Co-Parenting Through Divorce in Minnesota with Two Families Now
Separation and divorce can feel overwhelming for Minnesota parents. Two Families Now, a court-approved evidence based online co-parenting course, teaches skills that will help you through this emotional process. It covers parenting transitions, stress reduction, healthy communication, and creating stable family routines
Start the Process:
The Minnesota court system refers to divorce as a “dissolution of marriage,” and it is an involved, and often contentious, process. Separating from your spouse or partner often feels overwhelming, to both you and your children. A good first step is to visit the frequently asked questions page on the Minnesota court website. You, or your spouse, must have lived in Minnesota for at least 180 days before filing, and must file for divorce in the district court of the county where one of you lives. It is important to keep children out of the middle and protected from conflict during this process.
Next steps:
The court’s Self-Help Center contains a wealth of information, and from there, you can explore whether your situation works for the online Minnesota Guide & File. Minnesota provides form packets for divorces with and without children. Filing a joint petition, which is appropriate if you and your spouse are in agreement on finances and a parenting plan, can save you time and money.
The Guide & File tool can generate the forms for you, and you will likely be able to eFile directly from that site. If your spouse has already served you papers, the site contains the “Forms to Respond” and you will need to answer in a timely manner. Filing involves a set statewide fee but if paying the fee is a hardship, you may request a fee waiver with proof of low income, public assistance, or other qualifying need.
Two Families Now is an online co-parenting and divorce course, court-approved in Minnesota.
Parenting through a dissolution:
Timelines vary by county and whether you and your spouse agree on the main issues. If there is disagreement, you may be invited to try the Early Neutral Evaluation with the goal of resolving parenting time, custody, and finances in a timely manner. This voluntary process may significantly lesson the financial and emotional resources you expend.
Parents that dispute custody or parenting time, are required by state law to take a parenting class, and the judicial branch maintains a list of approved courses. Among those courses is Two Families Now, an evidence-based, online option that delivers practical skills for co-parenting through separation and divorce. Two Families Now is a great resource for support and is a helpful way to reduce conflict, practice communication skills, and set child-focused routines during this challenging transition.
Learn more about what we do, or view our full eLearning Course Catalog.
* The information shared here is for general educational purposes and should not be taken as legal advice. Laws vary by state and situation, so we encourage you to speak with a licensed attorney about your individual case.
