If you’re considering divorce and live in Hennepin County, you might be wondering whether you need to hire a lawyer located in your county. The simple answer is no—your divorce lawyer does not have to be based in the county where your case is filed. In fact, hiring an attorney from a neighboring county, such as Anoka County, can be a practical and cost-effective choice.
As a Minnesota family law attorney with Barna, Guzy & Steffen, I have represented clients throughout Minnesota, including Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington, Dakota, and Scott Counties, as well as cities like Rochester, Duluth, Winona, Redwood Falls, and Fergus Falls. Allow me to share a few reasons why working with a lawyer outside your county can be a great option.
Virtual Court Appearances: No Need to Worry About Travel
One of the biggest changes in family law practice over the last several years is the shift to virtual court appearances. Nearly all family court hearings—except for trials—now take place via Zoom. This means physical location is far less relevant than it used to be. Whether your lawyer’s office is in Anoka, Hennepin, or even a more distant county, they can represent you effectively without the need for unnecessary travel.
In the past, hiring a lawyer in your county might have been a practical necessity due to frequent in-person court appearances. But with virtual hearings, I can appear in court and advocate for you from my office. This flexibility allows you to prioritize experience and cost-effectiveness rather than office location.
Convenient Location: Avoid Downtown Traffic and Parking Hassles
If you live in Hennepin County, especially in Minneapolis or its surrounding suburbs, you might be familiar with the challenges of downtown traffic, expensive parking, and safety concerns. My office in the southern end of Anoka County, just 15 minutes north of downtown Minneapolis, making it an accessible and stress-free option for my clients.
By choosing a suburban law firm like Barna, Guzy & Steffen, you can avoid the headaches of commuting into the city while still receiving top-tier legal representation. Whether you need to visit for a consultation, strategy session, or mediation, my office is in a convenient location that helps make the process smoother for you.
Comparable or Superior Experience—at a Lower Cost
Some people assume that downtown law firms offer better legal services simply because they are based in a metropolitan center. However, that’s not necessarily the case. My colleagues and I at Barna, Guzy & Steffen have the same, if not more, experience and professional recognition as many downtown lawyers. We routinely handle cases against well-known Minneapolis law firms and achieve excellent results for our clients.
The key difference? Cost. Due to lower suburban overhead, my hourly rates are at least $100 less per hour than many downtown firms. Over the course of a divorce case, these savings can add up to thousands of dollars while still ensuring you receive exceptional legal representation.
My Experience and Credentials
I have been practicing family law for over 24 years and am honored to have been recognized as a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters. In addition to my work as a litigator, I have served as a court-appointed early neutral evaluator and family court moderator in Hennepin, Anoka, Sherburne, and Wright Counties.
Throughout my career, I have represented a wide range of clients, including teachers, homemakers, union construction workers, doctors, truck drivers, accountants, business owners, engineers, mortgage brokers, and Fortune 500 executives. My experience includes handling complex divorce cases, high-net-worth asset divisions, and contentious custody disputes. Many of my cases involve marital estates exceeding $10 million. In addition to litigation, I am a Rule 114 Qualified Neutral and provide mediation services to help families resolve disputes amicably.
I have had the privilege of serving as the former chairperson of the Family Law Section of the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association. Over the years, I have enjoyed teaching divorce and family law courses at North Hennepin Community College and presenting at continuing legal education (CLE) seminars for the Minnesota Judicial Branch, the Minnesota Family Law Institute, and various bar associations.
As the author of the Minnesota Family Law Blog, I strive to provide helpful legal insights to those navigating family law matters. I also write a monthly family law column for Minnesota Lawyer newspaper and have been fortunate to be featured in national and local media outlets, including NBC News, Time Magazine, USA Today, and the Huffington Post, as well as the Star Tribune, WCCO Radio, KARE 11, Fox 9, and WCCO Television.
About Barna, Guzy & Steffen
Founded in 1938 by the late Honorable Joseph E. Wargo, Barna, Guzy & Steffen has been a cornerstone of the legal community for nearly 90 years. The firm, built on a legacy of integrity and excellence, has helped thousands of clients navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. Expanding on Judge Wargo’s vision, Peter Barna, Robert Guzy, and Bernard Steffen established Barna, Guzy & Steffen as a trusted full-service law firm dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation.
The Bottom Line: Location Matters Less Than Quality and Value
If you’re going through a divorce in Hennepin County, there’s no requirement that you hire a lawyer from within the county. With the rise of virtual court appearances, suburban law firms like Barna, Guzy & Steffen offer a compelling alternative to downtown firms.
By working with an experienced attorneys like us, you can receive top-tier legal expertise, avoid the inconvenience of downtown Minneapolis, and save significantly on legal fees—all without sacrificing quality representation.
If you need a knowledgeable divorce attorney who will advocate for you while providing practical and cost-effective legal solutions, I encourage you to reach out. I would be happy to discuss your case and help guide you through the complexities of your divorce, no matter where your case is filed in Minnesota.