Divorce cases in Minnesota are filed in the Minnesota District Court (Family Court) for the county where either spouse lives. Minnesota is an equitable distribution state, so judges divide marital assets and debts in a way that is fair, not automatically 50/50. Most cases proceed no-fault and can be completed largely on paperwork if you stay organized.
At least one spouse must have lived in Minnesota for 180 days (six months) or be domiciled here for that period immediately before filing. File in the District Court for the county where either spouse resides. There is no mandatory separation period to start a case. Minnesota also offers Summary Dissolution for very simple, no-kids cases that meet strict limits.
Step 1: Choose your path and gather forms. For an uncontested case, prepare the Summons, Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, and your financial disclosures. With minor children, add a parenting plan, UCCJEA details, and any county parent education steps. Couples who qualify may file a Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution.
Step 2: File with the clerk. File your packet with the District Court clerk in your county. Minnesota uses eFile and eServe (eFS) statewide; self-represented parties can register to eFile or file at the courthouse. Pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver if payment is a hardship.
Step 3: Serve your spouse. Arrange personal service by a neutral adult 18+ who is not a party, a process server, or use mail with a signed Admission of Service where allowed. If you cannot locate your spouse after diligent efforts, request alternate service (for example, publication). Keep your proof of service.
Step 4: Track deadlines and disclosures. Your spouse typically has 30 days after service to respond. Exchange complete financial information early; clean disclosures prevent delays and help settlement. Some counties require parenting classes or offer Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) to resolve parenting and financial issues.
Step 5: Settle or set a hearing. If you reach agreement, submit a signed Marital Settlement Agreement, child-related orders if applicable, and a proposed Judgment and Decree for the judge’s review. If disputes remain, the court may schedule case management, mediation or ENE, and hearings.
Step 6: Receive the final decree. After review (and any required appearance), the judge signs a Judgment and Decree resolving property and debts, spousal maintenance if any, legal/physical custody and parenting time, child support, and any name change. Obtain certified copies for your records and to update accounts and benefits.
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Do we need to be separated before filing in Minnesota?
No. There is no separation requirement to file. Timing depends on service, disclosures, settlement, and your court’s calendar.
Which court handles divorces in Minnesota?
The Minnesota District Court (Family Court) in the county where either spouse resides.
How long does a Minnesota divorce take?
Uncontested cases often finalize after the 30-day response window and court review. Contested cases depend on discovery, ENE or mediation, and hearing dates.
Meta description: Minnesota filing guide—180-day residency, county District Court filing, eFile/eServe, 30-day response, ENE/mediation options, and Judgment and Decree steps.