MN HF2962

Adds a new subdivision to Minnesota Statutes section 518.06 establishing requirements for contested marriage dissolutions when minor children are present in the home.

Requires a two-year waiting period for contested dissolutions with minor children, unless the court finds grounds for immediate dissolution: adultery, domestic abuse, refusal to seek/comply with chemical dependency treatment, or desertion for two or more years.

Court proceedings are suspended during the waiting period except for temporary orders under section 518.131, with the waiting period commencing on the date the respondent files an answer or counterpetition.

Court may grant immediate dissolution during a waiting period if evidence of one of the specified grounds emerges.

Effective August 1, 2012, and applies to marriage dissolution petitions filed on or after that date.