Filing for divorce in Minnesota without an attorney costs $365-$400 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 180 days in Minnesota. Minnesota is a equitable distribution state with a 30 days (waivable) waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 2-3 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Minnesota-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $365-$400 (Hennepin County (Minneapolis): $400. Ramsey County (St. Paul): $390. Filing fees vary by county.) |
| Residency Requirement | 180 days in Minnesota |
| Waiting Period | 30 days (waivable) |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irretrievable breakdown (no-fault) |
| No-Fault Only? | Yes |
| Uncontested Timeline | 2-3 months |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Minnesota, you must meet the following residency requirement: 180 days in Minnesota.
At least one spouse must have resided in Minnesota for at least 180 days before filing for dissolution of marriage.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Minnesota's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Minnesota without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have resided in Minnesota for at least 180 days before filing for dissolution of marriage.
Download the official Minnesota divorce forms: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Summons, Financial Affidavit. All forms are available from the Minnesota courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (FAM101) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Minnesota court and pay the filing fee of $365-$400. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Minnesota rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Minnesota law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Minnesota has a 30-day waiting period from the date of service. In cases of demonstrated emergency or by agreement, the court may waive or shorten this period.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Minnesota, this typically takes 2-3 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Minnesota. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates divorce
Notifies spouse
Financial disclosure
Final judgment
The filing fee to start a divorce in Minnesota is $365-$400. Hennepin County (Minneapolis): $400. Ramsey County (St. Paul): $390. Filing fees vary by county.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $365-$400 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $500-$1,500 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Minnesota offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Minnesota, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Minnesota courts are strict about service requirements.
Minnesota is a equitable distribution state.
Minnesota divides marital property 'justly' (equitably). Factors include length of marriage, any prior marriage, age, health, occupation, income, vocational skills, and contribution to marital property.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Minnesota law applies to your specific property.
Minnesota uses the Income shares model per Minnesota Statutes §518A.35.
Minnesota uses income shares guidelines. Both parents' gross incomes determine the basic support, adjusted for parenting time. The guidelines include a parenting expense adjustment for shared custody.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Minnesota divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $365-$400 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
30 days (waivable) - Minnesota has a 30-day waiting period from the date of service. In cases of demonstrated emergency or by agreement, the court may waive or shorten this period.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
No-fault only (called 'dissolution' not 'divorce')
30-day waiting period is waivable
Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) program available
Parenting expense adjustment in child support
Higher filing fees than many states
Common questions about filing for divorce in Minnesota without an attorney.
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Minnesota-specific forms
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Child support calculator
Using Minnesota's exact guidelines
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Minnesota divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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