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How to File for Divorce in Minnesota

Step-by-step guide to filing for divorce in Minnesota. Requirements, costs, and timelines. Minnesota follows equitable distribution.

Property Type

Equitable

Filing Fee

$365–$400

Median Cost

$10,000–$42,000

Annual Divorces

16,000+

Understanding How to File for Divorce in Minnesota

To file for divorce in Minnesota, you must meet Minnesota’s residency requirement of 180 days. The filing fee is $365–$400. There is a mandatory waiting period of 30 days before the divorce can be finalized.

Minnesota only allows no-fault divorce. You file on the grounds of irreconcilable differences or irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

An uncontested divorce in Minnesota typically costs $10,000 and takes 2–4 months. Contested cases average $42,000 and can take 12–18 months or longer. The governing statute is Minn. Stat. §518.06.

Common Questions

How long do you have to live in Minnesota to file for divorce?
Minnesota requires 180 days of residency before you can file for divorce. Minn. Stat. §518.06 governs the filing requirements.
Is Minnesota a community property or equitable distribution state?
Minnesota follows equitable distribution rules, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly but not necessarily equally.
How much does a divorce cost in Minnesota?
Filing fees in Minnesota range from $365–$400. The median total cost is approximately $10,000 for uncontested divorces and $42,000 for contested cases.
How long does a divorce take in Minnesota?
Minnesota has a mandatory waiting period of 30 days. Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 2–4 months, while contested cases can take 12–18 months or longer.
How is child support calculated in Minnesota?
Minnesota uses the Income Shares model, based on both parents' combined income. The formula considers both parents' incomes, number of children, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses.

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Related Resources

This page provides general information about how to file for divorce in Minnesota and is not legal advice. Verify current statutes with Minn. Stat. §518.06 or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney. Last reviewed March 2026.