{"id":374226,"date":"2019-03-22T09:00:09","date_gmt":"2019-03-22T14:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/minnesota-law\/minnesota-child-visitation-rights.html"},"modified":"2025-05-20T13:44:53","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T18:44:53","slug":"minnesota-child-visitation-rights","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/minnesota-law\/minnesota-child-visitation-rights.html","title":{"rendered":"Minnesota Child Visitation Rights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Minnesota Child Visitation Rights<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In Minnesota, custody and visitation rights prioritize the child’s best interests while ensuring parental rights. Custody may be joint or sole, with a structured parenting time schedule to foster parent-child relationships.<\/h4>\r\n

After legal separation or divorce, parents with children must work together to make decisions about child custody<\/a>. If they can’t reach a consensus concerning custody and visitation, then the court will have to decide.<\/p>\r\n

When the child lives with one parent, the other parent (referred to as the noncustodial parent) typically receives visitation or parenting time<\/a> with the child. The purpose of parenting time is to maintain the parent\/child relationship even though the parties aren’t living together.<\/p>\r\n

Custody and Visitation Rights in Minnesota<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In Minnesota, custody and visitation rights are structured to prioritize the best interests of the child<\/a> while upholding parental rights. Custody arrangements may include joint legal custody, where both parents share decision-making responsibilities, or joint physical custody, allowing the child to live with both parents.<\/p>\r\n

Alternatively, sole physical custody can be granted to one parent. Minnesota courts<\/a> also address the unique challenges faced by unmarried parents, ensuring that their custody and visitation rights are protected.<\/p>\r\n

A parenting time schedule,<\/a> which includes regular visits and overnights, is crafted to foster meaningful relationships between the child and both parents. When parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, the courts intervene to establish a fair and practical plan that supports the child’s overall well-being and development.<\/p>\r\n

Minnesota Child Visitation Laws at a Glance<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The ideal way to understand complex statutes is to consult with an attorney<\/a>. However, you can also learn about the law with a helpful breakdown of state statutes that’s written in plain language. Read the chart below for a breakdown of Minnesota laws on child visitation rights.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Minnesota Child Visitation Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Minnesota Statutes Chapter 517-519A:<\/p>\r\n

Minnesota Parenting Plans<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Parenting time may be set in a parenting plan<\/a> if the parties agree to it. A parenting plan states when each parent will spend time with the child and who will make decisions for the child.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Minnesota Parenting Time Restrictions<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Typical Visitation Provisions<\/b><\/i><\/p>\r\n

Typically, the noncustodial parent receives a minimum of 25% of parenting time. However, a judge may order parenting time for the noncustodial parent to be less than 25% if it’s not in the child’s best interests and if it’s likely to harm the child’s emotional health and physical well-being.<\/p>\r\n

The court may limit parenting time by:<\/p>\r\n

Minnesota Child Relocation<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

A parent who has been granted parenting time must give their permission (in writing) if the custodial parent wants to move the child out of state.<\/p>\r\n

It’s a crime for the parent and child to move without the permission, and the custodial parent could lose custody as a result.<\/p>\r\n

If a parent doesn’t give permission, then the parents must go to court for a ruling on the proposed move.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note:<\/b><\/i> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Minnesota Child Visitation Rights: Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n