Introduction
Divorce is never easy, and one of the most common questions we hear at Martine Law is, “How long will my divorce take in Minnesota?”
The answer depends on several factors — whether it’s contested, how complex your assets and custody situation are, and how quickly you and your spouse can reach agreements. In Minnesota, the minimum time for a divorce is about 30 days, but the full process can stretch to months or even over a year depending on your unique case.
This blog will break down the typical timeline, what delays to expect, and how to speed up the process if you’re looking for a quicker resolution.
Overview of the Divorce Process in Minnesota
The legal term for divorce in Minnesota is “dissolution of marriage.” The process involves:
- Filing a Summons and Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Serving the other spouse
- Waiting for a response or agreement
- Attending court hearings or mediation if needed
- Receiving a final judgment and decree
Even in an uncontested divorce, you must follow these procedural steps. Learn more from the Minnesota Judicial Branch – Divorce Process.
Best-Case Scenario: Uncontested Divorce Timeline
If both spouses agree on all major issues (custody, property, support, etc.), the divorce is considered uncontested. This is the fastest type of divorce and often takes between 30 to 90 days from the date of filing.
Requirements for a fast uncontested divorce include:
- Both parties sign a Marital Termination Agreement
- No disputes requiring court hearings
- No children or complex financial assets
Uncontested divorces still require approval by a judge, but there may not be a formal hearing if everything is agreed upon.
Contested Divorce Timeline
In a contested divorce, spouses disagree on one or more key issues — child custody, spousal maintenance, division of property, etc. These divorces take much longer to resolve, often between 6 months to over a year.
Key stages in a contested divorce:
- Discovery phase (gathering financial and legal evidence)
- Temporary hearings (for child custody, support)
- Mediation or settlement conferences
- Trial, if no agreement is reached
The more disputes you have, the longer the divorce will take.
Mandatory Waiting Period in Minnesota
Minnesota does not have a statutory waiting period, meaning a divorce can be finalized as soon as 30 days after the petition is filed — but that rarely happens unless it’s truly uncontested.
Some counties and judges may require:
- A cooling-off period to ensure both parties agree
- Time for mediation or parenting classes if children are involved
- Resolution of any temporary support or custody motions
Factors That Delay the Divorce Process
Even if both parties want a divorce, certain factors can create delays:
- Disagreements over children – Custody battles are among the most time-consuming parts of any divorce
- Complex assets – Real estate, business ownership, retirement accounts
- Uncooperative spouse – Refusing to respond, avoiding service, or being confrontational
- Backlogged court calendar – Some Minnesota counties are experiencing longer wait times due to post-COVID case loads
- Changing attorneys mid-case
At Martine Law, we help you navigate these delays and avoid unnecessary roadblocks wherever possible.
How to Speed Up the Divorce Process
To reduce your timeline, consider these strategies:
- Choose mediation early to settle disputes outside of court
- Be organized with financial documents and asset disclosures
- Work with a qualified attorney to file accurate paperwork the first time
- Communicate clearly with your spouse when possible
- Avoid unnecessary litigation over minor issues
Sometimes, a bit of cooperation can shave months off your divorce process.
Explore court-approved mediation resources: Minnesota State Bar Association – ADR
What If My Spouse Doesn’t Respond?
If you file for divorce and your spouse doesn’t respond within 30 days after service, you can request a default judgment. This means the court may grant you everything requested in the petition, assuming the court finds it fair and legal.
However, it’s essential to follow proper procedures for service and give your spouse every opportunity to respond. Any procedural mistake can delay or dismiss the case.
Divorce Timeline with Children Involved
If you have minor children, expect the divorce to take longer. Additional steps include:
- Filing a parenting plan
- Attending a parent education class (mandatory in most counties)
- Possible custody evaluation
- Temporary custody and support hearings
The court’s priority is always the best interests of the child, and this takes time to evaluate if parents are not in agreement.
When Is the Divorce Final?
Your divorce becomes final once the judge signs the Judgment and Decree of Dissolution, and it is entered by the court administrator. This document outlines:
- Child custody and parenting time
- Division of property and debts
- Spousal maintenance (if any)
- Child support amounts
After the decree is signed and filed, your marriage is legally ended.
Why You Should Work With an Attorney
Even an uncontested divorce can become complicated. At Martine Law, our Minnesota divorce lawyers help you:
- File correctly and on time
- Avoid common mistakes that delay the case
- Protect your rights to property, custody, and support
- Negotiate effectively with your spouse or their attorney
- Understand what to expect at every stage
The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner you can move forward with confidence.
Get a free consultation today and take the first step toward resolution.