How to File for Divorce Online in Minnesota
Divorce is almost always painful emotionally and financially. Not only are you losing a relationship and a familiar way of life, but you are also spending thousands of dollars to do so. Minnesota couples who meet some stringent criteria can save money by filing for divorce using forms available online. This costs just hundreds of dollars instead of thousands. Neither party must set foot in a court room, nor must they meet with a lawyer, and the divorce is finalized within weeks. Couples who qualify do not have children and are divorcing amicably (that is, each party agrees on how to divide all assets and debts). If that's you, keep reading.
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Things You'll Need
- Pay stubs or tax return for you and your spouse Medical insurance information Records of bank accounts and investments Pension information Legal description of any real estate and details about the mortgage and value of the real estate Descriptions of vehicles, their value and monthly payment amounts and total owed Information about credit card and other debt Computer with Internet access
Instructions
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Verify that you qualify for the Joint Petition for Marriage Dissolution without Children by visiting the site linked to below in the Resources section.
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Gather a computer with Internet access (to research, if necessary, the value of items like cars), the forms downloaded from the Minnesota Judicial Branch Web site, and the following items suggested on Form DIV301:
Pay stubs or tax return for you and your spouse
Medical Insurance information
Records of bank accounts and investments
Pension information
Legal description of any real estate and details about the mortgage and value of the real estate
Descriptions of vehicles, their value and monthly payment amounts and total owed
Information about credit card and other debt -
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3
Fill out all the forms together. Extra patience may be required.
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Arrange to have the specified forms signed by a notary signing agent. Most banks provide this services; you can also find a notary in your area by visiting the Web site for Notary Rotary.
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Make two copies of all forms so that each spouse can keep one.
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Deliver the forms to the courthouse and pay a filing fee (a couple hundred dollars).
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Wait until the Decree and the Court Administrator enter the decree and the Judge mails you a signed letter stating that you are divorced. You are not divorced until you receive this letter, which can take a few weeks.
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Tips & Warnings
Some lawyers are willing to help you fill out the forms; however, they will charge you for this. Some lawyers are willing to meet with both of you to determine if even attempting to file for divorce without legal counsel is a good idea (perhaps your situation is more complicated than you realize); this short consultation is usually free. If you have a financial advisor, meet with him or her before filling out the dissolution forms. Doing so is much easier, especially if one of you isn't financially savvy.
