According to the World Population Review, approximately 10% of Minnesota residents get divorced each year, and many of those divorces involve children. If you are going through a divorce, you know that end of a marriage marks a period of transition and emotional upheaval. If you have children, this period becomes even more delicate. The shift from being a couple to co-parents can feel daunting. But with the right strategies, you can ensure that your children remain your top priority, providing them with the stability and support they need during this difficult time. Set clear boundaries One of ..read more

Getting a DWI charge in Minnesota can carry serious consequences. Certain conditions could make those consequences considerably worse. State law identifies aggravating factors for a DWI that can lead to a harsher penalty. Prior offenses Under Minnesota’s statutory law about driving impairments, a previous conviction for DWI is an aggravating factor. A prior incident of driving while impaired within the past ten years raises the severity of an offense. There is a mandatory 30-day sentence which may consist of jail time, community service, or a combination of the two. Blood alcohol concentration ..read more

When the court orders a custody arrangement, both the custodial and non-custodial parents have the right to seek a modification. However, the Minnesota family court has very strict modification requirements and always considers the best interests of the child above all else. Factors determining eligibility for modification To be eligible for a modification of custody, one of the following must be true: Both parents agree to the modification presented. The custodial parent created an environment that endangers the emotional or physical well-being of the child, making the benefits of modificatio ..read more

We have all seen them: those Minnesota license plates that are longer than the standard six characters and always start with a W. And we know what they mean: the vehicle’s owner has multiple DUIs on their record. However, these license plates, commonly known as “whiskey plates” because of the W, may soon become rare in St. Paul. That’s because the law recently changed to give another option to people facing being sentenced to putting the plates on their car, truck or SUV. Previously, if a Minnesotan was convicted of two DUIs within ten years, or more than two within a shorter period of time, t ..read more

Families involved with the court system during Minnesota divorce and custody will encounter countless acronyms. Understanding these abbreviations can make it easier to navigate the legal system. These are some of the key acronyms used by attorneys, judges and others in Minnesota family court. ACF This term stands for the Administration of Children and Families. This government agency manages the Minnesota child support process as well as other child welfare initiatives. AIW Automatic income withholding, or AIW, is the most common way to pay child support in Minnesota. ACF will withdraw the cou ..read more

Focusing on the best interests of your kids may help you maintain your sanity during your divorce. If you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse have decided to share legal and physical custody of your kids, you probably cannot cut your current husband or wife out of your life forever. Instead, you must arrange for regular custody transfers.  A custody transfer is simply the meeting you have with your children’s co-parent to swap the kids at the beginnings and ends of your scheduled parenting time. Especially in the first few months after your divorce, this custody transfer may cause conflict ..read more

If you and your spouse are parents facing divorce, the court will want to know how you intend to continue raising your children.  Mediation is a popular option for those who want an amicable divorce and a good choice for couples who wish to take control of their parenting plan.  Choosing mediation Divorcing couples who can work together to develop a mutually satisfactory divorce agreement often choose mediation. In this process, you and your soon-to-be-ex meet with a trained mediator, a neutral third party, who will provide legal guidance and help you resolve any sticking points. Med ..read more

Evidence is a cornerstone of criminal prosecution in modern courts. In order to convict someone, the prosecution must present evidence that convinces a judge or jury of a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It is a relatively high standard for evidence, which can make you feel despondent if the prosecutor feels confident that they already have evidence that will meet that standard. However, not all evidence is equal in the eyes of the law. Some evidence doesn’t stand up to scrutiny, while other evidence may not indicate what the prosecution or law enforcement officers or prosecutors a ..read more

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