Minnesota Is a No Fault Divorce State

Divorce law differs from state to state. Some states recognize “fault” divorce, and some offer “no fault” divorce. In states at that permit at-fault divorces, one party must prove the grounds for divorce, such as adultery, cruelty, abandonment, etc. Minnesota is a no fault divorce state, however, which means that you and your spouse can file for divorce based on a mutual desire to end the marriage.

Advantages of a Minnesota No Fault Divorce

In a no fault divorce situation, there is no period of separation required before you can be granted a divorce, so couples who are eager to end their union can do so without delay. No fault divorces also help to free up valuable space in the Minnesota court system since there are no long fault-based divorce hearings in which one spouse presents evidence in an attempt to prove the other spouse guilty.

In order to obtain a no fault divorce in Minnesota, you are only required to acknowledge a breakdown in your marriage and file the necessary paperwork.

No Fault Divorce Equals No Justice? Not Necessarily.

While no fault divorce has been adopted into the law of many states, including Minnesota, not everyone agrees that it is a good thing for divorcing couples or society as a whole. The greatest concern for most Minnesotans about no fault divorce is that it doesn’t seem to bring justice to spouses who had improper conduct in their marriages.

Most people feel more comfortable with systems in which there is clearly a “good guy” and a “bad guy”. Unfortunately, marital breakdown is rarely that simple. Minnesota’s no fault divorce reflects the understanding that divorce is a complicated issue.

Discussing marital problems and pointing fingers in a Minnesota court can give a divorcing couple some temporary satisfaction, but it is rarely helpful in the long run. It may even create a negative atmosphere, which can be damaging for everyone involved, particularly if children are involved.

Contacting A St. Paul Divorce Attorney

Regardless of your reasons for seeking a no fault divorce in Minnesota, the best course of action you can take when considering divorce is to consult with a Minnesota divorce attorney who can explain the process and your options.

If you’re a St. Paul, Minnesota resident considering divorce, you have a lot to think about. Having a caring, experienced attorney on your side can help you make sense of it all. Banas Family Law will treat you with great respect and strive to find creative solutions for all your legal needs. Contact us at 651-361-8109 to get started.