Practice Areas
• Family Law
• Collaborative Law
• Juvenile Law
• Wills and Simple Trusts
• Probate
Family Law
Family Law covers a broad range of issues, including:
- Adoption
- Marital Dissolution (Divorce)
- Legal Separation
- Child Custody*
- Child Support*
- Parenting Time*
- Spousal Maintenance* (Alimony)
- Paternity Actions
- Orders for Protection
- Restraining Orders
* Including modification
In Family Law, a person’s legal issues are often intertwined with substantial emotional issues. A skilled attorney can help you to recognize when this is happening and to separate the issues. Your resulting objectivity will help you make the best decisions possible for you and your family.
Collaborative Law
The Collaborative Method of divorce enables you to shape your family's future in a climate of mutual respect and understanding. Each spouse hires an attorney who is trained in the Collaborative Process, and a settlement is negotiated in "four-way" meetings between spouses and their attorneys. When desired, other professionals such as financial neutrals, "divorce coaches", and child specialists can be included in the process.
The cornerstone of a Collaborative Divorce is a "Participation Agreement" signed by both parties that requires both attorneys to withdraw if either side decides they need to go to court. Most people find that once the potential threat of litigation is removed, they are able to shape their own constructive settlement agreement that helps each person move forward with integrity. Even with the services of additional professionals, collaborative divorces are consistently less expensive and are completed more quickly than litigated divorces.
To learn more, see
http://www.collaborativelaw.org/ and
this link
Juvenile Law
Juvenile criminal offenses in Minnesota are treated differently than adult crimes, but the consequences of a juvenile record can be quite serious. Juvenile Court judges have broad discretion over each case, including the ability to order suspension of a juvenile’s driver’s license or placement in juvenile detention. Legal counsel is strongly encouraged to minimize the risk that a juvenile record will limit your child’s future options or current involvement in extracurricular activities.
Juvenile Law also includes Child Protection matters. Parents of a child alleged to be in need of protection or services (CHIPS) are entitled to legal counsel in Juvenile Court proceedings that weigh the “best interests of the child.” In extreme cases, a county may file a petition for termination of parental rights. Parents in this situation should never be without legal counsel.
Wills and Simple Trusts
Wills and trusts are powerful legal tools that allow you to determine exactly how your assets will be handled when you are gone. Without them, a court will follow Minnesota’s intestacy laws to make those decisions in your place. Furthermore, failure to plan carefully can result in paying more estate taxes than required by law. You can be confident that your assets will be preserved and distributed according to your wishes by taking the time to plan for the administration of your estate.
In addition to a Will, all people over age eighteen should have two other important documents in place. First, a Health Care Directive ensures that your “end of life” wishes will be followed. Second, a Power of Attorney allows you to designate a trusted individual to handle your financial matters should you become incapacitated. The peace of mind these documents provide is easily worth the simple effort it takes to have them prepared.