2025 Session Last amended: 2008 session

§ 518.10 — Requisites of Petition

Plain-Language Summary

Lists the required contents of a divorce or legal separation petition in Minnesota. The petition must include information about both spouses, the date and place of the marriage, the children, residency, and whether there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Practical Notes
When this applies: When filing the initial petition to start a divorce or legal separation case. Who this affects: Anyone filing for divorce or legal separation in Minnesota. Key points: At least one spouse must have lived in Minnesota (or been stationed here in the military) for at least 180 days before filing. The petition must state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down (for dissolution) or that a legal separation is needed. You must list all minor children and disclose any existing orders for protection. A separate document with both spouses’ Social Security numbers must be filed with the petition but is kept confidential.