St. Paul, MN family law attorney Allyson Kerr provides a quick overview of the divorce process in Minnesota. She notes that while there are many ways a divorce can begin, the most typical is when one party decides to start the process by completing what is called a summons and petition, which is then personally served on the other party. Once service takes place, the documents can be filed with the court, and an initial case management conference is scheduled. She notes that most counties in Minnesota hold these conferences, which are informal hearings designed to review the issues in the case and determine whether alternative dispute resolution may be appropriate for the family. If so, mediation or another process may be scheduled at that time. If mediation is not suitable, the court may instead set discovery deadlines and a pre-trial date. She adds that most cases are ultimately resolved through some form of alternative dispute resolution, but if not, the case proceeds to trial.