How to Execute a Simple Divorce in Minnesota

Getting a divorce is a complicated matter. Just as no two relationships are alike, no two divorces are alike either.

That’s why the state of Minnesota provides several routes for couples to execute a divorce. There are requirements that must be met in the state before you can file, and you must decide which type of divorce best fits your situation.

Here’s what you need to know about divorce in Minnesota, plus how mediation might help your divorce process.

In order to divorce in Minnesota, a few legal requirements must be met. These include:

At least one person in the marriage has lived in Minnesota for a minimum of 180 days If children are involved, you

What Happens When a Robbery Becomes a Homicide in Minnesota?

When you hear the terms “homicide” and “murder”, you probably think they are contrasting words for the same act. While both signal the death of another person, the law regards them in quite different lights.

In the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, a homicide recently occurred. The suspect intended only to rob a business, but he ended up shooting and killing the cashier instead. The police called this a homicide, but will that be the ultimate charge for the defendant? Likely not.

Here’s what you need to know about the difference between homicide and murder, as well as the penalties faced if found guilty in Minnesota.

Many words and phrases carry popular meanings that don’t really correspond [...]

Can You Get Compensation for Dog Bite If Owner Denies Responsibility?

Police dogs should be shining examples of a well-trained dog. But even these highly-behaved working dogs act like untrained animals sometimes.

In Duluth, the city awarded a woman $50,000 after she was bitten during a police dog encounter. The victim was making her rounds as a hotel housekeeper when the dog bit her on the thigh.

The Duluth City Council, who approved the settlement, denies that the payment admits any admission of liability. This just goes to show the complicated nature of Minnesota dog bite cases.

Here’s what you need to know about dog bite cases and the compensation you may want to seek if bitten.

The dog bite law in Minnesota states that a person [...]

When Panic Pushes Minnesota Drivers to Commit Hit-and-Runs

By their very nature, car accidents are startling and unexpected. It’s not uncommon for someone to feel confused and disoriented immediately after an accident, a state of mind that can lead to panic.

A car accident doesn’t automatically hold you criminally culpable, but not dealing with it properly might. If you panic and flee the scene of an accident, you can be on the hook for criminal charges in Minnesota.

Here’s what you need to know about leaving the scene of an accident, known as a “hit and run”, and how to respond if you didn’t stick around until the police showed up at an accident.

Minnesota legally defines a hit and run as leaving the [...]

These Mistakes Could Land You Arson Charges in Minnesota

Arson is a crime of intent. That means that a fire was set on purpose – which is a crime that many states, such as Minnesota, take very seriously since it can lead to major property damage and even the loss of life.

In Watertown, the fire department was recently called to an elementary school playground. Upon arrival, they found the playground engulfed in flames. The fire was successfully extinguished, but police are now on the hunt for the perpetrator – because they believe the fire was set intentionally.

While our state has seen its fair share of arsons, sometimes a fire can rage out of control without intent. A person may have meant to start a fire, but that [...]

Can You Sue Your Drug Dealer in Minnesota?

Street drugs are dangerous, as evidenced by the number of people who die each year from accidental drug overdoses.

This trend’s visibility has risen in recent years. The Brainerd Dispatch reported that, compared to 2019, four times as many counterfeit pills were seized from drug traffickers in 2020. Some of these pills are laced with a substance called fentanyl, which can unwittingly lead to overdose and possible death.

The truth of the matter: street drugs simply have no quality control. So it’s impossible to know what you’re buying.

When a mistaken drug causes harm, can drug dealers be sued? You may not think so, but a law from 1999 suggests otherwise.

Here’s what you need to know about the Drug [...]

How Do I Know What Type of MN Auto Coverage I Need?

The sprawling greenery and beautiful waters of the “Land of Lakes” might inspire scenic weekend drives, but most Minnesotans own a car simply to get where they’re going. No matter where you drive, you need insurance to protect yourself, as Minnesota is a no-fault car insurance state.

If you believe a car accident can’t happen to you, think again. According to the Minnesota Office of Public Safety, February of 2021 contained 23 automobile accidents with fatalities, an increase from the previous year. Most accidents were related to alcohol or speeding. These numbers prove that it’s in everyone’s best interest to carry sufficient insurance on the road. You never know what can happen.

Here are the different types of auto coverage [...]

Minnesota Answers: Will My Wife Continue to Receive My Disability When I’m Gone?

It’s a given that the death of a spouse is emotionally shattering, but it can leave a family financially devastated as well. This rings especially true if the deceased was receiving disability benefits through Social Security.

One of the most frequent questions regarding disability benefits: will your spouse be entitled to them after you pass away? It is a complicated question, but it does have an answer. Read on to find out all you need to know about disability benefits that may help your loved ones after you’re gone.

The Social Security Administration runs a program called Social Security Disability Insurance. It is a federal program that assists those who are unable to work due [...]

Administrative vs. Criminal Traffic Violations in Minnesota

Traffic violations can be some of the most confusing issues to resolve. After all, many people receive a speeding ticket at some point in their life, but the outcome of that ticket relies on a variety of factors.

Officials in Minnesota have recently established extra statewide enforcement of traffic speed. The goal of increased law enforcement presence? Reduce accidents, injuries, and deaths related to driving at dangerous speeds.

Many people find the number of different traffic violations confusing. There are administrative violations and criminal ones. But what is the difference? And what penalties are associated with each? Read on to find out.

An administrative violation is often associated with breaking the [...]

MN’s No-Fault Law Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Recover Damages

When you are injured due to the negligence of another person, you may think that a personal injury case against them is fairly open and shut. After all, you can show they were at fault for your damages, right? Not so fast.

Along with several other states, Minnesota is a no-fault state. This can complicate recovering damages for personal injury, though that doesn’t make it impossible. Here’s what you need to know about Minnesota no-fault law and how it can impact any future personal injury cases.

When a state has no-fault laws, it can impact the procedure and outcome of personal injury cases. Any damages you want to recover will probably [...]