An Empathetic Divorce and Family Law Attorney in Shakopee
Family law pertains to your personal relationships with your spouses, children, grandchildren, and significant others. Most family law cases involve changes to your family unit and overall family dynamic. Working with an experienced, knowledgeable, and diligent attorney is helpful when you are transitioning to a different family situation. I am an attorney who understands modern family dynamics, including blended families, special needs children (ADD/ADHD and autism), adoptions and third party custody, child protection issues, and domestic violence in relationships. Since 1996, I have assisted parents and spouses in ages ranging from 18 to over 70, and I have consulted with and/or represented life partners (parents never married), same-sex spouses, parents of children involved in CHIPS (child protection) proceedings, grandparents seeking custody, victims of domestic abuse, and those who have been falsely accused of domestic abuse.
The Family Law Services I Offer
When you are going through a family transition, you want to know what is going to happen, and what options you have available. I will give you an honest assessment of your situation, an explanation of your options, and an overview of your rights and responsibilities, so you know what to expect from the family law process. In everything from divorce and separation proceedings to child custody and parenting time issues, I can provide solutions for a wide range of family law issues. This includes all issues relating to:
- Divorce
- Paternity and non-paternity
- Child custody & Parenting time
- Adoption and third-party custody
- Child support & Spousal maintenance
- Father’s rights
- Antenuptial (Prenuptial) and Postnuptial Agreements
- Post-decree/modification
- Domestic disputes
- Mediation/Early Neutral Evaluation
No matter what situation you are navigating, I will strive to help find a solution that meets your family’s needs.
How Long Does A Divorce Take In Minnesota?
The divorce process can be lengthy depending on the number and nature of disputed issues. If the disputed issues include everything from parenting to property division, it can take many months to reach a resolution. I’ve been involved in divorce cases that were resolved in less than two weeks, and others that were not resolved for several years. Whatever amount of time is necessary, I will take a close look at every aspect of your case in order to come up with a solution, and the most efficient way to get there. Even if your situation feels daunting, I will do everything I can to put your mind more at ease and make the process move forward efficiently.
How I Make a Difference for My Family Law Clients
At the outset of my representation, I will listen to your concerns, answer any questions you may have, and discuss with you the best way to proceed. I try to keep your costs down whenever possible, and I try to always keep the process moving forward. I will encourage you to always stay focused on what’s important and not get sidetracked by things that won’t really matter. I understand that these cases often involve issues that are very emotional to people, and I will do everything I can to help you to not let your emotions affect your judgment.
If you are separated while your divorce case is pending, or if you are not married and living in different residences, you may need a temporary court order to set boundaries and establish legal requirements for you and the other parent to follow until your legal proceeding is completed. If a temporary order is necessary, we first try to obtain one by agreement. But if we are unable to resolve the temporary issues by agreement, I will file a motion and formally ask the judge to issue a temporary order.
In nearly all cases, it is best to resolve your case by agreement out of court, and my objective is to help you reach a settlement agreement that is fair and equitable and serves the best interests of your children. In most cases, I encourage my clients to explore alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, such as mediation and Early Neutral Evaluation. If a settlement cannot be reached by way of one of these processes, I will be ready to advocate for you in court.
Talk to a Family Law Attorney Today
Whether you are going through a divorce or are involved in another family law matter, you should understand all your options so you can do what is best for you and your family. Contact me by phone at 952-641-7485 or through my website to arrange a consultation.