Case Study: Minnesota Divorce

Do You Need an Attorney for a Minnesota Divorce?

In Minnesota, it is not uncommon for couples to file for divorce without legal representation. As they move through the Minnesota judicial system, these couples complete and file the necessary paperwork that lays out the terms of divorce. For example, each couple must address how property division and child custody will proceed after the divorce is finalized.

Mediation is a valuable asset for couples navigating through the divorce process, especially if are unrepresented. Mediation allows the parties to craft their own settlement agreement. No appearances in court are required, as mediation is a process that takes place outside of the courtroom. A divorce mediator meets with the parties and
A Minnesota divorce is not complete until three primary components are finalized: property division, financial support, and the creation of a parenting plan. Each of these issues requires the analysis of a number of different factors. Many Minnesota couples choose to finalize their divorces by using divorce mediation. During Minnesota divorce mediation, couples discuss property division, financial support, and parenting plans in an attempt to reach a full agreement on each of these factors.

A majority of cases settle in Minnesota divorce mediation. A neutral, the mediator, helps the parties understand their differences and attempt to compromise. The mediator may also offer insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each party’s position. In many cases, hearing an objective view of the case is sufficient to encourage the parties to settle their disputes.
Property division requires the careful study of the parties’ assets and debts. Each couple must list property that was acquired both before and during the marriage. The valuation of such property must also be provided. After each party has fully disclosed all assets and debts, discussions may proceed as to how this property should be
Rather than force the parties to suffer through an expensive legal process, Minnesota courts often appoint a parenting time expeditor to help the parties work through their conflict. The parties may also hire a parenting time expeditor voluntarily. Minnesota parenting time expeditors are tasked with resolving parenting time disputes and, in some cases, determining whether either parent committed a violation of a current order.

Minnesota parenting time expeditors are given the power to enforce, interpret, and clarify parenting time arrangements that exist in current court orders. In addition, parenting time expeditors may offer guidance on issues that were not addressed in the parties’ court order.

A parenting time expeditor may work with the parties during a single dispute or may be appointed for a year or longer. During this time, the parties may seek the assistance of the parenting time expeditor for conflicts that arise. In any dispute, the parenting time expeditor will discuss the issue with both parents and other necessary individuals. After a careful review of the case, the parenting time expeditor will aid the parties in reaching an agreement, or will render a decision that will become binding upon the