Introduction Child support is a crucial aspect of ensuring children’s well-being in cases of divorce or separation. In Minnesota, as in many other states, child support is calculated based on various sources of income to determine the amount a non-custodial parent must contribute to the child’s financial needs. One common question that arises is whether overtime pay is included in the income calculation for child support purposes. Let’s explore this topic in-depth to gain a better understanding of how child support works in Minnesota, particularly concerning overtime pay. 1. The Importance of ..read more

Introduction Once the courts have established a custody and parenting time order for children, a parent is not permitted to relocate the child out of state without permission of the other parent or the court. In this blog post, we will explore the factors involved in relocation cases and the steps parents can take to address this sensitive issue while safeguarding their child’s well-being. The Importance of the Custody Order During divorce proceedings, a custody order or parenting plan is established to outline the arrangements for child custody and visitation. This document plays a crucial ro ..read more

Blended families inspire unique legal challenges that could culminate in disruptions to the family unit later. For example, when one of the parents in a blended family eventually dies, there will likely be more conflict and uncertainty than there would be in a family where both parents have direct connections to the children. Staving off such conflict is often a top priority for parents in blended families. There are certain estate planning tools that can be particularly beneficial for those in a blended family in this regard, including the three introduced below. A trust Many people with chil ..read more

A divorce can be a challenging time, and gathering all the necessary financial documents is crucial for a fair and equitable settlement. However, sometimes important paperwork, such as tax returns, can go missing during the process. If you find yourself in this situation during a Minnesota divorce, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to retrieve or replace your tax returns and ensure the divorce proceedings continue smoothly. In this blog post, we will explore practical solutions for dealing with lost tax returns during a divorce in Minnesota. Request Copies from the IRS The first step i ..read more

Choosing a divorce or custody attorney is a crucial decision that can shape the outcome of your case and have a significant impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones. To ensure you find the right legal advocate who understands your unique needs and can effectively represent your interests, asking the right questions during your initial consultation is vital. In this blog post, we will explore the essential questions to ask when selecting a divorce or custody attorney. Experience and Expertise Start by delving into the attorney’s background and experience in family law. Inquire about ..read more

Determining child support in Minnesota family law cases involves accurately calculating the income of both parents. While calculating income for traditionally employed individuals with regular paychecks is relatively straightforward, it can become more complex when one parent is self-employed. Self-employment often involves variable income, business expenses, and unique financial considerations. In such cases, the court must carefully assess the self-employed parent’s earnings to ensure a fair child support order. Let’s delve into how income is calculated for self-employed parents in Minnesota ..read more

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry states that divorce can hurt a child’s mental health. It’s common for parents in failing marriages to feel staying together is best for their child. However, witnessing a toxic marriage can also cause emotional turmoil for a child. Minnesota couples avoiding divorce for the sake of their child might want to consider several things. Healthier environment The Institute for Family Studies states exposure to verbal conflict can negatively affect a child. A child might feel sadness, anger, fear and anxiety when their parents argue. With repe ..read more

There are a lot of moving parts when filing for divorce in Minnesota. Between custody and asset division, hardly anyone thinks to update their estate plan during the chaos. Odds are, your spouse was the first beneficiary you listed for most of the accounts. So after the dust has settled from your divorce, one of the first things you’ll want to do is review your estate plan. Change your will (or create a new one) You might want to remove your now ex-spouse from your will entirely and change your will to include whoever you want to inherit your assets after you die. In most cases, these heirs wi ..read more

Divorce doesn’t happen overnight in Minnesota. Couples seeking to end their marriage must go through several steps before the marriage is legally dissolved. Even after the divorce is finalized, there are steps that divorced couples must go through. These steps are very similar to the stages of grief and can take years to get through. First stages of divorce Many couples will be in shock when they agree to divorce, regardless of who was the one to suggest it. This shock can express itself as relief, anger, sadness, or even guilt – but it’s important to move through the shock to feel the emotion ..read more

There are some particular things to remember if you’re in your second marriage and working on your estate plan in Minnesota. For those who have a blended family, you have some things that most other people don’t have to worry about in their estate plan. It isn’t guaranteed that you’ll please everyone with your estate planning arrangements, but there are some significant issues that you can avoid if you’re careful. Decide on beneficiaries If you’re not proactive in your estate planning, there’s the potential that you’ll accidentally shut your immediate family out of their inheritance. In some c ..read more