Custody and Parenting Time

Browse the resources below for this topic.

Fact Sheets

Paternity and Child Custody

Read this in: English, Spanish / Español, Hmong / Hmoob, Somali / Soomaali

Grandparents and Visitation

Read this in: English, Spanish / Español, Hmong / Hmoob, Somali / Soomaali

Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA)

Read this in: English, Spanish / Español, Hmong / Hmoob, Somali / Soomaali

Parenting Time (Visitation) and Parenting Plans

Read this in: English, Spanish / Español, Hmong / Hmoob, Somali / Soomaali

Other Resources

Booklets

Unmarried Fathers' Guide to Paternity, Custody, Parenting Time and Child Support in Minnesota

This Guide is currently being revised. For updated information on paternity and child custody, please see:

Source: Central Minnesota Legal Services

Rights and Responsibilities of Unmarried Parents

This booklet helps you understand your rights and responsibilities as a parent in Minnesota. Every state has different laws on family law. This guide is for Minnesota only.Your child deserves the best you can offer, including the love,…

Source: Education for Justice

Read this in: English, Spanish / Español, Hmong / Hmoob, Somali / Soomaali

Do-It-Yourself Forms

Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA) - Do it Yourself

Welcome! This free program helps you create a Delegation of Parental Authority. The program works by asking you questions. It uses your answers to fill out your forms. You can…

Source: Education for Justice

Child Custody and Parenting Time - Minnesota Court Forms and Information

Welcome! The Minnesota Courts have forms for requesting or changing child custody or parenting time, and for responding to a motion for custody or parenting time.

Source: Minnesota Courts

Court Order for Child's Passport for Unmarried Mothers

Welcome! These Minnesota Court forms can help unmarried mothers get a passport for their child when there is not an existing custody order in place.

Source: Minnesota Courts

Service of Process - Minnesota Court Forms and Information

When you start a court case, or are already involved in a court case, you are generally required to give the other party (the other side) to the case copies of any papers you are…

Source: Minnesota Courts

Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program

Welcome! If you are worried about your child's other parent taking your child out of the country, you can sign up to find out if your child's other parent tries to get a passport…

Source: U.S. Department of State

Tribal Court Forms

Welcome! These forms from three tribal courts can help with several divorce-related issues, including custody and parenting time,

Source: Anishinabe Legal Services

Court Fee Waiver - Do it Yourself

Welcome! This form lets you ask the court for a Fee Waiver. There are 3 ways to fill out the form:

Source: MN Courts

Contempt of Court - Minnesota Court Forms and Information

Welcome! These Minnesota Court forms help you obtain or respond to a contempt of court motion. “Contempt of Court” is a decision by a judge that someone has disobeyed a court…

Source: Minnesota Courts

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Helpful Websites

Information on Remote Court Hearings

Author: Minnesota Courts

The Minnesota Judicial Branch is conducting some court hearings remotely using Zoom, WebEx, and/or VMR. This site includes information for attorneys, parties, and others who are required to appear at remote hearings.

Go to the website: Minnesota Courts Information on Remote Hearings

Find a Free Legal Kiosk - Get Help & Attend Remote Meetings or Hearings

Author: Reach Justice Minnesota

Legal kiosks are computers in community spaces across Minnesota. You can use the kiosks to apply for a free lawyer or find legal information and resources. Some of the kiosks let you do video meetings and remote court hearings. These kiosks have more privacy and are marked in blue. Use the map at the link to reserve a kiosk near you!

Go to the website: Reserve a Legal Kiosk

Child-Focused Parenting Time Guide

Author: Minnesota Courts

This Guide is an educational tool to help parents and professionals understand concepts that are important for the wellbeing of children. The Guide is intended to encourage cooperation, not conflict, between parents. Users of this Guide are encouraged to read all sections as each section provides useful information that should be considered in developing a Child-Focused Parenting Time Schedule.

Go to the website: Child-Focused Parenting Time Guide - Minnesota Courts

Tips for Representing Yourself in Court - Minnesota State Courts

Author: Minnesota Courts

Tips to help if you are representing yourself in court, or deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer.

Go to the website: Representing Yourself in Court - Minnesota Courts

County Resource Referral Sheets

Author: Minnesota State Law Library

Lists of legal referrals organized by county, prepared and updated by Minnesota State Law Library.

Go to the website: Minnesota State Law Library - Referral Lists by County

OutFront Minnesota: Information & Consultation on LGBTQ issues

Author: OutFront Minnesota

OutFront Minnesota offers trainings and consultation on LGBTQ issues, provide referrals to legal professionals, assist attorneys on LGBTQ-related cases, represent the community in appellate courts, and work with public agencies on LGBTQ-sensitive policies. Their site has general information about LGBTQ legal issues.

Go to the website: OutFront Minnesota

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Q & A

Can I move out of state with my child?

Source: Education for Justice

Unmarried Mother's Custody Rights

Source: Education for Justice

Videos

Unmarried Parents and Paternity

Source: Education for Justice

How to File a Motion in Family Court - Minnesota Courts

Source: Minnesota Courts

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