Emergency Family-Law Resources in Minnesota

Temporary orders involving children

Minnesota does not promise same-day rulings on any private interim filing. Ex parte orders are limited and the court and the county matter. Use the District Court interim / emergency procedure and county forms, and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.

A parent can request interim custody / parenting time through the District Court procedure. For an immediate threat, an Order for Protection petition is a separate, faster route.

Orders for Protection (Minn. Stat. § 518B.01)

A Minnesota Order for Protection (OFP) is issued under Minn. Stat. § 518B.01. There is no cost to apply. A court can issue an ex parte OFP without notifying the respondent. Upon receipt of the petition, the court orders a hearing that must be held not later than 14 days from the date of the order, unless an ex parte OFP was issued. At the hearing the petitioner must prove abuse. An OFP may be effective for up to 2 years. Obey every term; only the court can change it.

Minnesota child protective (county / Tribal)

Reports of suspected abuse or neglect go to the county child protection agency or Tribal Nation where the child lives (24/7) or to local law enforcement. A report can lead to a child protective investigation. An unfounded report does not prove it was knowingly false and does not by itself end custody or parenting time.