Are you considering or pursuing a divorce in Minnesota? The choices you make now can affect your financial security, your parenting rights, and your future for years to come. You need the right guidance to help you move through the process with clarity and confidence.
Janet L. Goehle, Attorney at Law, has decades of family law experience to place at your disposal. She focuses on practical solutions, works to reduce conflict, and always keeps the well-being of children at the forefront. No matter how straightforward or complex your case might be, Janet will work tirelessly to protect your interests and reach fair outcomes.
Contact Janet L. Goehle, Attorney at Law, today to arrange your free consultation and learn how our firm can help with your divorce case.
Minnesota allows for no-fault divorces, which means you do not need to prove wrongdoing by your spouse to end your marriage. Instead, the court only requires proof that your marriage has suffered an irretrievable breakdown. In practice, this means at least one spouse must testify that reconciliation is not possible. If both spouses agree that the marriage is over, the process can move forward without delay. However, if one spouse disputes the breakdown, the court may review the couple’s history, separation period, and level of conflict before making a decision.
Either you or your spouse must meet Minnesota’s residency or domicile rules before you can file for divorce in the state. Generally, this means that at least one party must have lived here, been stationed here as a service member, or been housed here for at least 180 days before filing. There is an exception for couples who married in Minnesota but cannot dissolve their marriage elsewhere due to their sex or sexual orientation. Once you have established your residency in the state, you may file for divorce in the county where either spouse lives or is housed.
A divorce case begins when one spouse files a petition with the court. The petition must include key details, such as the date and place of marriage, information about any children the couple has together, and a statement that the marriage has broken down. The petition must also ask the court to address divorce-related issues like custody, support, and property division.
After the first spouse files the petition, they must formally serve the other spouse with the petition, after which the receiving spouse has 30 days to respond. If the other spouse does not file a response, the court may issue a default order, which involves granting the filing spouse’s requests without the other spouse’s input. If the respondent answers, the case can continue with hearings, temporary orders if necessary, and efforts to resolve any contested issues.
Either spouse can request temporary court orders to address urgent issues while a divorce case is pending. These orders can cover matters like parenting time, custody, child support, and spousal maintenance. They can also determine who stays in the family home, who pays certain bills, and whether either spouse can restrict property transfers. Temporary orders set clear expectations for the duration of the case and remain in place until the court issues a final decree. If circumstances change, either spouse can ask the court to modify a temporary order.
When a couple divorces in Minnesota, they must resolve several important issues before the court issues its final order. Every case is different, but many involve some combination of the following factors
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can give divorcing couples a way to settle their disagreements without a full court trial. Minnesota courts often encourage ADR methods such as mediation, arbitration, and early neutral evaluation (ENE).
In mediation, a neutral third party helps spouses reach agreements on custody, support, or property division. Arbitration is similar but allows a neutral decision-maker to issue a binding ruling. ENE involves both parties getting feedback from experienced professionals on how a court might decide their case. ADR can save time, reduce costs, and give parents more control over decisions that affect their children. While this kind of approach is not right for every case, it often provides the opportunity for a more cooperative and efficient path to resolution.
Janet L. Goehle, Attorney at Law, has nearly 40 years of experience focused on family law. Janet understands that divorce can affect every part of a family’s life, so she works hard to bring knowledge, compassion, and practical solutions to every case. Her goal is to reduce stress by addressing conflict early and guiding clients toward fair agreements.
Janet’s approach puts children first. She prioritizes their safety and well-being by helping parents create parenting plans that support healthy relationships and stable futures. As a qualified neutral under Rule 114 and an experienced mediator, she uses negotiation and early neutral evaluation to resolve disputes whenever possible and save families time and money.
Although Janet has extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution, she is fully prepared to advocate for her clients in court if their cases require litigation. Clients value her straightforward advice, steady guidance, and focus on lasting solutions. Choose Janet L. Goehle, Attorney at Law, if you want a divorce lawyer who will help you achieve practical results that work for you and your family.
Take the first step toward resolving your divorce by getting clear, dependable guidance today. Contact Janet L. Goehle, Attorney at Law, to get started with your free consultation and discuss your case with an attorney who knows how to assert your rights and pursue the outcome you deserve.
