Divorce is an emotional and often complicated process. If you have been served with a divorce summons in Minnesota, it is essential to understand your legal responsibilities and limitations from the moment you receive it. Under Minnesota Statute Section 518.091,
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How Does an Order For Protection (OFP) Impact an Award of Physical or Legal Custody in Minnesota?
An Order for Protection (OFP) is a legal tool designed to protect victims of domestic abuse by restricting an alleged abuser’s contact with the petitioner. While OFPs serve an important role in ensuring safety, they can have significant implications for…
Eight Circumstances in Which Paternity of a Child is Presumed in Minnesota
Establishing paternity is a crucial legal determination that affects a child’s rights, including inheritance, child support, and access to medical and other benefits. In Minnesota, under certain circumstances, a man is legally presumed to be the father of a child.…
Three Key Reasons Many Choose Legal Separation Over Divorce in Minnesota
When couples face marital challenges in Minnesota, they often assume that divorce is the only legal path forward. However, many spouses choose legal separation instead, a process that allows them to live apart while remaining legally married. While both legal…
UCCJEA: How the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Applies in Minnesota Custody Cases
Child custody disputes can be among the most contentious legal battles, particularly when multiple states are involved. To address jurisdictional conflicts and ensure stability for children, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) was established. Minnesota, like most…
Five Common Approaches to Valuing Real Estate in a Minnesota Divorce
Dividing assets in a Minnesota divorce can be challenging, especially when it comes to real estate. A family home often represents a significant financial and emotional investment, and determining its value is a crucial step in the property division process.…
The Five Most Common Bases for a Harassment Restraining Order Under Minnesota Law
Harassment can take many forms, from unwanted physical contact to persistent online abuse. In Minnesota, individuals who experience harassment can seek legal protection through a Harassment Restraining Order (HRO). An HRO is a court order designed to prevent further harassment…
Why Do Minnesota Judges Require Mediation in Nearly Every Divorce?

Divorce can be an emotionally draining and financially burdensome process. Couples going through divorce often expect a drawn-out courtroom battle, but in Minnesota, judges typically require mediation before allowing a case to proceed to trial. Why? Because mediation provides a…
Domestic Abuse Project of Minnesota: Understanding the “Power and Control Wheel”

When people think of domestic abuse, physical violence often comes to mind first—bruises, broken bones, and clear-cut evidence of harm. However, domestic abuse is far more insidious, encompassing a range of behaviors designed to exert control over another person.…
Grandparent Visitation: Three Ways to Have Standing to Bring a Petition in Minnesota
Grandparents play a vital role in the lives of their grandchildren, offering love, guidance, and stability. However, when family disputes arise—whether due to divorce, parental conflict, or even the death of a parent—grandparents may find themselves cut off from their…