Getting Divorced in Minnesota

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Getting Divorced
in Minnesota
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The decision to get divorced should not be made
when you are overly emotional.
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Think things through thoroughly before you go
forward.
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If you do decide that divorce is the only option
you should proceed with the benefit of legal
counsel.
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In this presentation we will provide a brief
overview of Minnesota divorce procedures from a
legal perspective.
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Dissolution of Marriage
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In the state of Minnesota
a divorce is formally called a Dissolution of
Marriage.
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• You and/or your spouse must have resided in the
  state for a minimum of 180 days if you want to
  legally dissolve your marriage in Minnesota.

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Getting Started
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To initiate divorce proceedings in the state of
Minnesota one of the parties involved serves the
other party with a Petition for Marital
Dissolution.
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However, in cases when both parties agree on
everything a Joint Petition for Marital
Dissolution could be filed.
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Once the divorce proceedings have been initiated
the parties may be able to come to a mutually
acceptable agreement.
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If no immediate agreement is forthcoming the
individual that has been served can file an
Answer to the Petition for Marital Dissolution.
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After this an Initial Case Management Conference
may be scheduled.
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Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution
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Ultimately some type of agreement must be reached
or the case will wind up in court.
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The preferred outcome would be a mutually
agreed-upon settlement.
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To this end the judge may order the parties to
attempt to settle their differences
through mediation or alternative dispute
resolution.
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Retaining a Divorce Attorney
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Given the complicated and sensitive nature of a
divorce proceeding most people will benefit from
legal counsel.
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This is true under all circumstances, but
representation is especially important if you and
your spouse cannot agree on the the divorce terms.
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How Long Will it Take?
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There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this
question. Depending on the exact details of the
case in question it can take anywhere from just a
few weeks to a number of months.
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How Much Does a Minnesota Divorce Cost?
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There are court fees and service of process
costs involved. There is also the fee that your
attorney will charge that is based on time spent.
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The time involved is going to vary on a
case-by-case basis. However, as a general rule of
thumb you could expect to pay somewhere between
1500 and 5000 in legal fees.
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Contact Our Firm for a Divorce Consultation
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• If you live in southern Minnesota and you need
  legal advice we invite you to contact
• The Rosengren Kohlmeyer Law Office
• to schedule a consultation.
• Local [phone]
• Toll Free [phone]
• www.RoKoLaw.com