Minneapolis Divorce Lawyers

Divorce is a major life event that requires financial preparedness and sound legal advice. At Mack & Santana Law Offices, P.C., we aim to empower our clients through the process of dissolution by providing them with options so they can make the best decisions for themselves as they transition from married to divorced. We seek to educate our clients during the process and strive to come to an amicable resolution whenever possible.

FAQ About the Divorce Process

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Minnesota?

Minnesota is a no-fault divorce state, meaning if you and your spouse feel that your marriage is irretrievably broken, you do not need to show fault to file for a divorce. You can state that an irretrievable breakdown lead to the divorce.

How Do I Begin the Divorce Process?

To initiate a divorce, one spouse must complete a Summons and Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Within this petition will be important information, such as income, property, debts, and whether you have any children together. Once this petition is complete, it will need to be served to the other spouse.

What Is the Difference Between a Contested and Uncontested Divorce?

An uncontested divorce is where you and your spouse have reached an agreement about all matters in your divorce, including child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, and equitable distribution. In a contested divorce, you and your spouse disagree on one or more of these issues and require additional help to reach a settlement. This may happen during mediation or you both might have to go to court.

Is There a Waiting Period to File for Divorce?

There is no waiting period to file for divorce in Minnesota.

What Are the State Requirements to File for Divorce?

The state requires that one spouse must have lived in Minnesota for at least 180 days prior to completion of the Summons and Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Also, you must file your court forms with the district court in the county where the spouse who resides in the state is currently residing.

Does It Matter Which Spouse Files for Divorce First?

The circumstances of each couple’s divorce proceedings vary. As such, it is difficult to determine whether one spouse may have an advantage over the other for filing for divorce first. To get a better idea of how this factor may impact your divorce, it would be best to speak with an experienced divorce attorney.

How Long Does the Divorce Process Take?

The amount of time it will take to finalize your divorce depends on a few factors, including whether you and your spouse can collaborate and reach a favorable outcome outside of court. More difficult divorce cases where both parties disagree about many marital issues can take years to resolve. The best way to get a quick divorce in Minnesota is to keep it uncontested. As each case is unique, the length of your divorce will be so as well.

How Much Does It Cost?

It will cost you approximately $400 to file a petition to get divorced. Serving your spouse could cost you anywhere from $50 to $100. After, you will need to pay attorney fees, motion fees, courtroom fees, and other additional expenses. The more complicated your case, the more you may have to pay, which is why it is advisable to work with an attorney experienced in complex divorce proceedings.

Where Will I Live and How Do I Support Myself During a Divorce?

You can file a Request for Temporary Relief to help support yourself financially while going through a divorce. It is not uncommon to pursue such an order to cover living expenses during this time.

Reach out online or call us today at (612) 712-3890 to learn how we can assist you with your divorce. Hablamos español.