A divorce decree is a legal document signed by the judge that officially terminates the marriage. The divorce decree typically includes the judge’s ruling on all matters related to the marriage and any minor children—including division of marital or community property, payment of marital or community debts, spousal support, child custody, child visitation, child support, any obligation to provide health insurance for minor children, and the payment of extracurricular expenses for minor children.

These determinations or rulings set forth in the divorce decree become legally enforceable obligations when the judge signs the divorce decree—and may be enforced by further legal action in the court if one or both of the former spouses fail to comply with the terms of the divorce decree.

In Minnesota, a divorce decree is the final court order that legally ends a marriage. It is signed by a judge and outlines all the terms of the divorce, including but not limited to the division of marital property and debts, spousal maintenance (alimony), and if applicable, child custody, parenting time (visitation), child support, and health insurance provisions for any minor children. The terms specified in the divorce decree are based on either an agreement between the parties or a decision by the court after a trial. Once the divorce decree is signed by the judge, it becomes a legally binding document. The obligations set forth in the decree can be enforced by the court, and failure to comply with the terms can result in legal consequences such as contempt of court. If either party does not follow the decree, the other party may return to court to ask for enforcement or a modification of the terms if there has been a significant change in circumstances.