Dissolution of
Marriage Summons and Petition

In a divorce action, the person seeking the divorce (petitioner) will have a Summons and Petition for Dissolution of Marriage prepared, usually by an attorney. This must be served on the respondent personally. Substitute service is not permitted.

If the petitioner requests the Sheriff’s Office to serve this process, the original Summons and a copy of the Summons and Petition for Service should be presented to the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office does charge for this service

Following service, the Sheriff’s Office will return the original and an Affidavit of Service to the petitioner, who must file the documents with the Court Administrator. .

For more information, and to be directed to the Self Help Center of the Minnesota Judicial Branch, click here.