as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 03/20/2019 03:58pm
A bill for an act
relating to family law; establishing a cooperative private divorce program; making
conforming changes; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2018,
sections 62A.21, subdivision 2a; 518.191, by adding a subdivision; 518.195, by
adding a subdivision; 518A.43, subdivision 1; proposing coding for new law in
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 518.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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For purposes of this section, "commissioner" means the
commissioner of Bureau of Mediation Services.
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The commissioner shall establish a cooperative private divorce
program as provided in this section.
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The cooperative private divorce program must, at a minimum:
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(1) be made available on the Bureau of Mediation Services website;
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(2) make available to the participants of the program the notices and instructions provided
under subdivisions 9 and 10 and section 518.82;
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(3) allow participants of the program to electronically complete and submit to the
commissioner an intent to divorce and declaration of divorce as provided under subdivision
11;
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(4) require a separate unique login and password for each participant to access the
program;
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(5) provide a notification system that automatically contacts one participant when the
other participant accesses the program;
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(6) provide a list of supportive services and service providers that may be helpful to
participants;
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(7) provide a method to authenticate the identities of the signatories of the forms required
under subdivision 11;
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(8) employ security measures to protect the confidentiality and personal information of
the participants submitting information through the program; and
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(9) encrypt all data sent and received through the program website.
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Married participants seeking dissolution under this
section qualify for the cooperative private divorce program if the residency requirements
under section 518.07 have been met by the participants.
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(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, married participants
who meet the criteria under subdivision 4 may dissolve their marital status through the
cooperative private divorce program made available on the Bureau of Mediation Services
website by:
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(1) signing and submitting the intent to divorce under subdivision 11; and
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(2) completing, signing, and submitting the declaration of divorce under subdivision 11
at least 90 days after, but not more than two years after, the intent to divorce was submitted
by both participants.
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(b) Upon receipt of the completed declaration of divorce, the commissioner shall issue
a certificate of marital dissolution that includes the following information:
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(1) the name, and any prior names, of the two participants to the cooperative private
divorce dissolution;
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(2) the name of any living minor or dependent child of the participants;
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(3) that the marriage of the participants is dissolved and the date of the participants'
dissolution; and
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(4) the Social Security numbers of the participants and any living minor or dependent
children of the participants.
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(c) A certificate of marital dissolution issued under this section completely dissolves
the marital status of the participants.
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(d) Upon receipt of a declaration of divorce, the commissioner shall issue a certificate
of marital dissolution that is accessible to each participant through the online cooperative
private divorce program. The certificate of marital dissolution is conclusive evidence of the
divorce.
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(e) The commissioner shall maintain a public registry containing the following:
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(1) the name, and any prior names, of any participant of the cooperative private divorce
program;
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(2) the name of any living minor or dependent child of a participant; and
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(3) that the marriage of the participants is dissolved and the date of the participants'
dissolution.
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(f) Before the commissioner issues a certificate of marital dissolution to married
participants who are parents of minor children, the married participants must attend a
four-hour parent education program as required under section 518.81.
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(a) Any agreement made by the participants as part of
the declaration of divorce that allocates expenses for their child or children is an enforceable
contract between the participants under section 518.1705.
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(b) It is the intent of this paragraph that agreements recorded in a declaration of divorce
shall be deemed to be a decree of divorce wherever a decree of divorce is referred to in the
Internal Revenue Code and agreements between the participants in a declaration of divorce
regarding alimony or maintenance shall be deemed to be a divorce or separation agreement
for purposes of deductibility under the Internal Revenue Code.
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(c) Any issue that is not specifically addressed by the participants in the declaration of
divorce agreement is considered to be reserved for future agreement by the participants or
de novo review by the court.
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Any agreement made by the participants in their declaration of
divorce may be modified at any time after a declaration of divorce agreement is submitted
to the commissioner through the cooperative private divorce program, if both participants
agree to the amendment and submit an amended declaration of divorce.
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(a) At any time prior to the submission of a declaration
of divorce, participants in a cooperative private divorce may initiate an action for marriage
dissolution under this chapter in district court. Any action under this chapter pending in
district court must be resolved or dismissed before participants may submit a declaration
of divorce.
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(b) Cooperative private divorce agreements contained in a declaration of divorce may
be enforced, modified, or vacated by the district court, or the court may address issues that
were reserved by the participants, according to the provisions of this chapter.
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(c) Upon the filing of a certificate of marital dissolution by the participants, the court
administrator shall enter a decree of dissolution as provided in section 518.195 without
necessity of court approval or a judgment and decree and without regard to the criteria or
procedures contained in section 518.195, subdivisions 1 and 2.
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(d) By executing a declaration of divorce with the Bureau of Mediation Services that
may be filed with the court, each participant consents to the continuing personal jurisdiction
of the Minnesota courts as to all matters related to the declaration of divorce.
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(e) A participant in a cooperative private divorce may by petition initiate an action in
district court to:
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(1) enforce, modify, or vacate the declaration of divorce;
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(2) petition the court to address any issue reserved by the participants;
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(3) obtain a summary real estate disposition judgment;
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(4) obtain a qualified domestic relations order; or
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(5) obtain a court decree of dissolution when necessary to comply with state or federal
law involving interstate enforcement of the participants' divorce.
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A participant initiating an action under this paragraph must, by personal service, provide
to the other participant notice of filing the certificate of marital dissolution with the district
court together with any motion for relief. Any subsequent court action related to the certificate
of marital dissolution may be initiated by notice of motion and motion. An action initiated
under this paragraph shall be venued in a county located in this state where either participant
was residing at the time the certificate of marital dissolution was issued by the Bureau of
Mediation Services. The filing fee for any action under this paragraph is $....... For a motion
to vacate the declaration of divorce under section 518.145, the one-year period of limitation
begins on the date of the participants' dissolution.
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The commissioner shall make
available the following form for use in the cooperative private divorce program:
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NOTICE: Introduction to Cooperative Private Divorce
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You are considering obtaining a Cooperative Private Divorce rather than going to court
to get divorced. Cooperative Private Divorce is a simplified procedure for couples who want
to avoid the expense, emotional strain, and arbitrary time frames that often accompany
adversarial court proceedings. To obtain a Cooperative Private Divorce you will need to
reach an agreement with your spouse about the issues in your divorce. Many public and
private services are available to help you.
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The Cooperative Private Divorce process is based on the assumption that most people
have the capacity to divorce with respect and fairness if they are supported in that direction.
To that end, a Cooperative Private Divorce differs in two important ways from a court
divorce. First, the two of you have total control over your divorce and no one will oversee
or scrutinize the decisions you make. Second, it is a completely private process.
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This leaves you with a great deal of flexibility. After you have educated yourself, you
can choose how detailed or simple to make your divorce decisions, and whether to postpone
some decisions to a later time. You can also create your own understanding of fairness
unique to your own situation.
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These special features of a Cooperative Private Divorce, eliminating the anxiety of
someone else having control over your family, and lessening the pressure to resolve
everything all at once during a very stressful time, are intended to replace conflict with your
spouse by creating a healthy transition for you and your family. You are encouraged to view
each other as partners in creating the best solution for you and your family in parenting and
financial matters.
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Basic Principles
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Cooperative Private Divorce is not for everyone. Because of the need to create a fair
and healthy plan without coercion or oversight, it is intended for couples who can work
together in good faith for the best interests of everyone in the family.
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Here are the six principles underlying Cooperative Private Divorce. If you and your
spouse believe you can fashion your divorce according to these principles, then a Cooperative
Private Divorce may be the best procedure for you.
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1. The preventing unnecessary divorce principle: You have reached a decision to initiate
a divorce only after exhausting other options to solve your problems within your marriage,
particularly if you have children.
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2. The healthy relationships principle: If you have children, your parenting plan promotes
safe, nurturing, and stable relationships among the children and with both of their parents.
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3. The maximum parent involvement principle: Your parenting plan promotes high
levels of involvement of both parents with the children when that is feasible and consistent
with the needs of the children.
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4. The equity principle: Your financial plan promotes equitable and sustainable lifestyles
for all family members in light of the unique circumstances of your marriage and family.
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5. The flexibility principle: Your divorce agreements take into account both the value
of having stable arrangements and the likelihood that the needs and circumstances of
your family will change over time.
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6. The optimal timing principle: You create partial or comprehensive agreements with
the timing and sequence that work best for you and your family.
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Two Cautions
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First, if you feel pressured or intimidated by your spouse to use this process or to agree
to specific matters in your divorce, or if you have doubts generally about your spouse's
willingness to reach agreements that are best for everyone in your family, consider getting
professional assistance before going further.
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Second, the flexibility of a Cooperative Private Divorce also leaves you with an important
responsibility. Some couples have relatively simple issues to address in their divorce. But
some couples have more complex financial and parenting matters to resolve. Financial
matters are often more complex if you are self-employed or a business owner. If you do not
consider such matters carefully, you may face problems such as having agreements that do
not work over time or that are not enforceable. You are responsible to educate yourself
about the issues in your divorce and to obtain professional assistance if you need it.
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Professional and Community Resources
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To begin with, recognize that going ahead with a divorce is a significant decision,
especially if you have children. Many research studies have shown that divorce can have
an adverse effect on children. If you want help to make sure you are making the right decision
for you and your family, you can make use of services available in local communities.
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If you have made the decision to go ahead with the divorce, you may choose to work
with an advocate or with a facilitator who can guide you and your spouse in cooperative
processes that focus on your interests and needs and what will work for your family. You
may want to consult with an adviser on parenting or financial issues. From private sources
you can obtain sample agreements that may help you frame all of the issues you will likely
encounter. Although divorce can seem complex and difficult, these resources and professional
services can help make it easier for you and your spouse to reach an agreement.
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The Bureau of Mediation Services serves as a clearinghouse for information about the
types of resources available. It also can provide information about services that are offered
for free or on a sliding fee.
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The commissioner shall make available the following
form for use in the cooperative private divorce program:
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Instructions for Cooperative Private Divorce
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1. Both spouses obtain unique identifiers from the Bureau of Mediation Services.
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2. Both spouses sign and submit the INTENT TO DIVORCE form with their unique
identifiers to register with the Bureau of Mediation Services.
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3. At any time at least 90 days after but not more than two years after submitting the INTENT
TO DIVORCE form, submit the Declaration of Divorce form signed by both spouses.
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4. Upon submitting the Declaration of Divorce form, both spouses will receive a certification
that your marriage is dissolved.
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5. Most complete divorce agreements address the issues set forth in the Declaration of
Divorce form. It is up to you whether you want to record agreements in all or any of these
areas. But recognize that if your agreements are vague or incomplete or if you do not record
your agreements, it may be difficult for you to recall them, live up to your obligations, or
later ask a court to enforce an agreement. Use attachments if you want to record agreements
that are longer than space here permits. No one will review or approve the agreements you
set forth here before your divorce is certified; they are for your use only.
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6. At any time, either spouse can retrieve the Declaration of Divorce form containing your
agreements by providing your unique identifier. No one except you and your spouse will
have access to this form.
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7. At any time, you and your former spouse can retrieve the Declaration of Divorce form,
make additions or modifications that you both agree to, and resubmit it.
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8. If you want to modify your previous agreements but you and your former spouse cannot
agree on the modifications, or if you want to seek enforcement of a previous agreement,
you are encouraged to seek assistance from professionals in the community who specialize
in helping former spouses reach fair agreements. You also have the option of going to court
where you would submit your Declaration of Divorce form.
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9. Remember that by creating a smooth family transition now and working on issues that
may arise in the future, developing a trustworthy working relationship with your spouse
will be just as helpful as written agreements.
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The commissioner shall
make available the following form for use in the cooperative private divorce program:
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Intent to Divorce
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We hereby declare that we are legally married, have both been residents of Minnesota
for at least 180 days, and intend to divorce. We understand that our divorce will be certified
if we submit the Declaration of Divorce form signed by both spouses at least 90 days after,
but not more than two years after, the date this INTENT TO DIVORCE form is submitted.
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Date and place of marriage: new text end |
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Signature, date: new text end |
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E-mail address: new text end |
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Social Security number new text end |
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Signature, date: new text end |
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E-mail address: new text end |
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Declaration of Divorce new text end |
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Facts new text end |
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1. We agree that the following is a list of all our assets and their approximate value: new text end |
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2. We agree that the following is a list of all our debts: new text end |
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3. Spouse A name, previous name(s) if any, and yearly income, including any bonuses: new text end |
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4. Spouse B name, previous name(s) if any, and yearly income, including any bonuses: new text end |
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5. The names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of our minor or dependent children covered by this agreement are: new text end |
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Agreements
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1. We agree to the following plan for parenting our child or children together after the
divorce. If our plan is temporary, we agree to the following process for updating it. (A
comprehensive plan would include: (a) how you will make important decisions like those
about school, health care, and religion; (b) how you will allocate your time with the children
during the school year, the summer, holidays, and vacations to provide a nurturing
environment and rich relationships with both of you; and (c) how you will communicate
with each other and work out differences of opinion.)
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2. We agree to the following plan for sharing the expenses of raising our child or children.
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Guideline child support
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The guideline child support for our child(ren) is $........ We agree that ............... will pay
the guideline child support amount.
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(The Minnesota Child Support guidelines calculator can be accessed at ...............)
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Attach the guidelines printout.
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Non-Guideline Child Support
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We agree to deviate from the guideline child support amount after considering the
following factors that support deviation (Make a check or "X" on all that apply):
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each of our earnings, income, circumstances, and resources, including our real and personal property, but excluding income from excess employment of the obligor or obligee that meets the criteria of Minnesota Statutes, section 518A.29, paragraph (b); new text end |
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the extraordinary financial needs and resources, physical and emotional condition, and educational needs of our child(ren) to be supported; new text end |
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the standard of living our child would enjoy if we were currently living together, but recognizing that we now have separate households; new text end |
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whether our child resides for more than one year in a foreign country that has a substantially higher or lower cost of living than this country; new text end |
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the income taxation dependency exemption and the financial benefit that one of us receives from it; new text end |
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our agreed-upon plan for paying off our debts under paragraph 4; new text end |
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the obligor's total payments for court-ordered child support exceed the limitations set forth in Minnesota Statutes, section 571.922; new text end |
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an allocation of the expenses of our children that enables us to maintain a suitable place for our children taking into account our current standard of living; new text end |
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the following factor: ............... new text end |
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Make a check or "X" on one of the following:
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.... new text end |
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Because of the factor(s) we have checked above, we agree that ............... will pay $....... in child support on the ............... of each month; new text end |
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We will be sharing the following children's expenses: (list items) with ............... paying ... percent and ............... paying ... percent; or new text end |
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We agree that no child support will be exchanged between us, as we are each paying the children's expenses directly. new text end |
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Make a check or "X" on all that apply:
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We agree to modify the amount of child support from time to time as our circumstances may change. new text end |
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We agree to a biennial adjustment in the amount of child support to be paid based on cost-of-living changes using a cost-of-living index published by the Department of Labor. new text end |
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(If either parent is receiving public assistance, the county attorney must approve this
agreement or it is not enforceable. The county attorney may ask the court to modify any
child support agreement you make if a minor or dependent child receives or begins to receive
public assistance.)
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Caution
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If your ex-spouse does not pay you the child support agreed upon in the declaration of
divorce, you should act promptly to address the matter because if you decide to go to court,
the court may not order the payment of arrears.
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3. We agree to the following plan for providing health insurance for our children.
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4. We agree to the following plan for paying off our debts. (This agreement will not change
your obligations to any creditor; it is simply an agreement between the two of you about
who will be paying a debt.)
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5. We agree to the following plan for dividing our property and assets. (If an allocation of
assets or debts, or an allocation of both, deviates from a nearly equal division, provide the
reasons for the allocation. Educate yourself about the difference between marital and
nonmarital property.)
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a. Real estate (Include who will pay any mortgages, agreements to refinance a mortgage,
and make provisions for recording necessary documents with the county recorder. This
declaration of divorce does not transfer an interest in real estate. To transfer interest in
real estate, you must prepare a quitclaim deed, or a summary real estate disposition
judgment for the court administrator, either of which you would need to file with the
county recorder. It is advisable to seek professional assistance about this process.)
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b. Personal property, such as household furnishings, vehicles, and other objects you
own.
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c. Financial assets, such as retirements, investments, stock, bank accounts, and business
interests. (This declaration of divorce has no effect on the division of a retirement account
or pension plan unless the account or plan receives proper instructions. Many retirement
assets cannot be divided unless they receive a qualified domestic relations order from a
court. Often a draft of such an order is approved by the pension plan administrator before
it is submitted to the court. It is advisable to seek professional assistance about this
process.)
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6. We agree to the following schedule of payments for spousal support (alimony) which
end upon the death of either of us or the remarriage of the payee spouse. (If there is a large
difference in your incomes and you agree to a minimal amount or no amount of spousal
support, provide the reasons for the spousal support agreement. For purposes of federal tax
deductibility, this agreement is deemed to be a divorce or separation instrument. Be aware
that, upon motion, a court has the authority to modify the amount of spousal support you
agree on here at any time during the time period in which spousal support is being paid.)
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7. We agree to the following plan to maintain health insurance coverage for both spouses.
(If one spouse is interested in continuing health insurance coverage under the other spouse's
employer-provided policy, certain laws apply, including a requirement that an election must
be made and submitted to the other spouse's employer and health insurance carrier within
60 days of your divorce.)
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8. We agree to the following plan for paying any past joint tax liability or future tax liability,
or both, and we agree to the following plan for who will claim the child or dependency
exemptions or credits for our child or children.
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9. We have reached the following additional agreements which we wish to record:
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(You may not use the cooperative private divorce program to legally change a name. A
name can be changed by a court only.)
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Dissolution
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We hereby agree to the dissolution of our marriage according to the preceding terms.
We hereby warrant that we have made complete disclosure to each other of all information
and documents that are important to these agreements, and that the list of assets and debts
contained in paragraph (1) are complete and accurate and there are no open court cases
involving these issues.
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Signature, date: new text end |
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Signature, date: new text end |
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The commissioner shall charge the participants of the cooperative private
divorce program a fee of $....... The fees are appropriated to the commissioner to administer
and manage the online program under this section.
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Data collected under this section is classified as private data on
individuals, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12.
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Married participants who are parents
of minor children shall attend a four-hour parent education program prior to receiving a
certificate of marital dissolution under section 518.80, subdivision 5. The parent education
program must provide information on:
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(1) constructive parenting in the dissolution process, including risk factors for families,
how marriage dissolution affects children of different ages, and skills parents can learn to
increase cooperation and minimize conflict, particularly conflict arising when parents place
children in the middle, creating conflicting loyalty. This component of the program must
be aimed at increasing a parent's sensitivity to a child's needs and at giving a parent skills
to improve the parent's and the child's adjustment to the dissolution of the marriage. The
primary emphasis of the program must be on constructive parenting information, and its
content must be consistent with and promote the principles of cooperative private divorce
as described in section 518.80, subdivision 9;
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(2) assessing if a parent is perpetrating domestic violence against the other parent and
when cooperation in co-parenting may not be desirable because of safety risks, and providing
information on local domestic violence resources;
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(3) information on the option of reconciliation, including research on reconciliation
interests among couples considering marriage dissolution, the potential benefits of avoiding
marriage dissolution, resources to assist with reconciliation for interested couples, and
information on when the risk of domestic violence should exclude consideration of
reconciliation; and
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(4) an overview of the legal process of marital dissolution and the advantages and
disadvantages of litigation and alternative processes, including but not limited to mediation,
collaborative and cooperative law, and restorative circles.
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A parent education program under this section may
be conducted in person or online.
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Unless all parties agree in writing, statements made by a party
during participation in a parent education program are inadmissible as evidence for any
purpose, including impeachment. No record may be made regarding a party's participation
in a parent education program, except a record of completion of the program as required
under this section. Instructors shall not disclose information regarding an individual
participant obtained as a result of participation in a parent education program. Parent
education instructors may not be subpoenaed or called as witnesses in court proceedings.
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Each parent education program must enable
persons to have timely and reasonable access to education sessions. A party who qualifies
for a waiver of filing fees under section 563.01 is exempt from paying the parent education
program fee. Program providers shall implement a sliding fee scale.
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The commissioner of the Bureau of Mediation Services shall make available the following
notice for use in the cooperative private divorce program under section 518.80 before full
access to the program is granted to a user. The data maintained by the coercion screening
tool are private data on individuals, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12, and shall
not be tracked or recorded by any means at any time.
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COERCION SCREENING TOOL
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WHEN NOT TO USE COOPERATIVE PRIVATE DIVORCE
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Cooperative private divorce is not for everyone. It is probably not appropriate for you if
any of the following statements are true. Choices you make in this section are private. No
record of any choice you may make in this section will be recorded or tracked.
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You are feeling undue pressure or intimidation from your spouse to use cooperative private divorce. new text end |
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You have serious doubts about your spouse's willingness to reach agreements that are best for everyone in the family. new text end |
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Your spouse has made threats of physical or emotional harm during discussions of divorce. new text end |
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Your spouse has unilaterally ruled out involving any professionals in your divorce process even though you want this kind of support. new text end |
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Your spouse is telling you not to discuss your divorce options with anyone. new text end |
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Information on resources can be provided upon request if any of the above risks are occurring.
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The commissioner of the Bureau of Mediation Services shall conduct an evaluation of
the cooperative private divorce program after the first and second years of operation. The
areas of evaluation shall include, but not be limited to:
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(1) number of users of the cooperative private divorce program, both initially and
transferring to and from a court divorce;
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(2) costs of the cooperative private divorce program to government and families in
comparison to court divorces;
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(3) user satisfaction with the cooperative private divorce program process and with their
agreements; and
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(4) any correlation between use of the cooperative private divorce program system and
subsequent use of court services for the same case or related cases.
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$....... is appropriated from the general fund in fiscal year 2020 to the commissioner of
the Bureau of Mediation Services to develop and implement the online cooperative private
divorce program under section 1. The cooperative private divorce program must be made
available on the Bureau of Mediation Services website by January 1, 2021.
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Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 62A.21, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:
Every policy described in subdivision 1 shall contain
a provision which permits continuation of coverage under the policy for the insured's
dependent children, which is defined as required by section 62A.302, and former spouse,
who was covered on the day before the entry of a valid decree of dissolution of marriagenew text begin
or a certificate of marital dissolutionnew text end . The coverage shall be continued until the earlier of
the following dates:
deleted text begin (a)deleted text end new text begin (1)new text end the date the insured's former spouse becomes covered under any other group
health plan; or
deleted text begin (b)deleted text end new text begin (2)new text end the date coverage would otherwise terminate under the policy.
If the coverage is provided under a group policy, any required premium contributions
for the coverage shall be paid by the insured on a monthly basis to the group policyholder
for remittance to the insurer. The policy must require the group policyholder to, upon request,
provide the insured with written verification from the insurer of the cost of this coverage
promptly at the time of eligibility for this coverage and at any time during the continuation
period. In no event shall the amount of premium charged exceed 102 percent of the cost to
the plan for such period of coverage for other similarly situated spouses and dependent
children with respect to whom the marital relationship has not dissolved, without regard to
whether such cost is paid by the employer or employee.
Upon request by the insured's former spouse, who was covered on the day before the
entry of a valid decree of dissolution, or dependent child, a health carrier must provide the
instructions necessary to enable the child or former spouse to elect continuation of coverage.
Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 518.191, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:
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A summary real estate disposition judgment may also be obtained after a
certificate of marital dissolution is issued in accordance with section 518.80, subdivision
5. Upon the filing of the certificate the district court administrator shall provide to a
participant upon request certified copies of a summary real estate disposition judgment
submitted by the participants that contains the following information:
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(1) the dates of the participants' marriage and of the issuance of the certificate of marital
dissolution;
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(2) the legal description of each parcel of real estate;
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(3) the name or names of the persons awarded an interest in each parcel of real estate
and a description of the interest awarded;
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(4) liens, mortgages, encumbrances, or other interests in the real estate described in the
declaration of divorce; and
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(5) triggering or contingent events set forth in the declaration of divorce affecting the
disposition of each parcel of real estate.
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Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 518.195, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:
new text begin
A certificate of marital dissolution issued in accordance with section 518.80,
subdivision 5, may be filed with the district court administrator. Upon the filing of the
certificate, the district court administrator shall enter a decree of dissolution and shall issue
a qualified domestic relations order submitted by the participants and approved by the
retirement plan administrator for the assignment of an interest in a retirement plan as provided
in the declaration of divorce.
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Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 518A.43, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Among other reasons, deviation from the presumptive
child support obligation computed under section 518A.34 is intended to encourage prompt
and regular payments of child support and to prevent either parent or the joint children from
living in poverty. In addition to the child support guidelines and other factors used to calculate
the child support obligation under section 518A.34, the court must take into consideration
the following factors in setting or modifying child support or in determining whether to
deviate upward or downward from the presumptive child support obligation:
(1) all earnings, income, circumstances, and resources of each parent, including real and
personal property, but excluding income from excess employment of the obligor or obligee
that meets the criteria of section 518A.29, paragraph (b);
(2) the extraordinary financial needs and resources, physical and emotional condition,
and educational needs of the child to be supported;
(3) the standard of living the child would enjoy if the parents were currently living
together, but recognizing that the parents now have separate households;
(4) whether the child resides in a foreign country for more than one year that has a
substantially higher or lower cost of living than this country;
(5) which parent receives the income taxation dependency exemption and the financial
benefit the parent receives from it;
(6) the parents' debts as provided in subdivision 2; deleted text begin and
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(7) the obligor's total payments for court-ordered child support exceed the limitations
set forth in section 571.922deleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ; and
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(8) an allocation of expenses of the children in a parenting plan under section 518.1705,
subdivision 8, or in a declaration of dissolution under section 518.80, subdivision 6, paragraph
(a), that enables both parents to maintain a suitable place for their children, taking into
account their current standard of living.
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