Read this part first

Safety and local help

Someone may be able to see what you do on this phone or computer. The National Domestic Violence Hotline warns that computer and cell phone use can be monitored without you knowing it, and that history can never be completely erased. If you're worried, use a device they can't reach, such as one at a library or a friend's phone.

The "Leave this site" button and the Esc key jump to a weather page right away, but they don't hide that you were here. The Back button and browser history can still show this site, and its web address, which has the word "divorce" in it, can appear in history or autofill. The Hotline says to clear your browser history after visiting, using your browser's history or settings menu, though it warns that can't erase everything. An advocate can talk through what's safe for you.

Leave this site now

If you are in danger, call 911

The lines below list round-the-clock help. They aren't connected to us. You don't need to think about the house to call them.

When the house is part of the danger

A few things about property that are worth bringing to an advocate or a legal aid lawyer. We won't tell you to move out, change the locks, or move any money. An advocate can help you think through what's safe for you.

Duluth: Minnesota law

A court can use an order for protection to exclude the abusing party from the shared home or the petitioner's residence, and can keep the petitioner's location from the public on request.

You aren't required to try mediation if you're a victim of abuse or threats of abuse, and the summons notice says you won't be penalized for that.

Safe at Home is the state's address confidentiality program. The county says a participant can buy after enrolling and have those records privatized, but not retroactively. We couldn't verify the program's phone by script, so ask an advocate, or look up Safe at Home on the Minnesota Secretary of State's site.

Superior: Wisconsin law

The automatic rule in a divorce bars harassing, intimidating, or physically abusing the other spouse or a child, or restraining their liberty.

A separate domestic abuse restraining order process can require the other person to avoid your residence.

Safe at Home offers a substitute address. It warns that owning a home, or planning to buy one, can complicate enrollment, and to call 608-266-6613. Don't email the application.

Mail and mortgage statements. The federal consumer agency found survivors reporting that servicers kept sending account information to their abusers. Before you call a servicer or change anything on an account, ask an advocate or lawyer how to do it safely.

Legal help and court offices

Office staff can direct you, but they can't give legal advice. We couldn't read the Minnesota courts' own website, so check there for court counters, forms, and self-help.

Justice North, Duluth

Civil legal aid, 230 W. Superior St., Suite 200, 877-696-6529. Ask whether it takes your kind of family case.

St. Louis County Law Library

Resources for people who represent themselves. Staff are neutral and don't give legal advice.

St. Louis County Recorder

Duluth Courthouse, 100 N. 5th Ave. W., 218-726-2677. For recording a judgment or deed.

Legal Action of Wisconsin

Free legal help applications online or at (855) 947-2529. Applying doesn't guarantee help.

Douglas County Clerk of Courts

1313 Belknap St., Room 309, Superior, (715) 395-1203. Divorce packet: $30.

Wisconsin forms assistant

The courts' online tool walks you through divorce forms. It doesn't save answers, so it takes one sitting, which matters if you can't stay at the computer for long.

Sources for this page

Pages we read on 2026-11-05. Laws change, so check the current version or ask an attorney.