HF4662

Purpose

This bill changes how temporary orders are handled in family law cases by creating a faster, priority process for temporary relief. It focuses on situations where a party has been cut off from parenting time or access to financial resources during a pending dissolution, and it also emphasizes safety-related findings such as domestic abuse or neglect.

Main Provisions

• Establishes priority for an expedited hearing for temporary relief in a pending family law case when a party credibly alleges:
  • Denial of parenting time with a child for 14 consecutive days or more, or
  • Unreasonable denial of access to necessary financial resources or support during a pending marital dissolution.
• The court must hold the priority hearing within 30 days of the party’s request.
• The court must consider credible allegations of domestic abuse, substance abuse, maltreatment findings, or neglect that are proven by clear and convincing evidence as a reasonable basis for granting temporary relief, and still must hold the priority hearing within 30 days if parenting time has been denied for 14+ days.
• If temporary parenting time is ordered, the court may also order temporary child support if requested by the other party.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 518.131 subdivision 11 to require expedited (priority) hearings for temporary relief in certain family law scenarios.
• Adds a specific 30-day deadline for scheduling and holding the priority hearing.
• Introduces or emphasizes the use of clear and convincing evidence for related allegations (domestic abuse, maltreatment, neglect) as a basis to grant temporary relief.
• Explicitly allows temporary child support in conjunction with temporary parenting time orders.

Practical Implications

• Parties in ongoing dissolution proceedings who have been denied parenting time or access to financial resources may receive faster court relief.
• The change strengthens protections for individuals facing abuse or neglect concerns by prioritizing timely relief.

Relevant Terms - priority hearing - expedited hearing - temporary relief - temporary parenting time - parenting time - 14 consecutive days - denied parenting time - financial resources - support - pending marital dissolution - domestic abuse - substance abuse - maltreatment findings - neglect - clear and convincing evidence - temporary child support - family law case - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 518.131 subdivision 11