Minnesota Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/minnesota/
Prepared: 5/20/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
4-6 months for uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all terms, including court scheduling time. Contested divorces with disputes over custody, property, or support typically take 9-18 months, depending on the complexity of issues and court calendar availability. Default judgments (where respondent does not answer within 30 days) can be finalized in 3-4 months. Minnesota has no mandatory waiting period after filing.
Documents to Gather
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Government-Issued Photo ID
- Birth Certificates for Minor Children
- Social Security Cards
- Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
- Existing Court Orders(if applicable)
- Proof of Residency (180 Days)
Financial Documents
- Last 3 Years of Federal and State Tax Returns
- Current Pay Stubs (Last 60 Days)
- Bank Statements (All Accounts, Last 6 Months)
- Retirement Account Statements
- Investment and Brokerage Account Statements
- Real Estate Documentation
- Vehicle Titles and Loan Statements
- Debt Documentation
- Insurance Policies
- Business Ownership Documentation(if applicable)
- Monthly Expense Records
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Residency Requirements Under Minnesota Statute 518.07
- Determine Your Filing Type and Gather the Correct Form Packet
- Compile Essential Personal and Financial Documents
- Develop a Safety Plan If Domestic Violence Is Present
2. Filing Process
- Complete and File the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Complete and File the Financial Affidavit
- File the Affidavit of Non-Military Status
3. After Filing
- Serve Your Spouse with the Summons and Petition
- Wait for Respondent's Answer Within 30 Days
- Enroll in Mandatory Parent Education Program (Cases with Children)
- Participate in Mandatory Alternative Dispute Resolution
- File Updated Financial Disclosure Before Pretrial Conference
- Attend Pretrial Conference and Negotiate Settlement or Proceed to Trial
- Finalize and File the Judgment and Decree of Dissolution
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Minnesota, you must first establish that at least one spouse has lived in the state for a minimum of 180 consecutive days, as required by Minnesota Statutes Section 518.07. File your Petition for Dissolution (Form DIV802 with children or Form DIV302 for joint without children) along with the Combined Summons (Form DIV803), Financial Affidavit (Form FAM102), and Confidential Information Form (Form CON111) at the district court in your county of residence. The filing fee is $390 ($340 base plus $50 surcharge), with fee waivers available for low-income filers. After filing, serve your spouse, who has 30 days to respond under Section 518.12. Parents must complete an eight-hour parent education program within 30 days of filing per Section 518.157. Minnesota requires ADR participation under Rule 114 before trial. File updated financial disclosures at least 7 days before the pretrial conference per Rule 305. Minnesota has no mandatory waiting period. Uncontested cases typically conclude in 4-6 months; contested cases take 9-18 months.