Precedential Opinions
Under Minn. Rule of Civil Appellate Procedure 136.01, the Court of Appeals issues a precedential opinion (formerly called "published opinions") only to clarify or develop the law. In deciding whether to issue a precedential opinion, the court considers multiple factors listed in Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 136.01, subd. (1)(b), including whether the case establishes a new principle or rule of law, clarifies existing case law, decides a novel issue involving a constitutional provision, statute, administrative rule or rule of court, or resolves a significant or recurring legal issue. Precedential opinions will be considered and used by courts faced with similar issues in the future, and they are published in books of caselaw found in most law libraries. Under Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 128.02, subd. 1(f), parties may advise the court whether a precedential opinion would be helpful.
DECISIONS OF THE COURT OF APPEALS
FILED MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026
A25-1878 In the Marriage of: Svaar David Vinje, petitioner, Appellant, vs. Deborah Lynn Hunsley Vinje, Respondent.
Olmsted County District Court, Hon. Christa M. Daily.
1. In a dissolution proceeding, a district court must address whether to award need-based attorney fees under Minnesota Statutes section 518.14, subdivision 1 (2024), and whether to award spousal maintenance under Minnesota Statutes section 518.552 (2024).
2. Particularized findings are required to support a district court’s award of spousal maintenance in excess of the recipient’s demonstrated need.
Affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded. Judge Anne M. Rasmusson.