This article will center on the income portion of the current child support law to assist parents who are paying or receiving child support when one or both parents are self-employed.

If you are in the process of obtaining a divorce or are considering a divorce, you can seek a legal name change as part of the divorce process. If you do seek a legal name change, the divorce decree must contain previous legal names you have had (maiden name, former married name) and the legal name you are seeking to restore after the divorce is final. Only previous legal names can be restored or granted as part of a divorce process.

When a child is born to parents who are not married, the process of establishing legal rights to the child takes a different track than when a child is born during a marriage when legal rights to a child are generally presumed.

During these challenging financial times, the focus in many divorce cases has changed from division of assets that have decreased in value to allocation of debt that has significantly increased.  Divorcing couples are understandably concerned about who will be held responsible for debt.  While each case is distinct, there are some general principles that courts will take into consideration in determining how amounts owed to creditors will be divided between the parties.

Practicing in the area of family law has many rewards but it can also be “tough stuff.”  Even in cases where a settled out of court resolution occurs (by far, the majority of cases), the end of a relationship, the reality of establishing separate financial identities and creating a “new normal” for parenting minor children can be challenging and emotionally difficult.  Often, the legal end to cases does not also end the emotional aspects of cases.

In the 20+ years I have practiced family law, I have sometimes become the “target” of an opposing party’s emotions.  I have learned over the years that becoming a “target” in some contentious cases as a strong advocate for my clients just comes with the territory.  Practicing family law effectively requires a “tough skin” to stay focused on advocating for client’s interests and achieving the best results possible given the specific facts and circumstances in each case.

I try to live by a very simple rule both personally and professionally: Can I sleep at the end of the day?

Attorneys, who practice in a specific area of law such as family law, often have multiple cases with the same attorney as opposing counsel.  The size of the community where you live can play a role in how often family law attorneys are opposing counsel, but even in large metro areas like the Twin Cities, family law attorneys can and do have multiple cases with the same opposing counsel over time.

Why does this happen and what does it mean for you as a client?

Proceeding with a divorce action is no different than other major life decisions that start with contemplation, information gathering and an understanding of the process involved. Family members, friends, co-workers and/or neighbors want to help and they often do, but sometimes the "advice" provided, although well-intentioned and based upon love and concern, is not accurate.

The purpose of this article is intended to help sort out Minnesota divorce myths from reality. The information contained in this article is based upon almost 20 years of experience as a Minneapolis family law attorney. I do not claim to have all the answers. I don't. Hopefully, however, the following "Top 10 Divorce Mistakes" will provide some guidance if you are considering a divorce or are starting a divorce action.

I understand that having some general information about family law can sometimes make the difference between a good night's sleep and a sleepless night. Hopefully, answers to these questions will help reduce anxiety you may be having about your situation.

The information below can never take the place of competent counsel. The responses are intended to provide a frame work only for the most common questions I am asked so that you can have a better understanding of issues that may apply to your situation. The responses below are not legal advice and should not be relied upon to make decisions in your case.