In a divorce, one of the most frequently asked questions is what happens to the marital home. The family home is often the most valuable asset, as well as the asset with the most emotional attachment. Determining what happens to the family residence can be extremely emotional, especially when there are children involved, as this was where the family planned on building their lives together. Many times, spouses are able to agree on how to divide the marital estate. It is usually in the parties’ best interests to come to an agreement rather than leaving it up to a Court. Not only does this avoid ..read more

You come home after a long day of work and open your mailbox. Inside appears to be a letter from your local county courthouse. In large bold font on the front it reads, “JURY DUTY…” CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve been selected to serve on a jury, but what does this even mean? Does it pay? (Spoiler: Yes, but not much). Do you have to show up? (Spoiler: Also, yes). Do not worry, we have the answers to your burning questions below: Top 5 Jury Duty-Related Questions Why did I get called? Because they like you… duh. But more seriously, the court collects a list of eligible jurors from information they obt ..read more

If you have a case that involves a dispute regarding parental rights and responsibilities in North Dakota, you will be required to participate in the Family Mediation Program.  This program was designed by the Court to help resolve custody and parenting time disputes through mediation to minimize family conflict, encourage shared decision-making, and support healthy co-parenting relationships. What is Mediation? Mediation is a process in which an unbiased mediator (typically an experienced family law attorney) attempts to help parties reach a mutually agreeable solution. Mediation gives e ..read more

Whether your child is going through a divorce, facing incarceration, or you have suffered the loss of a child, leaving behind a child of their own, you may be asking, “As a grandparent, do I have rights?” In North Dakota, grandparents have a legal right to request court-ordered visitation with their grandchild(ren) at any time, including during or after the child’s parents’ divorce/separation and/or after one of the parents’ deaths. How do I Prove Grandparent Rights in Court?  Parents have a fundamental (constitutionally protected) right to determine who is around their children. However ..read more

Police Officer: “Sir, how high are you?” Marijuana User: “No officer, it’s “Hi, how are you?” Just because it’s called a highway does not mean you’re allowed to drive high. Marijuana Legality Presently, 19 states and the District of Columbia, have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. North Dakota (for now) is not one of those. Although legalization of recreational marijuana has increased, marijuana is still considered a ‘drug’ by every state and the federal government. As with many drugs, their combined use with certain activities will not always be in your best interest and may even b ..read more

Long gone are the days of forever losing one’s keys, wallet, and even phone. Modern technology has allowed us to attach keychain-sized GPS tracking devices to our valuable items. With the simple tap of an app, our once lost items can again be found. Certain companies exist for the sole purpose of developing and improving this technology such as Tile. Most recently, Apple, the most valuable company in the world, has taken an interest and developed the AirTag. While the purpose may be for finding lost items, some individuals have taken to using the devices in an unintended form: tracking of peop ..read more

If you are a parent, you are given certain rights and responsibilities when your child is born.  What are Parental Rights? These rights include the ability to make decisions regarding your child’s education, health, religion, and moral upbringing. Parental rights also include the right to enter a contract on your child’s behalf and the right to pass property to your child through gifts or inheritance. Termination/Relinquishment of Paternal Rights While parental rights are automatically granted, they can be taken away by a court. When this happens, it is called termination of parental rig ..read more

Good afternoon everyone, it’s Pat Rosenquist with Rosenquist Lae office. I’m going to throw hypothetical situation at you. You have been charged with your first ever crime, that crime is a misdemeanor. The prosecutor offers you a deal, the deal is this no jail time and maybe a small fine and you move on with life perhaps you have what’s called a deferred imposition of sentence where it’ll go off your record.   Should you even take that deal? Well as always in the law the answer depends on if it’s a DUI you will not be offered to defer to position sentence it will not go off your record a ..read more

If you are a parent, you are given certain rights and responsibilities when your child is born.  What are Parental Rights? These rights include the ability to make decisions regarding your child’s education, health, religion, and moral upbringing. Parental rights also include the right to enter a contract on your child’s behalf and the right to pass property to your child through gifts or inheritance. Termination/Relinquishment of Paternal Rights While parental rights are automatically granted, they can be taken away by a court. When this happens, it is called termination of parental righ ..read more

When the term ‘Estate Planning’ comes to mind, you may think to yourself, “Death can be scary. Why would I want to think about it?”; “I’ll be dead, why should it matter?”; or “Estate planning has nothing to do with me. I’m not rich.” The thought of establishing a plan for your estate can oftentimes feel overwhelming or scary. You may even feel as if it does not apply to you. Studies show that many people over the age of 30 do not have a will. Even fewer people have yet to establish any type of estate plan. While the thought of death can be unpleasant, it is critical to the well-being of your l ..read more