Divorce is more than a legal process—it’s a life transition. And like any major change, understanding the road ahead can help you feel more grounded and less overwhelmed. At Johnson/Turner, we guide people through divorce in Minnesota with compassion, clarity, and practical strategy. If you’re wondering what to expect—how it starts, how long it takes, and how to get through it—this article is for you.
From Filing to Final Judgment: The Key Stages of Divorce in Minnesota
While every divorce has its own unique path, the legal structure in Minnesota follows a fairly predictable sequence. Paralegal Cheryl Rithmiller explains the first steps. “The typical process is: One party files a petition for dissolution of marriage and serves the other party. The other has the opportunity to respond, and an ICMC (first initial hearing) is scheduled for a month or so out from the filing date of the original petition.”
Attorney Rachel May takes us through the next piece of the process, telling us that this first hearing, called the Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC), isn’t about arguing in court—it’s about planning the next steps with the guidance of a judge. Often, that means scheduling a Mediation or an Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) to help both parties explore settlement options and give them the chance to negotiate.
If the couple is already on the same page prior to the ICMC, they can skip this step by going directly to alternative dispute resolution (ADR), which will streamline the process significantly.
Following ADR, if an agreement is reached, the final Judgment and Decree (laying out the terms of your divorce agreement) is drafted with the help of an attorney and submitted to the judge. Once signed and filed, the divorce is official…. though Rachel warns that typically this can take up to 30-90 days. If parties can’t yet agree, the case may proceed to a pre-trial conference, which is a final attempt to settle, and in rare cases, a trial—where a judge makes the final decisions. While this can happen if all else fails, trials in divorce court are rare, pricey, and should not be the expectation.
As attorney Katie Rotmil explains, the progression is clear:
“Filing a petition and summons is the first step. Then comes mediation or negotiation, followed by finalizing the JD and filing. If court intervention is necessary at any stage, that will make things take longer.”
How Long Does Divorce Take in Minnesota?
Most typical divorces in Minnesota take around six to nine months, though that timeline can stretch—or shrink—depending on how much agreement already exists between the parties.
Rachel May highlights this point clearly:
“The timeline is pretty dependent on how quickly you can settle… All you can really do is prepare for that and provide your attorneys with the information necessary to understand your case and move forward.”
Speeding things up generally requires mutual cooperation, prompt document sharing, and a willingness to compromise. According to Katie Rotmil, “If you and your spouse already have a lot of agreements, and are willing to cooperate with each other, the more efficient it will be.”
On the flip side, delays come with unresolved custody disputes, financial complexity, or uncooperative behavior. As Cheryl Rithmiller cautions, “Trials, additional ADR attempts, and additional attorney involvement come with an inability to settle… this is not only long, but very expensive.”
And sometimes, delays are just part of the system. As Cheryl also notes: “People are always shocked by courts and mediators’ schedules. The court system is VERY backed up, and mediators/evaluators are VERY busy.” Rachel adds to this, stating that, “Unfortunately, there’s not a lot we can do about that, so these waiting periods are a part of the process!”
Why Does Divorce Take So Long (and What Can I Do About It)?
Document exchange is often one of the most underestimated parts of the process. According to Katie Rotmil, “People oftentimes underestimate how much work that is and how hard it can be to find [documents]… which sucks because attorneys need time to actually look at those documents in order to advance the case.”
In addition to court and mediator scheduling, the need for third-party input—like parenting consultants or financial appraisers—can extend also the timeline. Motions filed by one party may require responses and hearings, creating additional delays.
Despite these realities, there are ways to reduce stress and keep things moving. Cheryl reminds clients, “You can’t necessarily speed it up, just get through the steps without major setbacks.”
Rachel adds: “There isn’t much we can do about delays from the other side aside from being prepared with our documents and being responsive. Nothing in family law happens immediately, and this is something that can surprise our clients.”
Can You Fast-Track a Divorce?
Absolutely—and Johnson/Turner offers flexible tools to help.
If both parties are in full agreement, our DIYvorce service provides a streamlined solution. As Cheryl explains: “This occurs when parties have agreed on all issues, have a settlement ready for us, but they just need help drafting and filing the paperwork.”
If there are just a few unresolved issues, FairWell Mediation offers a path forward with the help of a neutral, trained attorney-mediator. Once parties agree, we draft the Judgment and Decree for court filing.
For those seeking a friendly but structured process, our Cooperative Settlement Package is a popular choice for a low stress back and forth negotiation without needing to go through ADR.
Katie makes it clear: “If you and your spouse agree on everything, or on most things, then yes, for sure [you can fast-track]. There may not be any reason to engage in dispute resolution, but we can certainly help you with that settling, drafting and filing process.”
Staying Sane While You Wait
The emotional toll of divorce is real—especially during the slower, quieter stretches. That’s why we encourage clients to lean into their support systems and be proactive about their well-being. “Talk to our life coach, to family or friends, to someone! It is so important to have a solid support network and somebody you can vent to through this process,” says Rachel. “Nobody should have to go through a divorce alone.”
We also remind clients not to compare their experience to anyone else’s. As Katie wisely puts it: “Don’t believe everything you hear about divorce… Everyone’s process is different. Some people panic because someone with comparable circumstances tells them something scary, but that does not mean it will happen to you.”
Cheryl offers a final piece of encouragement: “It might be tough, but it’s very, very, possible. Plan the work and work the plan!”
You’re Not Alone—We’re With You at Every Step
At Johnson/Turner, we believe divorce should be less about fighting and more about finding your next chapter. Our approach is centered around transparency, creative problem-solving, and client support—whether that’s through DIY tools, FairWell Mediation, or full representation.
Wherever you are in the process—just starting, deep in the waiting period, or looking for a faster resolution—we’re ready to help.
