Subdivision 1.Applicable.

Unless otherwise specifically provided, the Rules of Civil Procedure for the district court apply to all proceedings under this chapter.

Subd. 2.Title.

Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 518.005

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Pleadings: Written statements of the parties in a civil case of their positions. In the federal courts, the principal pleadings are the complaint and the answer.

A proceeding for dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or annulment shall be entitled “In re the Marriage of ………. and ………. .” A custody or support proceeding shall be entitled “In re the (Custody) (Support) of ………. .”

Subd. 3.Names of pleadings.

The initial pleading in all proceedings under this chapter shall be denominated a petition. A responsive pleading shall be denominated an answer. Other pleadings shall be denominated as provided in the Rules of Civil Procedure.

Subd. 4.Decree; judgment.

In this chapter and chapter 518A, “decree” includes “judgment.”

Subd. 5.Prohibited disclosure.

In all proceedings under this chapter and chapter 518A in which public assistance is assigned under section 256.741 or the public authority provides services to a party or parties to the proceedings, the public authority shall not release private data on the location of a party to the action or the joint child if:

(1) the public authority has knowledge that one party is currently subject to a protective order with respect to the other party or the joint child and the protected party or guardian of the joint child has not authorized disclosure; or

(2) the public authority has reason to believe that the release of the information may result in physical or emotional harm to a party or the joint child.

Subd. 6.Filing fee.

The first paper filed for a party in all proceedings for dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or annulment or proceedings to establish child support obligations shall be accompanied by a filing fee of $50. The fee is in addition to any other prescribed by law or rule.