Minnesota Statute 518.17 lacks a clear framework when restraining orders intersect with custody, leading to inconsistent harm determinations.

MNFLR supports:

• Clear harm analysis using a four-part evaluation

• Neutral findings when no harm is proven

• Protection of parenting time when findings are neutral

• Structured therapeutic pathways when harm is identified

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Minnesota Statute 609.26 addresses custodial interference, but inconsistent enforcement allows repeat violations with limited consequences.

MNFLR supports:

• Graduated penalties for documented violations

• $500 fines for first and second offenses

• Felony designation for repeated interference

• Clear enforcement tracking and due-process hearings

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Minnesota law does not guarantee restoration of parenting time lost due to investigations without substantiated findings, leaving families without remedy.

MNFLR supports:

• Mandatory make-up parenting time when allegations are unsubstantiated

• Equivalent restoration matching time denied

• Parent selection of restoration scheduling

• Fee waivers and reimbursement when time is wrongfully withheld

Minnesota family law lacks consistent timelines for judicial rulings, creating delays that impact children, families, and case stability.

MNFLR supports:

• Statutory deadlines for rulings within 10 business days

• Written justification for any extensions

• Statewide timeliness tracking and reporting

• Accountability measures for noncompliance

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Minnesota family law lacks  consistent custody outcomes and increases conflict between parents.

• A rebuttable presumption of equal parenting time for fit parents

• A minimum threshold of 45% parenting time to ensure meaningful involvement

• Clear and convincing evidence required to deviate from equal parenting time

• Written judicial findings when the presumption is rebutted to ensure accountability and consistency

The Reunification Transparency and Accountability Act establishes:

• Therapist qualification standards

• Measurable benchmarks

• Court review timelines

• Financial transparency

Therapy must be child-focused and outcome-based.

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Proposed reforms include:

• Conflict-of-interest disclosures

• Compliance standards

• Transparent fee structures

• Oversight reporting

ADR should resolve conflict, not deepen it.