Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 303.05

As amended through October 28, 2024

Rule 303.05 - Orders to Show Cause

Orders to show cause shall be obtained in the same manner specified for ex-parte relief in Rule 3 of these rules. Such orders may require production of limited financial information. An order to show cause shall be issued only where the motion seeks a finding of contempt under Rule 309 or the supporting affidavit makes an affirmative showing of:

(a) a need to require the party to appear in person at the hearing, or

(b) a need for interim support is warranted, or

(c) the production of limited financial information is deemed necessary by the court, or

(d) a need for the issuance of an order to show cause, subject to the discretion of the judge. All orders to show cause must be appropriately signed out for service. A conformed file copy of such order shall be retained by the court administrator in the file.

Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 303.05

Amended effective 5/1/2012.

Family Court Rules Advisory Committee Commentary*

The use of orders to show cause can be abused by requiring a personal appearance where none is necessary. A timely notice of motion informing a party of the time to appear, if he or she wishes, is adequate in most proceedings.

*Original Advisory Committee Comment-Not kept current.

Task Force Comment-1991 Adoption

This rule is derived from existing Rule 2.06 of the Rules of Family Court Procedure. The Family Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association recommended additional specific language limiting use of orders to show cause and the Task Force agrees that this clarification should be useful. Orders to show cause are specifically authorized, in limited circumstances, by statute. See, e.g., Minnesota Statutes, sections 256.87, subdivision 1a and393.07, subdivision 9 (1990).

Advisory Committee Comment-2012 Amendments

Orders to show cause should be issued only when it is necessary that a party appear at a hearing. In most situations, the provision of notice of a hearing, and allowing parties to appear if they choose to contest entry of the relief sought, is sufficient. Orders to show cause are specifically authorized, in limited circumstances, by statute. See, e.g., Minn. Stat. §§ 256.87, subd. 1a; 393.07, subd. 9; 518A.73; and 543.20. It is often preferable to use a notice of motion, and if attendance is required, to issue a subpoena to a non-party. See, e.g., Stevens County Social Service Dept. ex rel. Banken v. Banken, 403 N.W.2d 693 (Minn. Ct. App. 1987). Orders to show cause are a recognized part of contempt proceedings. See, e.g., Minn. Stat. § 588.04.

Parties should be aware that improper use of an order to show cause can result in the imposition of sanctions. See, e.g., Nelson v. Quade, 413 N.W.2d 824 (Minn. Ct. App. 1987).

Former Rule 303.06 setting forth notices to be included in a final decree have largely been obviated by statutorily required notices. Notices required under statute are discussed in Rule 308.02 and its accompanying advisory committee comment.

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