Modern times are often referred to as “The Digital Age” with good reason. Most American adults experience an increasingly consequential portion of their lives online. It is, therefore, perhaps not surprising that many kids are too.  There are undoubtedly drawbacks to spending too much of one’s time in front of a screen. But, for kids and parents who are navigating a co-parenting arrangement, communication-driven screen time can mean the difference between a substantial ongoing relationship and great emotional distance from one another. As such, more and more parents are opting to integrat ..read more

Couples preparing for divorce in Minnesota generally have many different options available. They may have already negotiated a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement outlining what should occur during the divorce. They can also potentially collaborate with one another to settle matters outside of court and file an uncontested divorce. If they struggle to compromise, they might believe that litigation is their best option. Minnesota family law judges have the authority to divide parental rights and responsibilities, order financial support and split up marital property between the spouses. However ..read more

Fall is upon us. Leaves are turning, and neighbors are putting pumpkins out on their porches. As adults prep for all that fall has to offer, children start planning costumes and trick-or-treat routes. Halloween is a holiday enjoyed by many families throughout Minnesota. Parents may enjoy trick or treating with their children, but what happens after the parent’s divorce? As Halloween is only weeks away, parents are wise to take a moment to answer this question before the holiday arrives to avoid a less-than-fun scare. Although every divorce agreement is unique, parents can ask themselves the fo ..read more

Many people believe parents should stay together for their kids even if the relationship is seriously struggling. However, when both parents have tried their hardest to fix the issues in their romantic relationship, with no real changes, divorce might be best for all involved, including the children. Some Minnesota parents might find that divorce does not only have to bring challenges for their children. It can also provide a variety of benefits as well. Divorce can be a stabilizing factor While it might seem the opposite would be true, divorce can be a stabilizing factor in children’s lives s ..read more

Co-parenting in Minnesota can be challenging, but it can be especially tough when one parent plays favorites with the children. This can create resentment, alienation and emotional turmoil for both the children and the non-favored parent. Here are some tips for co-parenting in with a parent who plays favorites: Communicate with the other parent It’s important to have open and honest communication with the other parent about the situation. This can be difficult, but it’s important to address the issue head-on. Explain how the behavior is affecting the children and how it’s impacting your relati ..read more

When divorces in Minnesota turn ugly and child custody disputes ensue, it often becomes necessary for the courts to order parenting-time evaluations. According to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, evaluators can gather information from multiple sources, such as parental employment history, mental and medical files and school records in addition to interviewing the parents and kids in order to make their decisions. If you are ordered to participate in this type of assessment, you may be wondering what you should do. Be yourself You may feel anxious, nervous and out of sorts because o ..read more

Setting up a parenting plan after a divorce can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s important to lay out everything in detail so that everyone understands his or her rights and responsibilities in the parenting plan. This can then help ease tensions between you and your ex and ensure that your child or children don’t feel too confused by the transition. Following are five steps that can help you create a successful parenting plan after your Minnesota divorce. Communicate openly Talk about your proposed parenting plan together. You’ll need to be on the same page about things like cust ..read more

Divorce in Minnesota is tough. It’s filled with many uncertainties and feelings of anxiety. Parents sometimes can get caught up in the whole process, giving little or no attention to their children, yet they are the ones that suffer the most. Consider out-of-court alternatives for divorce When couples decide to go to court, that only means that they have a contentious split. In other words, they can’t work out their issues by themselves, and so they have to battle it out before a judge. The only problem with this process is that there’s going to be a “winner” and a “loser.” And this may not be ..read more

Divorce is never easy in Minnesota, but it can be especially difficult when children are involved. As a parent, you may often wonder how to make the transition as smooth as possible for your children. The best way to do this is by striving for a child-centered divorce. What is a child-centered divorce? A child-centered divorce is one in which you put the children’s needs first. This means that the parents work together to make decisions that are in the best interests of their children. Remember that children who witness their parents working together through the divorce process are more likely ..read more

It’s not easy being a single parent in Minnesota, but you try to make it work. If you are facing a child custody evaluation, you want it to go smoothly because you want the best for your child. It’s important to be well-prepared for your evaluation. Here are some tips to ensure that it goes well. Focus on what’s best for your child Always focus on what’s best for your child. It will show the evaluator that you are a good parent who has your child’s best interests at heart first and foremost. Always be honest Always be honest throughout the evaluation. If you lie, it can work against you and ev ..read more