No-Fault Divorce in Minnesota
State-specific overview · Family Law
Minnesota permits no-fault divorce based on irretrievable breakdown with a 30-day waiting period after service of papers.
How Minnesota treats No-Fault Divorce
Minnesota allows divorce when the court finds the marriage is irretrievably broken, without requiring proof of fault by either spouse. A 30-day waiting period must pass after the other spouse is served with divorce papers before the court can grant the divorce. This waiting period can be waived if both spouses agree in writing. Minnesota's approach emphasizes quick resolution when both parties consent.
The general definition of No-Fault Divorce
A divorce granted without requiring either spouse to prove wrongdoing by the other.
A no-fault divorce is a divorce where neither spouse has to prove that the other did something wrong, like infidelity or abuse. Instead, one or both spouses simply state that the marriage is irretrievably broken or that they have irreconcilable differences. This is the most common type of divorce in the United States today. No-fault divorces are generally faster and less contentious than fault-based divorces because they don't require gathering evidence of misconduct.
Read the full No-Fault 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.