By: Letty M-S Van Ert

Q: What are the grounds for divorce in Minnesota?

A:  Some states are "fault" states, and other states like Minnesota, are "no fault" sates.  In a "fault" state, a person seeking a divorce has to prove some reason for the divorce, like infidelity, cruelty, insanity, abandonment, etc.  In addition, some states require that the parties live separately for a designated amount of time before they are permitted to file for divorce. Minnesota, however, is a "no fault" state. Therefore, in Minnesota, a person can seek a divorce based solely on the fact that there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, meaning that there is no hope to save the marriage.

Letty M-S Van Ert is an associate attorney at Tuft & Lach, PLLC located in Maplewood, MN. In addition to representing clients in the areas of estate planning, probate, divorce and other family law matters, she is also a Rule 114 Qualified Neutral (mediator) serving clients in White Bear Lake, Hugo, Forest Lake, Lino Lakes, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and surrounding areas.