2025 Session Last amended: 2024 session

§ 518.003 — Definitions

Plain-Language Summary

Defines key terms used throughout Minnesota's divorce and child support laws (Chapters 518 and 518A), including 'custody,' 'marital property,' 'nonmarital property,' and 'parenting time.' Understanding these definitions is essential for interpreting any provision in these chapters.

Practical Notes
When this applies: Whenever you read any section of Chapter 518 (divorce) or Chapter 518A (child support). Who this affects: Anyone involved in a Minnesota divorce, legal separation, custody, or child support case. Key points: ‘Marital property’ means property acquired by either spouse during the marriage, regardless of whose name it is in. ‘Nonmarital property’ is property owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance. ‘Joint legal custody’ means both parents share major decisions about the child. ‘Joint physical custody’ means the child lives with each parent on a routine basis. These definitions control how courts divide property, award custody, and calculate support.