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My wife and I, both 75, want a divorce due to irreconcilable differences and substantial animosity, although there is no physical violence involved. We have a house, furniture, and personal belongings that need to be divided. Our only income is from Social Security, and we cannot afford attorneys.... View More

answered on Jul 2, 2025
You are not alone. Thousands of Minnesotans seek affordable divorce options at any given time. Attorneys consider several factors in determining there fees. Although your income is one factor, the complexity of the case and your assets will be others.
You may look into limited-scope... View More
I'm currently going through a divorce with mediation ordered by the judge. My spouse and I both have our names on the mortgage, but my spouse has begun to neglect the payments. The shared debt includes plans to sell the home. Is there something I can request from the judge that will help me... View More

answered on Jun 2, 2025
Yes. You can request judicial help (temporary order) for spouse-neglected mortgage payments during a divorce. Spouses have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the other spouse regarding assets during the divorce process. Of course, your specific circumstances will dictate what you... View More
I'm currently going through a divorce with mediation ordered by the judge. My spouse and I both have our names on the mortgage, but my spouse has begun to neglect the payments. The shared debt includes plans to sell the home. Is there something I can request from the judge that will help me... View More

answered on Jun 10, 2025
In your situation, make sure you talk to your lawyer right away about requesting a temporary relief hearing (sometimes called a motion for temporary relief). These hearings are meant to address urgent issues like missed mortgage payments or custody if you have kids while the divorce is still... View More
I would like to pursue a simple divorce, but my husband and his father, who is an attorney, both value money greatly, and I am concerned about protecting myself. My name is on the title to our house, but my husband pays the mortgage. I am worried because my husband does not want to discuss divorce... View More

answered on Apr 27, 2025
To begin, you can familiarize yourself with the law and process by visiting the Minnesota Judicial Branch's website. See below.
Then you can start calling attorneys to find one you are comfortable with helping you through the process. Once you are represented you won't need to... View More
In our Minnesota divorce, my husband bought our shepherd dog during the marriage, and he considers the dog his, which was acknowledged during the marriage. However, I chipped the dog in my name and paid for all vet bills. Recently, the husband stopped honoring our agreed visitation schedule,... View More

answered on Apr 26, 2025
Minnesota law classifies your pets as property. There are no statutes that specifically address pets and visitation rights in a divorce. It seems your dog is material property. I am well aware this can be difficult, but a judge will not treat this like a child custody matter. If you want to go to... View More
I want to divorce my partner, but I don't have any money saved up. We have two children; one is an adult, and I'm seeking custody of the younger child. We have property and other assets, which are in my partner's name only. I'm currently living in our marital home and would like... View More

answered on Apr 12, 2025
Here is an excellent place to become familiar with the process and some resources. https://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Divorce.aspx. Some attorneys are willing to work with you as far as payment plans. There is a possibility your partner may be responsible for some or all of your attorney's... View More
I want to divorce my partner, but I don't have any money saved up. We have two children; one is an adult, and I'm seeking custody of the younger child. We have property and other assets, which are in my partner's name only. I'm currently living in our marital home and would like... View More

answered on Apr 12, 2025
Another possibility is limited-scope representation when you and a lawyer agree that the lawyer will handle some parts of your case and you will handle others. This is different from more traditional arrangements between lawyers and clients where a lawyer is hired to provide legal services on all... View More
I live in Minnesota, and my wife wants a divorce but wishes to continue living in our house, also wanting to split all the bills as we do now. I currently pay for all the bills, while she saves her income in her bank account. Once our kids move out, do we continue splitting everything?... View More

answered on Apr 3, 2025
Each of you have an obligation to maintain the marital property. The obligations of each spouse after the divorce is final will be set forth in the judge or agreement if properly draft. Child support obligations are distinct from the marital property issues. You are commingling different issues... View More
My ex husband has an HRO against me. He has been withholding my children and wrongfully denying me my parenting time for two and half months which is in violation of our court order. I submitted a motion for parenting time assistance to family court to ask them to enforce our current court order. I... View More

answered on Dec 31, 2024
Best practice for a person with a Harassment Restraining Order prohibiting contact with anothe rperson would be to avoid contact, whether direct or indirect. In practice, such a person may end up in the same courtroom during or waiting for a court hearing, for example. And that would not be... View More
When I signed my divorce papers I was a vulnerable adult. Is that legal and do I have a certain amount of time to nullify it?

answered on Dec 17, 2024
An attempt to re-open a dissolution of marriage case most likely has to be done within one year. You don't state what your objective is. Do you want to remain married or want an opportunity to begin the process anew? It will certainly be challenging, time consuming and expensive.
Rob... View More
1) My wife was physically & emotionally abusive with me for several years—especially from Spring ‘20 until she walked out in Nov. ‘22. Her abuse caused damage to a hip I had replaced in ‘19 & has left me dealing with the joys of complex PTSD. I was a scared, emotional wreck &... View More

answered on Aug 9, 2024
Unfortunately, it seems you are in a very difficult position. I apologize, but I am not sure what guidance can be given on a free online Q and A. Trying to set aside the default judgment may be an option if it wasn’t that long ago. If she left you in '22, an OFP seems untimely, unless the... View More
The division of asset as listed nor properly divided. I was never given a copy of the divorce decree and zero asset where listed and no pension was granted on my behalf as it waws martial property.

answered on Jul 18, 2024
A default judgment can be set aside by the judge. Simply claiming the property wasn't properly divided may not be enough. The judge will need to know why you didn't do anything before now. If it is set aside, it begins anew.
Hard getting into a place when i show obligation to mortgage in a house i dont live.
I've lived with my kids, my sister etc. Is he in contempt of court ? can i sue him ? What can I do

answered on Jul 6, 2024
I have no doubt it is stressful. That is why I and other attorneys try to ensure everything is final (or easily finalized) when the judgment is signed. Did you have an attorney 15 years ago?
Obviously, you can try to convince him to take you off the mortgage yourself. You could hire an... View More
I am self-representing because I can't get a lawyer and it is not a criminal matter so not entitled to one. Can I submit a motion requesting the court to appoint me a lawyer since he is pushing this to trial? What steps do I need to take to create/submit a motion? Dakota County MN for court... View More

answered on Jul 4, 2024
In most civil cases, you do not have the right to a court-appointed attorney. This includes dissolution (divorce), custody/parenting time, and child support cases. In these cases you have the option to hire a private attorney. Some organizations use a sliding scale to charge for legal services... View More

answered on Jun 3, 2024
Perhaps or perhaps not. It depends on numerous and various factors. The business could very well be martial property or it could be separate property depending on the situation. I apologize, but the fact your husband owned a business during your marriage is only the first thing to consider.... View More
I am a mother of 3 unemployed married 12 yrs, full time student, going through hardship (marriage) husband mistreating me and his family steeling my person documents for their own personal used. Told they brought me to the states. no family support cant do nothing family overseas. Been diagnosed... View More

answered on Mar 1, 2024
In Minnesota, individuals facing financial difficulties, such as being unemployed and experiencing hardships like mistreatment within a marriage, can seek assistance for obtaining a divorce. Various resources are available, including legal aid organizations that offer free or low-cost legal... View More
I received divorce papers from my husband on June 17th. I'm currently on disability and don't have the financial means to hire an attorney. My husband is seeking child support from me. What are my options in terms of legal representation or responding to this request for child support?

answered on Jul 10, 2025
You're not alone in this, and there are ways to respond even if you can’t afford an attorney right now. First, you’ll need to file a written response to the divorce papers within the timeframe listed—usually 30 days from the date you were served. That response can include your financial... View More
I am considering removing my wife from the deed of our house in Minnesota before our divorce. We have discussed this, and she agrees if I buy her out of the equity. The property has an existing mortgage, and I am considering legal agreements to document the buyout process. I have not yet consulted... View More

answered on Jul 4, 2025
You should start by determining the property’s current equity and agreeing on your wife’s buyout amount based on a recent appraisal or broker’s price opinion. With that number in hand, execute a written buyout agreement that outlines payment terms, closing date, and funding source.... View More
I am trying to finalize my divorce with my spouse, who has been avoiding the process. She abandoned me back in 2016, and I have filed for divorce twice in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, but she was never served. I filed again in Minnesota in 2024, but the court claims she can't be found.... View More

answered on Jun 1, 2025
It certainly is a complex situation. You don't mention where the child is residing. This would likely dictate jurisdiction. At least as to paternity. You have been paying child support, but can't locate her? Quite simply, you need to serve her. You need to hire a Louisiana attorney.
In Minnesota, my spouse wants a separation and insists that I move out, she keeps the house, and not pay me my half of the equity despite my name being solely on the mortgage. She also requests I sign an agreement saying I willfully am not supporting the household needs or expenses once we're... View More

answered on May 24, 2025
Why would you want to sign anything? It is unlikely any attorney will advise you in a free online Q and A. I certainly don't need call from a lawyer or judge six months from now telling me that I wrongfully advised you Memorial Day weekend. My best to you. Rob
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