Divorce in Minnesota
State-specific overview · Family Law
Minnesota requires no grounds for divorce, only that the marriage is irretrievably broken, with no waiting period.
How Minnesota treats Divorce
Minnesota is a pure no-fault divorce state where either spouse can file without alleging fault or waiting any mandatory period. The court will divide marital property equitably and may award spousal maintenance based on statutory factors including income, earning capacity, and length of marriage. Child support and custody follow Minnesota guidelines and best-interest standards. The process is streamlined compared to fault-based systems, focusing on fair division rather than blame.
The general definition of Divorce
The legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the spouses' rights and responsibilities to each other.
Divorce is the legal process by which a married couple ends their marriage. It involves a court officially terminating the marriage and typically requires decisions about property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. The process can be contested, where the spouses disagree on terms, or uncontested, where they agree on the major issues. Once a divorce is finalized, both parties are free to remarry and are no longer legally responsible for each other.
Read the full Divorce entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.