Hennepin Family Court

The final date to file an administrative dissolution to guarantee processing by the end of 2024 is Friday, December 13, 2024.

Exhibits for Trials and Evidentiary Hearings

Effective July 1, 2024, Hennepin County Family Court will only accept exhibits for trials and evidentiary hearings using the Minnesota Digital Exhibit System (MNDES). MNDES is a web-based application that puts users in control of managing their digital exhibits and provides a secure tool for users to upload digital exhibits with the ability to access and review them without visiting a courthouse or relying on court staff.

MNDES accommodates most modern evidence formats, including audio and video files, images, and documents. The exhibits are stored on a secure platform and are not directly accessible or visible to the public. The application provides many benefits to external court users, judges, and court staff, including:

• Attorneys and self-represented litigants can upload and manage their exhibits from anywhere and can share exhibits with anyone with an email or smartphone.
• Parties can display exhibits during remote and in-person court hearings.
• Court clerks can manage exhibits virtually.
• Judges can access exhibits and make notes as needed within the platform.
• Courts can utilize chain-of-custody tracking and other features to manage exhibits securely.

The Minnesota Judicial Branch first launched MNDES in May 2022, and it is currently in use throughout Minnesota and Hennepin County District Court.

Hennepin County District Court will provide online training every week starting Friday, November 22, at 11 a.m.
Fill out this request for MNDES training form to sign up for a training session.

For more information and access to MNDES, please visit the Exhibit and Evidence Help Topic.

Family Court Trial Booklet

Want to learn about the basics of a court trial? Read our booklet What to Expect as a Self-Represented Party in a Family Court Trial or Evidentiary Hearing.If you file a motion in a family court case, the Minnesota Court Rules say that you must contact the other party within 7 days after filing the motion to talk about settling your case. Visit the Family Court Motions Help Topic to learn about the process and get forms.
 

Notice to Self-Represented Parties

A Standing Order requires that all motions (except "expedited" child support motions) filed in Hennepin County Family Court that are prepared by people who are not represented by a lawyer must be reviewed by the Self-Help Center before a hearing date will be set. Contact the Family Court Self-Help Center for more details.

Standing Orders for Family Court »