Source: http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Child-Custody.aspx
Timestamp: 2019-09-20 20:12:23
Document Index: 423963137

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 518', '§ 518', '§ 518', '§ 518', '§ 518', '§ 518', '§ 257']

NOTE: If you live in Minnesota but your child lives with the other parent in another state, your case may be more complicated. You can read the law on "interstate custody" online at Minn. Stat. ch. 518D. You should talk with a lawyer about where you may be able to file your custody case or modify an existing custody order.
Emergency "ex parte" actions involve one party asking the court for a hearing and/or order without giving advance notice of their request to all other parties involved in the case. The party asking the court to hear a case on an emergency ex parte basis is required to follow several laws and Court Rules, including but not limited to:
Minn. Stat. § 518.131
Rule 65.01, Rules of Civil Procedure
Rule 3, General Rules of Practice, and
Rule 303.04, General Rules of Practice.
The MN Judicial Branch does NOT publish forms to ask the court to hear a custody matter on an emergency ex parte basis. You might find sample forms at your local law library, but we strongly encourage you to talk to a lawyer about your case.
You may represent yourself in court, but we strongly encourage you to get legal advice from an attorney, especially if the parties do not agree on custody, parenting time, or child support. NOTE: If you feel threatened by or unsafe with the other party, you may want to get legal advice or help from an advocate before going to court.
The State of Minnesota has several laws about child custody and parenting time. If you choose to go to court without a lawyer, you are responsible for knowing the laws and rules of court (see Rules and Laws tab). Be aware that each court in Minnesota may have local rules and procedures for custody cases for that particular court. Contact your local Court Administration about procedures in your court.
Where you go for court will depend on the type of case you have that involves child custody, so if it's a divorce case, you may go to Family Court, but if it's a child protection case, you may go to Juvenile Court. Some courts have only one courthouse, others have several courthouse locations. Look in the Minnesota Courthouse Directory for contact information.
When parents dispute custody or parenting time (visitation) in court, the law in Minn. Stat. § 518.157 requires that the parents attend a parenting education class. Depending on the circumstances, the judge may also order that the children attend a class.
What if the other parent and I reach an agreement about custody and parenting time?
If you started a case and then all parties reach an agreement on the legal issues involving child custody, you may be able to file your agreement, which is called a "Stipulation and Order," with the court. All parties must sign the Stipulation in front of a notary, and then one party files it with the court. The MN Judicial Branch does NOT publish sample Stipulation forms. You might find sample forms at your local law libraryor you could talk to a lawyer.
Is it possible to get custody of someone else's child?
Third-party custody means that someone other than the parent has custody of a child. This area of law is very technical and there are several other legal options that you might want to consider other than third-party custody. A helpful booklet is the Legal Steps Manual: Raising Relatives' Children, which explains possible legal options related to caring for someone else's child. You could also call the Kinship Caregivers Warmline (Lutheran Social Service) at (651) 917-4640 (metro) or (877) 917-4640 (toll-free) to learn more about third-party custody and get referrals to Minnesota attorneys who help with these types of cases.
If a parent wants to give another adult temporary authority to provide a home for a child and make decisions about the child's schooling, medical care, etc., the parent may be able to use a NON-court form called Delegation of Powers by Parent Form. NOTE: Use of this form does NOT grant "custody" of a child under Minnesota law.
IMPORTANT: Carefully read the Instructions for the Forms, which explain how to fill them out and what to do with them. Go to Self-Help Services in the Courts to find information on getting help in your court. If you do not see a link to forms that fit your situation, visit your local law library, or talk to a lawyer.
Ask for Custody & Parenting Time (no order exists)
The form packets found in the link below can only be used in cases where the child's parents are not married to each other. Both parents must have signed a MN Recognition of Parentage ("ROP"), or there must be a current paternity order stating who is the "legal" father. If unmarried parents did not sign a "ROP" form when a child was born, they can only get a custody order AFTER the court determines who is the child's "legal" father (i.e., paternity). The MN Judicial Branch does NOT publish forms to establish paternity.
Child Custody and Parenting Time Forms
Change Custody & Parenting Time
The forms packets found in the links below can be used to ask the court to change an existing custody or parenting time order; enforce a parenting time order; OR assign a parenting time "expeditor" to help with on-going parenting time problems.
Child Custody and Parenting Time Forms​
Ask for Custody of Someone Else's Child (Third Party Custody)
The forms packet found in the link below can be used to ask the court to give you permanent custody of someone else's child. This area of law is very technical and there are several other legal options you might want to consider, especially if you are only looking for temporary custody. A helpful booklet is the Legal Steps Manual:Raising Relatives' Children, which explains possible legal options related to caring for someone else's child. You could also call the Kinship Caregivers Warmline (Lutheran Social Service) at (651) 917-4640 (metro) or (877) 917-4640 (toll-free) to learn more about third-party custody and get referrals to Minnesota attorneys who help with these types of cases.
Third Party Custody Forms
Rule 3, General Rules of Practice
Rule 303.04, General Rules of Practice
The following is a list of some of the laws and rules that relate to child custody and parenting time cases.
Minn. Stat. § 518.17 Custody and Support of Children on Judgment.
Minn. Stat. § 518.155 Custody Determinations.
Minn. Stat. § 518.156 Commencement of Custody Proceeding.
Minn. Stat. ch. § 518D Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.
Minn. Stat. ch. 257 Children; Custody, Legitimacy.
Minn. Stat. § 257.75 Recognition of Parentage.
Minn. Stat. ch. 257B Stand-by Custodian; Designation; Guardian.
Minn. Stat. ch. 257C Defacto Custodian and Interested Third Party.
MN General Rules of Practice for the District Courts
You can get more help with legal research at law libraries in Minnesota. You should talk with a lawyer to learn how the laws and rules may affect your case.
Resources on Child Custody and Parenting Time
Custody & Parenting Time Legal Resources (LawHelpMN.org)
Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) in Family Court Cases
Guardian Ad Litem Program (State of Minnesota)
Legal Steps Manual: Raising Relatives' Children (free booklet for caregivers)
Child-Focused Parenting Time Guide (MN Judicial Branch booklet)
Parenting Plan Agreement & Worksheet (Univ. of MN Extension)
"Pro Se" Appeal of a Family Court Case in the Minnesota Court of Appeals (Battered Women's Legal Advocacy Project)
Rights & Responsibilities of Unmarried Parents (MLSC booklet)
Information on passports for minor children is on the website of the U.S. Department of State: Passport Services (Minors under 16 years old).
Family Court Motions - Settlement Rule and Form