2025 Session Last amended: 1998 session

§ 257.59 — Jurisdiction; Venue

Plain-Language Summary

This section establishes that Minnesota district courts have jurisdiction over parentage cases and specifies where the case should be filed.

257.59 JURISDICTION; VENUE.

Subdivision 1.Court jurisdiction.

The district court has jurisdiction of an action brought under sections 257.51 to 257.74. The action may be joined with an action for dissolution, annulment, legal separation, custody under chapter 518, or reciprocal enforcement of support. §

Subd. 2.Acquisition of personal jurisdiction.

In addition to any other method provided by rule or statute, personal jurisdiction may be acquired by service in accordance with section 543.19. §

Subd. 3.Venue.

The action may be brought in the county in which the child or the defendant resides or is found or, if the defendant is deceased, in which proceedings for probate of the defendant’s estate have been or could be commenced.

History:

1980 c 589 s 9; 1983 c 308 s 6; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 6 s 37; 1998 c 254 art 2 s 29

History: History: 1980 c 589 s 9; 1983 c 308 s 6; 1Sp1993 c 1 art 6 s 37; 1998 c 254 art 2 s 29

Practical Notes

When this applies: When filing a parentage (paternity) action in Minnesota under sections 257.51 to 257.74. Who this affects: Anyone involved in a parentage case. Key points: The district court has jurisdiction, and the action may be joined with a dissolution, annulment, legal separation, custody, or support proceeding. Personal jurisdiction may also be acquired by service under section 543.19. Venue lies in the county where the child or the defendant resides or is found, or, if the defendant is deceased, where probate of the defendant’s estate has been or could be commenced.

Source: Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes