Guide to Uncontested Divorce in Minnesota

Uncontested / Simple Divorce in Minnesota: A Plain-English Guide

If you and your spouse agree the marriage is over and you want to keep things calm and affordable, an uncontested divorce in Minnesota can be a great fit. In Minnesota, divorce is called a dissolution of marriage, and the court ends the marriage with a final order called a Judgment and Decree.

Minnesota is unique because there are two “fast track” paths people often confuse:

• Summary Dissolution (a special shortcut, but only for very limited situations)
• Joint Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (the standard uncontested path for most amicable couples, including couples with children)

This guide explains both tracks in plain English: who qualifies, the steps, timelines, and what to expect when children, support, and property are involved.

Important disclaimer: PlainDivorce.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This article is general legal information only. Court forms, rules, and fees can change. Always confirm current requirements on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website or talk to a Minnesota lawyer or legal aid clinic if you’re unsure about your rights, safety, or whether an agreement is fair.

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Table of Contents

• 1. What is an uncontested or simple divorce in Minnesota?
• 2. Which “fast track” fits you: Summary Dissolution vs. Joint Petition?
• 3. Who qualifies to file in Minnesota? (Residency + no-fault grounds)
• 4. Step-by-step: How an uncontested divorce works in Minnesota
• 5. Special issues when you have children
• 6. How long does an uncontested divorce take in Minnesota?
• 7. What does an uncontested divorce cost in Minnesota?
• 8. When a DIY divorce may not be right for you
• 9. Where a self-help divorce kit fits into the process
• 10. Final thoughts and next steps

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1. What Is an Uncontested or Simple Divorce in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, the court ends a marriage through a dissolution of marriage. A case is usually “uncontested” when you and your spouse agree on the major issues and the judge can sign a final Judgment and Decree without a fight.

In practical terms, an uncontested Minnesota divorce usually means:

• You both agree the marriage has suffered an irretrievable breakdown (no fault).
• You agree on children (custody and parenting time) if applicable.
• You agree on child support, spousal maintenance, and property and debt division.
• You can cooperate on paperwork and deadlines.

Most amicable couples use the Joint Petition for Dissolution of Marriage where both spouses sign as Co-Petitioners (instead of one spouse “suing” the other). A smaller number qualify for Summary Dissolution, which is a special shortcut with strict limits.

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2. Which “Fast Track” Fits You: Summary Dissolution vs. Joint Petition?

This is the number one decision point in Minnesota uncontested divorce.

2.1 Summary Dissolution (a shortcut, only for very limited cases)

Summary Dissolution is a special process for couples who have a very simple situation. It can be quicker, but the eligibility rules are strict.

Bottom line: If you have children, own a home, or have a typical financial picture, you usually end up in the Joint Petition track instead.

2.2 Joint Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (the standard uncontested path)

This is the uncontested route most couples use. Minnesota provides different Joint Petition forms depending on whether you have minor children:

• No minor children: Joint Petition (Form DIV302).
• With minor children: Joint Petition (Form DIV1702).

Why this matters: Using the wrong Joint Petition form is a common reason filings get rejected or delayed, especially when children are involved.

If you and your spouse fully agree, the judge often signs your uncontested package as a Stipulated Judgment and Decree.

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3. Who Qualifies to File in Minnesota? (Residency + No-Fault Grounds)

3.1 The 180-day residency requirement

To start a divorce in Minnesota, at least one spouse must generally have lived in Minnesota for at least 180 days before starting the case (there are additional rules for domicile and certain situations). You usually file in the District Court for the county where either spouse lives.

3.2 No-fault grounds: “irretrievable breakdown”

Minnesota is a no fault state. You don’t have to prove adultery or cruelty. In plain English, “irretrievable breakdown” means the relationship is broken and not realistically repairable.

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4. Step-by-Step: How an Uncontested Divorce Works in Minnesota

The steps depend on which track you use, but Minnesota has one universal paperwork rule that trips up DIY filers: confidential information must be filed separately so Social Security numbers do not appear in the public court file.

4.1 Step 1: Choose the correct track

• If you qualify for Summary Dissolution, follow the court’s Summary Dissolution instructions and forms for that track.
• If you do not qualify, most amicable couples use Joint Petition as Co-Petitioners.

4.2 Step 2: Use the correct Joint Petition form number

• No minor children: Joint Petition (Form DIV302).
• With minor children: Joint Petition (Form DIV1702).

Before you file, make sure you have a complete agreement on property, debts, support, and (if applicable) a workable plan for children and child support.

4.3 Step 3: File the confidential information forms (mandatory in every case)

Minnesota courts are strict about identity theft protection. You generally cannot put Social Security numbers on the public Joint Petition. Instead, you use the required confidential filings:

• Confidential Information Form (Form 11.1 / CON111) to list SSNs separately.
• Cover Sheet for Non-Public Documents (Form 11.2 / CON112) when you file documents that must be kept non-public (for example, certain financial attachments).

If you skip these, the court can reject your filing or require you to refile to protect private data.

4.4 Step 4: Include the required vital statistics form

Minnesota requires a “certificate” form so the divorce can be reported to the Minnesota Department of Health. In many Joint Petition cases, Co-Petitioners use the Certificate of Dissolution (DIV103S).

4.5 Step 5: If you own a home, plan for the real estate recording step

If your divorce includes a transfer of real estate (for example, one spouse keeps the home), the Judgment and Decree is not always the only document you need for the county recording process. Minnesota commonly uses a Summary Real Estate Disposition Judgment (SREDJ) for recording property terms with the County Recorder or Registrar of Titles.

Practical warning: DIY filers often discover this issue later when they try to sell or refinance. If real estate is involved, confirm what your county requires for recording.

4.6 Step 6: File your uncontested package and receive the signed Judgment and Decree

You file your uncontested package with the District Court and pay the filing fee (or apply for a fee waiver if you qualify). Some counties schedule a brief hearing; other counties may review and sign uncontested paperwork without an in-person hearing if everything is complete.

Once the judge signs and the court enters the Judgment and Decree, the marriage is legally ended (subject to any administrative processing steps required by your county).

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5. Special Issues When You Have Children

If you have minor children together, most amicable parents use the Joint Petition with children form (DIV1702) and submit a complete plan covering:

• Custody and parenting time: where the children live, how time is shared, and how decisions are made
• Child support: guideline-based support, plus medical insurance and childcare costs
• Practical details: holidays, transportation, communication, and future changes

Minnesota courts may also require parents to complete a Parenting Education Class (sometimes called a parent education program). Requirements can vary by county, so check your county’s court instructions.

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6. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Minnesota?

There is no single “one size fits all” number of days that applies to every Minnesota divorce. Your timeline usually depends on:

• How quickly you complete your paperwork correctly (especially the confidential forms and required attachments)
• Whether your county schedules a hearing or reviews the case on the papers
• How busy your court is

Many uncontested cases take weeks to a few months from filing to a signed Judgment and Decree, but timelines vary by county and by how complete your filing is on day one.

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7. What Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Minnesota?

The biggest cost in most Minnesota DIY divorces is the court filing fee. Minnesota’s statewide dissolution filing fee is often shown as $390, and county add-on fees can push totals higher (some counties are over $400).

• Notary fees (if required for certain signatures)
• Parenting education program fees (in cases involving children, if required)
• Copies and certified copies (for your records)
• Optional mediation or a one-time lawyer consult to review an agreement

If your income is low, you may qualify for a fee waiver. Always verify current fees and fee waiver rules with your county court.

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8. When a DIY Divorce Might Not Be Right for You

Even in Minnesota, not every divorce should be handled without legal advice. Consider getting help if:

• There is domestic violence, threats, stalking, or serious intimidation
• One spouse is hiding assets, income, or debts
• You have complex finances (businesses, farms, multiple properties, major retirement issues)
• You strongly disagree about children or there are safety concerns with parenting time
• Immigration, bankruptcy, or major tax issues could be affected

A short consultation with a Minnesota family lawyer or legal aid clinic can protect you from signing something that creates long-term problems.

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9. Where a Self-Help Divorce Kit Fits Into the Process

Minnesota provides official forms, but many people still get stuck on organization, wording, and knowing which packet fits their situation. A good self-help divorce kit can help you:

• Choose the correct path (Summary Dissolution vs. Joint Petition)
• Use the correct Joint Petition form number (DIV302 vs. DIV1702)
• Stay organized with checklists so you do not miss the mandatory confidential filings (CON111 and CON112)
• Avoid common mistakes that cause rejections or delays

Download Our Minnesota Uncontested Divorce Self-Help Kit

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10. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Minnesota is one of the friendlier states for amicable couples because of the Joint Petition option. For a small group of couples with very limited circumstances, Summary Dissolution can be even faster.

Your next steps:

• Confirm you meet Minnesota’s residency requirement.
• Decide whether you qualify for Summary Dissolution. If not, focus on the correct Joint Petition form (DIV302 without children or DIV1702 with children).
• Prepare the mandatory confidential forms so SSNs stay out of the public file (CON111 and CON112).
• If real estate is involved, confirm what your county requires for recording the property terms (often a SREDJ step).
• Use official Minnesota court forms and instructions, and consider a structured kit to stay organized.

Reminder: PlainDivorce is not a law firm and cannot give legal advice. If you’re unsure about safety, fairness, or long-term consequences, talk to a Minnesota lawyer or legal aid clinic before filing.