In 2006, the Minnesota state legislature approved a drastic overhaul of the state’s child support guidelines based on an “income shares” model. (See Minn. Stat. 518A) The new child support guidelines were to be used for all new cases filed after January 1st, 2007, limited modifications in 2007, and … [Read more...] about Child Support in Minnesota
Minnesota Family Law
7 Things You Must Know About Divorce in Minnesota
If you are facing a divorce in Minnesota here are 7 things you need to know: It does not matter who is at fault. Minnesota is a no-fault state. One party only needs to state that the marriage has been broken. The judge will not care about what happened or why. It does not matter whose name is … [Read more...] about 7 Things You Must Know About Divorce in Minnesota
Should you consider a prenuptial agreement?
Getting married is an exciting life event. But in today’s society with a rise in blended families, later in life marriages, and high divorce rates, more couples are choosing to protect their futures with a prenuptial (antenuptial) agreement. A prenuptial (before the marriage) agreement can … [Read more...] about Should you consider a prenuptial agreement?
7 Reasons To Hire An Attorney For Your Uncontested Divorce
A common misconception is that a divorce attorney is only needed when there are disagreements between the spouses. But when there is a complete agreement on all divorce issues many couples think a divorce attorney is an unnecessary expense. Instead they get free forms from the court, pay for forms … [Read more...] about 7 Reasons To Hire An Attorney For Your Uncontested Divorce
When is the trial?
When parties reach a negotiation impasse, I often hear one party say “Let’s just go to trial and have the Judge decide that.” Unfortunately the parties don’t often realize just how long they will be waiting. After a trial the judge has up to 90 days (3 months!) to make the decision. But first you … [Read more...] about When is the trial?
Family Court: What to Expect
Going to court can be a stressful experience for anyone, but it can be especially trying for people dealing with the emotionally charged issues of divorce and child custody. It may help reduce the stress if you’re aware of what you can expect from the different types of events held in the … [Read more...] about Family Court: What to Expect
But My Child Wants To Live With Me
After a divorce is final and the custody arrangements are made, a child may find himself unhappy and wish to move in with the noncustodial parent. Of course, the noncustodial parent may be sympathetic to the child’s wishes and move for a change in custody. However, there are several hurdles that the … [Read more...] about But My Child Wants To Live With Me
Divorce and Retirement Assets
In a divorce, marital property is divided between the spouses. Marital property includes all things that have been accumulated during the marriage, including real estate, vehicles, savings accounts, and retirement assets. Retirement assets can often be overlooked. In order to reach an equitable … [Read more...] about Divorce and Retirement Assets
Will My Spouse Have to Pay My Lawyer’s Fees?
A frequent question I hear is “Will my spouse have to pay my attorney's fees?” My answer to this is “Don't count on it.” In Minnesota, attorney's fees can be awarded one of two ways: need-based or conduct-based. Need-based awarded mean that one party cannot afford the fees and that the other … [Read more...] about Will My Spouse Have to Pay My Lawyer’s Fees?
