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Where the Divorce Proceedings Occur

Quick Facts

Proceedings may be started by either spouse.
Proceedings may be started where either spouse lives.

Family Court Venue

A proceeding for dissolution or legal separation may be brought by either or both spouses. The divorce proceedings may be started in the county where either spouse resides. If neither spouse resides in the state and jurisdiction is based on the domicile of either spouse, then the proceeding may be initiated in the county where either spouse is domiciled.

Military Personnel Stationed in Minnesota

If neither spouse resides in or is domiciled in Minnesota, and jurisdiction is premised upon one of the spouses being a member of the armed services stationed in Minnesota for at least 180 days, then proceedings may be started in the county where the service member is stationed. This location is subject to the court's authority to change the place of hearing by consent of the spouses, or when it appears to the court that an impartial hearing cannot be had in the county where the proceedings are pending, or when the convenience of the spouses or the ends of justice would be promoted by the change. As you can see, there is some level of wiggle room.