Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic changed nearly every aspect of life, and Minnesota’s family law system was no exception. Whether you were going through a divorce, dealing with a custody dispute, or modifying parenting time, the legal process in 2020 and beyond looked very different from the traditional courtroom experience.

At Martine Law, we supported clients through the most difficult stages of the pandemic, helping them navigate a new legal landscape filled with virtual hearings, delayed court dates, and evolving parenting challenges. This article outlines how family law hearings were affected in Minnesota and what long-term changes may continue.

Immediate Court Disruptions in 2020

At the height of the pandemic, many Minnesota district courts either closed or significantly limited in-person hearings. According to the Minnesota Judicial Branch, all non-essential hearings were postponed, and new cases faced lengthy delays. Key impacts included:

Suspension of in-person custody, divorce, and support hearings
Delays in court filings and final judgments
Emergency-only hearings conducted virtually or over the phone

For many families, this meant unresolved legal conflicts during a time of significant stress and uncertainty.

Shift to Virtual Hearings

One of the most significant changes was the introduction of virtual hearings via Zoom and other video conferencing tools. While criminal courts were quicker to adapt, family law gradually moved into the digital space in late 2020 and 2021.

Pros of Virtual Family Law Hearings:

No need to travel to the courthouse
Easier scheduling and quicker appearances
Flexibility for clients with children or work conflicts
Reduced costs related to transportation and time off

Cons:

Technology issues or lack of access
Challenges with presenting physical evidence
Less personal interaction with judges
Increased risk of miscommunication or distractions during hearings

While remote hearings improved access for some, they also created new challenges, especially for clients without reliable internet or those unfamiliar with the technology.

Changes in Custody and Parenting Time Orders

COVID-19 affected parenting arrangements in major ways. Parents disagreed about:

Whether children should travel between households during lockdowns
How to handle exposure risks when one parent was an essential worker
Whether virtual schooling obligations affected parenting time schedules

Some parents sought temporary modifications to existing custody orders, while others filed for emergency relief when they felt their child’s safety was at risk.

At Martine Law, we worked with many families who needed urgent solutions and guidance. Minnesota courts made it clear that existing parenting orders remained in effect unless formally changed — meaning both parents were expected to follow the plan even during lockdowns.

Impact on Divorce Filings and Support Hearings

The uncertainty and stress of the pandemic led to a noticeable increase in divorce filings once courts reopened. However, the backlog created a delay in getting hearings scheduled.

Key issues during this time included:

Valuation of assets: Many businesses and retirement accounts lost value, complicating property division.
Income fluctuations: Job losses and furloughs made it harder to calculate spousal or child support.
Delays in finalizing divorce: Even uncontested cases moved slowly due to processing delays.

Minnesota courts later implemented hybrid hearings — a combination of virtual and in-person appearances — to reduce delays and allow cases to proceed more efficiently.

If you are currently dealing with a delayed or complex divorce, our team at Martine Law can help move things forward.

Domestic Violence Cases During COVID-19

Unfortunately, the pandemic led to a surge in domestic abuse reports across Minnesota. Lockdowns and economic strain increased tensions in many households, and victims found it more difficult to seek help.

Minnesota courts prioritized domestic violence protection orders, allowing emergency filings to proceed even when other hearings were postponed. Hearings for Orders for Protection (OFPs) were conducted by phone or video, and temporary orders were extended when in-person hearings were delayed.

This shift helped protect victims while still ensuring the accused had an opportunity to respond. If you are navigating a custody case that includes a history of domestic violence, we encourage you to contact us for guidance.

Long-Term Changes in Minnesota Family Law

The pandemic accelerated changes that will likely remain part of the family law system for years:

1. Hybrid Hearings

Even as courts resumed in-person operations, virtual appearances remained an option for certain hearings, such as status updates or uncontested motions.

2. E-Filing and Remote Access

Court documents and evidence can now be submitted electronically, streamlining the process for attorneys and clients.

3. Greater Flexibility in Custody Agreements

Parents and courts began to adapt more flexible parenting plans to account for health emergencies, distance learning, and work-from-home arrangements.

4. Better Prepared Clients

Clients became more informed about court procedures and technology, leading to increased participation and understanding of their legal rights.

How Martine Law Helped Clients During the Pandemic

Throughout the pandemic, our attorneys helped clients navigate:

Emergency custody modifications
Remote divorce hearings
Child support recalculations due to job loss
Domestic violence protection filings
Parenting disputes over health and safety measures

We stayed on top of the latest court updates from the Minnesota Judicial Branch to ensure our clients were always informed and supported.

Moving Forward With Confidence

The pandemic challenged the legal system, but it also pushed it to evolve. At Martine Law, we are prepared to help you with whatever comes next — whether that means negotiating a virtual settlement, appearing for a hybrid court hearing, or fighting for your parental rights.

Our team is committed to using what we learned during COVID-19 to serve you better in the future.

Resources for Further Guidance

Talk to a Family Law Attorney Today

Whether your case was delayed, changed, or made more complicated by the pandemic, the legal team at Martine Law is ready to help. Schedule a consultation today and get clear answers about your options.

How COVID-19 Affected Family Law Hearings in Minnesota