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A Guide to Civil Process for the Citizens of Anoka County

Summons and Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

This site is intended as a guide to Civil Process for the citizens of Anoka County. The information contained herein is meant to answer the most common questions received by office staff. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS INTENDED ONLY TO BE A GENERAL OUTLINE OF THE PROCEDURES THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOLLOWS. IT IS INFORMATIONAL ONLY AND YOU SHOULD NEVER RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS LEGAL ADVICE TO YOU. IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF HOW TO PROCEED, YOU SHOULD PROTECT YOURSELF BY CONSULTING A LAWYER ABOUT WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL SITUATION. LAWS IN THIS AREA ARE COMPLICATED AND A LAWYER CAN SUGGEST THE APPROPRIATE COURSE OF LEGAL ACTION TO TAKE IN YOUR CASE. THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE CANNOT GIVE YOU LEGAL ADVICE NOR CAN IT RECOMMEND ANY SPECIFIC LAWYER OR LAW FIRM.

In a divorce action, the person seeking the divorce (petitioner) will have a Summons and Petition for Dissolution of Marriage prepared, usually by an attorney. This must be served on the respondent personally. A substitute service is not permitted.

If the petitioner requests the Sheriff's Office to serve this process, the original summons and a copy of the Summons and Petition for service should be provided to the Sheriff's Office.

Following service, the Sheriff's Office will return the original and a Certificate of Service to the petitioner, who must file the documents with the Court Administrator.

The Sheriff's Office charges a fee for this service. (See Civil Process Fees.)