Cases where only one spouse wants the divorce are fairly common. People often mistakenly assume that they cannot contest the divorce itself. This is simply false. You certainly do have the right to contest the divorce. "No fault divorce" does not equate to "divorce on demand."

In order to obtain a divorce in Minnesota, the Petitioner bears a burden of proof, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the marriage is irretrievably broken.

If one party denies under oath that the marriage is irretrievably broken, the Court may not grant the divorce without finding irretrievable breakdown, after a hearing and consideration of all relevant factors, including but not limited to: 1) the circumstances that gave rise to the commencement of the proceedings; and 2) the prospect of reconciliation. The Court may not find irretrievable breakdown as long as a reasonable prospect of reconciliation exists.

In addition, a finding of irretrievable breakdown must be supported by evidence that either a) the parties have lived separate and apart for a period of not less than 180 days immediately preceding the date of service of the divorce petition; OR b) there is "serious marital discord adversely affecting the attitude of one or both of the parties toward the marriage."

All that being said, be aware that contesting the divorce will add to the duration and expense of the case. Contesting the divorce itself can buy you some time during which to pursue reconciliation, and can be the leverage to obtain your spouse’s agreement to therapy or other reconciliation efforts, but at the end of the day, a persistent party will be able to obtain the divorce.

At the same time, if your marriage is very important to you, contesting the divorce may be a way to save it. I have seen many reconciliations over the years. It’s uncommon, but it does happen, and is always wonderful to see.

* THE INFORMATION IN THIS ARTICLE IS NOT ADVICE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CASE. ALSO, THIS INFORMATION APPLIES ONLY TO MINNESOTA LAW, AND NOT TO THE LAW OF ANY OTHER STATE OR COUNTRY.