MN SF1966

Requires a two-year waiting period for contested divorce petitions when minor children are present in the home, unless specific grounds are met.

Allows immediate dissolution without waiting period if court finds adultery, domestic abuse as defined in section 518B.01, refusal to seek or comply with chemical dependency treatment, or desertion for two years or more.

Court must suspend all further proceedings during the mandatory waiting period, except for temporary orders related to child custody and support under section 518.131.

Waiting period begins on the date the responding spouse files an answer or counterpetition to the divorce petition.

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