Minnesota Divorce FAQS

Certified divorce decrees are issued by the district court where the divorce was finalized. A request can be made in person, by mail, or online through the Minnesota Courts’ Access Case Records (MCRO) portal.

Yes. Basic case details such as filing dates and case status can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO), but full divorce decrees must be ordered from the court clerk.

All counties participate in the statewide MCRO system, allowing access to case summaries and docket entries, with limited access to sealed or confidential cases.

The Minnesota Department of Health charges $16 for the first certified copy and $9 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

Yes. Older records are permanently archived and can be retrieved through the district court clerk, even if stored off-site or on microfilm.

Most divorce filings are public, though sensitive items such as custody evaluations and financial disclosures are confidential and not viewable online.

Only a judge can seal a divorce record, and it requires filing a motion showing compelling reasons such as safety or sensitive child-related matters.

Yes. A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, is required.

The certificate lists names, date, county, and case number, while the decree includes full terms such as custody, property division, and support obligations.

Case status can be checked online through MCRO or by contacting the district court clerk where the case was filed.

It means the marriage cannot be repaired and there is no reasonable chance of reconciliation. Minnesota recognizes this as the only ground for divorce.

Minnesota is a no-fault state, so fault does not affect whether a divorce is granted. However, misconduct may influence spousal maintenance or custody if it impacts finances or children.

Inherited property is separate if kept apart from marital assets. Once commingled or used for marital purposes, it may be divided.

Retirement assets earned during the marriage are considered marital property and are divided equitably, often using a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).

Yes. The court may order attorney fee contributions if there is a financial imbalance or if a party acted in bad faith.

There is no fixed formula. Judges consider income, needs, marriage length, earning potential, and standard of living when setting maintenance.

Alimony may be temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent. Permanent maintenance is common in long-term marriages or where self-support is unlikely.

Yes. A substantial change in circumstances, such as job loss or health issues, can justify modification if the original decree allows it.

Yes. They are valid if both parties had independent legal advice, full disclosure, and voluntarily signed without pressure.

The court may reopen the judgment, impose penalties, award additional assets, or hold the party in contempt.

A pre-marital business is separate property, but any increase in value during the marriage may be divided if marital efforts or funds contributed.

Yes, if marital assets supported the business or reduced debts, a portion of its value may be marital property.

Courts rely on expert appraisers who may use income-based, market-based, or asset-based valuation methods.

Yes. Full disclosure is required, including tax returns, financial statements, and profit-and-loss reports.

A protective order can be requested to restrict access, and courts often allow confidentiality agreements.

Yes. Stock options and retained earnings earned during the marriage are generally treated as marital property.

Only enterprise goodwill is divisible. Personal goodwill linked to an individual’s reputation is excluded.

Debt is assigned to the spouse who incurred it unless it clearly benefited the marriage.

Yes, if it was properly executed before the divorce and includes valid restrictions.

Yes. Courts typically require financial experts or CPAs for accurate valuation.

Divorces involving $1 million or more in combined marital assets or complex holdings are typically classified as high net worth.

Each property is appraised and divided equitably. One spouse may buy the other out, or the court may order a sale.

Yes. Temporary restraining orders can prevent either spouse from moving or hiding marital funds.

Trust assets may be included if a spouse has a marital or beneficial interest. Irrevocable third-party gifts are typically excluded.

Yes. Automatic temporary restraining orders usually apply once the divorce is filed.

Yes. Dividends, rental income, and capital gains are considered as income for maintenance determinations.

Yes. Courts regularly divide stocks, restricted shares, and cryptocurrency with expert valuation.

Yes. The marital standard of living helps determine appropriate support levels.

Minnesota courts can order its division, but enforcement depends on the laws of the other state.

Yes. Courts factor in current and future tax impact to ensure equitable division.

A divorce can be filed in the county where either spouse resides, provided residency of at least 180 days is met.

If no response is filed within 30 days, a default judgment may be entered based on the filing spouse's terms.

At least 180 days of residency is required before filing a Petition for Dissolution.

A Motion for Temporary Relief can be filed immediately after the divorce is filed.

Yes. Uncontested or default cases may be finalized through written agreements or remote appearances.

Typical forms include the Summons and Petition, Financial Affidavit, Marital Termination Agreement, and Judgment and Decree.

The statutory minimum is 30 days, but finalization often takes 60–90 days depending on the court’s schedule and case complexity.

Even with complete agreement, the judge must wait the statutory minimum before signing the final judgment.

Only if judicial approval is granted or the other party gives written consent. Otherwise, personal or mail service is required.

If a spouse does not respond or appear, the court may grant a default divorce and approve the filing spouse’s requested terms.