Minnesota § 543.20 - PERSONAL JURISDICTION IN SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT CASES AND PATERNITY SUITS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 543.20 — PERSONAL JURISDICTION IN SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT CASES AND PATERNITY SUITS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 543.20. PERSONAL JURISDICTION IN SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT CASES AND PATERNITY SUITS
Subdivision 1.Service.
In addition to the methods of service of process provided in the Rules of Civil Procedure, service of a summons, an order to show cause, or an order or judgment within this state may also be made upon an individual by delivering a copy to the individual personally at the individual's place of employment or at a postsecondary education institution in which the individual is enrolled. The employer shall make the individual available for the purpose of delivering a copy. The postsecondary education institution must make the individual's class schedule available to the process server or make the individual available for the purpose of delivering a copy. No employer or postsecondary education institution shall deny a process server admittance to the employer's or postsecondary education institution's premises for the purpose of making service under this section.
No service shall be allowed under this section unless such service is made personally on the individual.
Subd. 2.Applicability.
Service of an employee at a place of employment or of a student at a postsecondary education institution applies only to: (a) a summons in an action for dissolution, annulment, legal separation, or under the Parentage Act and under section 518A.82; (b) orders to show cause under both section 518A.82 and the revised uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act as well as for contempt of court for failure to pay child support; (c) petitions under the Domestic Abuse Act; and (d) motions, orders, and judgments for the payment of child support when the court orders personal service.
Subd. 3.Retaliation prohibited.
An employer shall not discharge or otherwise discipline an employee, nor shall a postsecondary education institution dismiss or discipline a student as a result of service under this section.
Subd. 4.Definition.
For purposes of this section "postsecondary education institution" means any state university, community college, technical college, private college, private postsecondary school, or the University of Minnesota.
History:
1983 c 308 s 31; 1984 c 655 art 1 s 75; 1985 c 131 s 14; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 258 s 12; 1989 c 246 s 2; 2024 c 80 art 8 s 68
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 543.20
What does Minnesota Statutes § 543.20 cover?
Section 543.20 ("PERSONAL JURISDICTION IN SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT CASES AND PATERNITY SUITS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 543.20?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 543.20" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 543.20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.