not afraid to admit if he’s wrong. In my experience, that quality alone can help clients immensely as their cases won’t get married to the attorney’s own pride. Ronnie’s honest and practical approach is what you want in your corner.” – Earl Wins
About Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota and a key legal center for family law matters in Hennepin County. Divorce, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and domestic abuse cases are heard through the Hennepin County Family Courts in downtown Minneapolis. Residents across neighborhoods such as Uptown, North Loop, Linden Hills, Dinkytown, and Nokomis frequently navigate issues involving parenting time, financial division, and post-decree modifications.
Because Minneapolis has a diverse population and a broad employment base, family law cases often involve complex financial and parenting considerations, including relocation, valuation of assets, retirement accounts, and safety-related concerns such as orders for protection (OFPs). Working with a family law attorney familiar with local court procedures can help protect parental rights and financial interests during major family transitions.
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