The resources on this page contain valuable information and are specifically related to the family laws and community resources for Minnesota residents
For additional help regarding Minnesota courts see: http://www.mncourts.gov/help-topics/self-help-centers.aspx
For more family resources for Minnesota residents see: https://dcyf.mn.gov/individuals-and-families/family-services/family-resources
Overview of judicial process and proceedings (dissolution and paternity)
Divorce
http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Divorce.aspx
Paternity
http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Paternity.aspx
Child Custody & Parenting Time
http://www.mncourts.gov/help-topics/child-custody.aspx
Overview of legal issues (dissolution and paternity)
Divorce
http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Divorce.aspx
Paternity
http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Paternity.aspx
Overview of the function of the court (dissolution and paternity)
Divorce
http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Divorce.aspx
Paternity
http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Paternity.aspx
Child Custody & Parenting Time
http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Child-Custody.aspx
Alternatives for settling custody/visitation disputes and Phases of divorce/paternity proceedings
Divorce
http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Divorce.aspx
Paternity
http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Paternity.aspx
Child Custody & Parenting Time
http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Child-Custody.aspx
Roles
Role of custody study: http://www.mnfamilylawattorney.com/custody-evaluations/
Role of attorney: Segment 5 of the Co-Parenting Into the Future Course contains information about the role of an attorney in the various kinds of alternative dispute resolutions.
Role of guardian ad litem: https://mn.gov/guardian-ad-litem/
Role of mediator/mediation and alternative dispute resolution: http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/AlternativeDisputeResolution.aspx
Early Neutral evaluation: http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/ENE-ECM.aspx
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families helps keep children safe and provides families with supports to care for their children. This includes child protection services, out-of-home care, permanent homes for children, child support, food assistance programs, child care and early learning services.
Help Me Grow Minnesota connects families to resources that help children develop, learn and grow.
Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Child Caregivers offer legal, unlicensed child care to many families. FFN Caregivers are a frequent choice of care for parents with infants and toddlers, parents in diverse cultural and ethnic communities, and parents working non-standard hour jobs. Through partnerships with organizations throughout Minnesota, FFN Minnesota and the FFN navigators are here to help by providing resources and support services for all FFN caregivers.
Children’s Mental Health: Emotional or mental health problems can develop at any age and can seriously affect many areas of a child or youth’s life. The Minnesota Department of Human Services supports a range of children’s mental health services across the state, from prevention to crisis response, school programs to treatment.
Help with alcohol and other addictions: Like all diseases, treating addictions requires the right care. It affects people from all communities and all age groups. Substance Use Disorder is common, recurrent, and often serious, but treatable. Many people do recover. Learn more about Substance Use Disorder treatment programs from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Other links
Other organizations helping families
Developmental needs/stages of children
How Children Experience Divorce:
https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/ages-stages/#.XDPQ1BpOnmo
https://www.extension.purdue.edu/providerparent/PDF%20Links/HowChildrenExperienceDivorce.pdf (pdf document)
Effects of Divorce on Children
http://parenting247.org/article.cfm?ContentID=646
Safety planning
https://www.thehotline.org/help/path-to-safety/
MN Coalition for Battered Women (safety plans, shelters, & more resources)
Standpoint (stalking & domestic violence resources)
Crime Victim Services (MN Office of Justice Programs; emergency financial help)
Legal Fact Sheet: MFIP (public assistance) for Family Violence Victims https://www.lawhelpmn.org/self-help-library/fact-sheet/mfip-and-fss-family-violence-victims
Orders for Protection & Harassment Restraining Orders (LawHelpMN.org)
“Safe at Home” Address Confidentiality Program (MN Secretary of State)
Minnesota child support online: Child Support issues
Child custody and child support issues (obligations/services): http://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Child-Custody.aspx
Visitation issues and Parenting time issues (planning and problems)
Co-Parenting Guide – Printable PDF booklet provided by the Texas Attorney General’s Office
Impact and realities of step-families
Stepfamily Success Depends on Ingredients: https://www.apa.org/monitor/dec05/stepfamily
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/step-parenting-blended-families.htm
Stepfamily problems: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Stepfamily-Problems-027.aspx
