Minnesota Divorce Filing Fee (2026)

Filing for divorce in Minnesota costs $365 for the base court filing fee. Add $60 for sheriff service of process, bringing the estimated court total to $430. This is the court cost only — attorney fees are additional and vary widely.

The Minnesota divorce filing fee is $365. This is a one-time fee paid to the court clerk when the petitioner files the initial divorce petition. E-filing is available in Minnesota for an additional $5. The fee must be paid before the court will process your case.

To get the divorce filing fee waived in Minnesota, file an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application with the court at the same time as your divorce petition. You must demonstrate that your household income falls below 125–200% of the federal poverty level. If you receive public benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI, you likely qualify automatically. A judge — not the clerk — must approve the waiver.

No — Minnesota does not require a mandatory parenting class for all divorcing parties, though individual counties or judges may recommend one when minor children are involved.

An uncontested divorce in Minnesota where both spouses agree on all terms can be finalized in as little as 1–3 months, depending on the court's schedule and any mandatory waiting periods. A contested divorce — involving disputes over property, custody, or support — typically takes 6–18 months or longer. After filing, most states require a mandatory waiting period before a judge can sign the final decree.

Yes — Minnesota courts accept electronic filing (e-filing) for divorce cases. An additional e-filing fee of $5 applies. For a fully online uncontested divorce, services like 3StepDivorce prepare all state-specific forms and guide you through the process.