Minnesota Dissolution of Marriage Forms — Complete Guide (2026)

Minnesota's dissolution forms are available free at mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx. Use the search filter for "Dissolution" or "Family" to locate the FA-series forms.


Where to Get Minnesota Dissolution Forms

Primary source: mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx

Search "dissolution" or filter by form category. Forms are available as fillable PDFs.


Core Forms — All Dissolutions

FormPurpose
Joint Petition for Dissolution of MarriageBoth spouses file together — no service required
Individual Petition for Dissolution of MarriageOne spouse files; other is served
SummonsNotifies Respondent of filing (individual petition only)
Acceptance of Service / Admission of ServiceRespondent signs to waive formal service
Marital Termination Agreement (MTA)Settlement agreement — parties draft; court reviews at final hearing
Decree of Dissolution of MarriageFinal court order — signed by judge

The Marital Termination Agreement (MTA)

The MTA is Minnesota's name for the settlement agreement. It must address all issues in the dissolution. Minnesota does not have a standard pre-printed MTA form — parties draft their own, using court-provided guidance.

MTA must address:

  • All marital property division (real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, vehicles, business interests)
  • Non-marital (separate) property confirmed with original owner
  • All marital debts assigned
  • Spousal maintenance (amount, duration, termination events) — or written waiver
  • Legal custody of children (joint or sole) — if applicable
  • Physical custody and parenting time schedule — if applicable
  • Child support per Minnesota guidelines — if applicable

After signing, both parties file the MTA with the court as part of the dissolution packet.


Forms With Children

FormPurpose
Parenting PlanPhysical custody schedule, legal custody, holiday schedule, relocation provisions
Child Support OrderCourt order incorporating guideline support amount
Child Support WorksheetCalculates child support per Minnesota guidelines
Income Withholding OrderDirects employer to withhold support from paycheck
Parent Education Completion CertificateProof both parents completed the required program

Parent Education Program — Required

Both parents must complete the Parent Education Program (Minn. Stat. § 518.157) when minor children are involved.

  • Required in all Minnesota counties
  • Approximately 8–10 hours; often available online
  • Each county has an approved provider list on their District Court website
  • Complete before or around the final hearing (check your county's specific requirement)
  • Both parents attend separately; it is not a joint session

Find your county's providers: mncourts.gov/Courts → select your county → "Family Court" → "Parent Education."


Minnesota Child Support Guidelines

Minnesota uses the income shares model — both parents' incomes are factored into the child support calculation.

Key factors:

  • Both parents' gross monthly incomes
  • Parenting time: the more overnights the paying parent has, the lower the obligation
  • Number of children
  • Child care costs during parenting time
  • Health insurance premiums
  • Other children in either household (adjustment)

Online calculator: Minnesota Department of Human Services provides an online child support calculator.

Duration: Child support ends when the child turns 18 (or 20 if still in secondary school).


Real Property Recording

Minnesota counties use the following offices for recording real property interests:

  • Abstract property: Recorded at the County Recorder (or "Recorder of Deeds")
  • Torrens property (registered land): Recorded with the County Registrar of Titles

Check whether the property is abstract or Torrens before preparing the deed — the process differs.

Deed type for divorce transfers in Minnesota: A Quit Claim Deed is the standard instrument for divorce property transfers. The spouse giving up the property signs and notarizes the deed; the receiving spouse records it after refinancing.


Last reviewed: March 2026 | mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx | "Marital Termination Agreement (MTA)" | Parent Education Program required with children | District Court

N

Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team

Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.