Divorce is a difficult and emotionally charged experience. This can be especially true when a decision to divorce occurs unexpectedly. But sometimes, the warning signs are there – a growing distance, unresolved conflicts or a fundamental shift within a relationship. If you suspect that divorce might be on the horizon, taking proactive steps to prepare for what may come next can streamline the process and make it less stressful. Seek emotional support A divorce can be emotionally devastating. Therefore, having a strong support system before it all unfolds is crucial. Confide in close friends, f ..read more

Divorce or separation can bring about complex parenting challenges, but in Minnesota, the availability of parenting consultants offers an invaluable resource for resolving conflicts and fostering a positive co-parenting relationship. In this article, we will explore the parenting consultant process in Minnesota, shedding light on its purpose, benefits, and how it can facilitate the well-being of children and promote effective co-parenting.  What is a Parenting Consultant? A parenting consultant is a neutral third-party professional appointed by parents’ agreement, which is then ordered by ..read more

Conflicts between those sharing custody of minor children are common, and emotions can lead to people saying and doing things that could make them seem unstable, dangerous or selfish to a judge hearing their case in family court. What people say in anger can come back to haunt them later. Given the emotional intensity that frequently accompanies custody disputes and divorce, many parents have transitioned to communicating in writing as much as possible. What is the benefit of written communication? Communicating important parenting matters in writing has become common practice in the early sta ..read more

Divorce is hard for the couple ending their marriage, but it is also very hard for any children they share. Losing a relationship with one parent or watching the people they love fight bitterly can be extremely difficult for children to handle. The Minnesota family courts usually try to keep the focus of custody decisions on what is best for the children. Although the specific needs of children vary, most kids need a strong connection with both of their parents. Given that the judges presiding over family law cases in Minnesota have to prioritize the best interests of the children, it has beco ..read more

Most divorcing couples in Minnesota, especially those with children, want to make the process of ending their marriage as painless as possible. But painless doesn’t necessarily mean “quick.” The vast majority of divorces are settled out of court, with less than 10% going to trial. Still, “quick and easy” likely isn’t in your best interests if your spouse wants more than their fair share of marital assets or time with the kids. Consider these four factors for settling or litigating When determining whether to negotiate or litigate your divorce, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced fami ..read more

Dividing property is a stressful process as you plan your divorce. Some couples fight so intensely about property division that they end up asking a judge to intervene and make those decisions because they cannot agree on anything. In Minnesota, couples should fairly or equitably divide their property and debts. There are some belongings and debts that may remain the separate property or responsibility of one spouse. Understanding what may be your separate property or your spouse’s separate property can help you plan in the early stages of the divorce process. What is separate property under M ..read more

By the time someone starts seriously considering divorce, they have probably been unhappy or dissatisfied with their marriage for months if not years. Even if you didn’t have separate accounts in just your name when you got married, you may have started one when you began planning for divorce. Setting money aside to support yourself is common advice for those considering divorce. However, it’s crucial that you recognize that the name on the account does not make it or its contents solely yours. Under Minnesota law, you will still need to disclose your pre-divorce checking account, your secret ..read more

Deciding how to divide your parenting time will be one of the biggest challenges in a Minnesota divorce. You and your spouse both love your children, and you want to minimize the harm your divorce causes them. That is probably one of the few things you still agree about during this process. So long as both of you remain dedicated to keeping the children your top priority, your divorce doesn’t have to cause major social and emotional damage to your children. The more carefully you prepare for sharing parental responsibilities, the less likely you are to have big challenges and hurdles arise tha ..read more

You and your spouse are getting a divorce, but at the moment, you feel like you’re at a standstill. On one hand, you know that certain assets are going to be yours in the settlement, but on the other, you’re not sure you can take those until the settlement is finalized. You want to do what’s right, so you don’t end up in legal trouble, but you also need to start moving assets and using them to support yourself. Generally speaking, you should not do anything with your assets until you have a settlement in hand. At that point, you can begin to separate items and take them into your own home, sel ..read more

Your marriage is in the past, but you still spend time communicating with your ex-spouse. And that’s because you’re co-parenting your children. This can bring many challenges to your life, often when you least expect it. However, there are also times, such as the holiday season, when you know that you’ll have questions to answer, issues to address and potential fights to battle. Here are some tips for successfully dealing with child custody and visitation during the holidays: Fall back on your parenting agreement: When you created your parenting agreement, there’s a good chance you included pr ..read more