Over the last 40 years, the Brooklyn Park divorce lawyers with Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd. have represented thousands of clients.  We are conveniently located at the intersection of Highway 10, 610 and 47 near the Brooklyn Park border.

Minnesota is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that the court will not take into account “misconduct” as part of the final Order. There are, however, times when “fault” does creep into a case – for example, alcoholism in a custody dispute.

Divorce in Minnesota can involve five key issues: custody, child support, property division, spousal maintenance and fees and costs. You can rest assured knowing that your case will be handled promptly and efficiently by our Brooklyn Park divorce lawyers and support staff.

Custody Decisions

In terms of the custody, decisions will need to be made concerning physical custody, legal custody and a parenting time schedule. Parents can either share custody (joint) or one parent can exercise custody of the children (sole). Parenting time schedules vary widely, from a division of time equally among parents, to a rather traditional non-custodial schedule calling for every-other weekend and one night per week.

Child Support Issues

Child support is broken down into three broad categories: basic support, medical support and daycare support. The basic support is the traditional cash payment one party makes to the other for the support of the minor child(ren). Medical support involves a division of medical and dental insurance premiums for the child(ren), along with a division of any uninsured medical or dental expenses. Our Brooklyn Park divorce lawyers will help you understand the state’s child support guidelines and determine the relevant obligation for each parent.

Division of Assets & Debts

Insofar as property division is concerned, Minnesota judges typically divide the marital estate equally among the litigants. Non-marital assets (items inherited or brought into the marriage) may not be subject to division among the parties. The typical approach to property division involves the creation of a balance sheet, itemizing each asset (or debt), valuing each item, and then dividing accordingly.

Alimony

The issue of alimony is rather complex. Generally speaking, if one spouse has made a career sacrifice of some sort for the sake of the other, or the children, they may be entitled to financial support following the divorce. Spousal maintenance may be awarded on either a temporary, or permanent basis, so long as there is a “need,” and an “ability to pay.”

Brooklyn Park Divorce Resources

There are a number of helpful resources in Brooklyn Park that can help you during this time of transition:

Comprehensive Representation

Our attorneys are here to help with the following:

  • Contested Divorce
  • Uncontested Divorce
  • High Net Worth Divorce
  • Military Divorce
  • Divorce Involving High Conflict
  • Parental Alienation
  • Physical Custody
  • Legal Custody
  • Parenting Time
  • Asset and Debt Division
  • Spousal Maintenance
  • Division of Fees and Costs
  • Divorce Trials
  • Divorce Appeals

Other Family Law Practice Areas

In addition to divorce, we handle cases involving:

  • Paternity
  • Stepparent Adoption
  • Prenuptial Agreements
  • Postnuptial Agreements
  • Custody Modification
  • Child Support Modification
  • Child Protective Services CHIPS
  • Motions to Move Out of State
  • Contempt Proceedings

Need More Answers?

Are you facing a divorce? Not sure where to start? Our Brooklyn Park divorce lawyers are here to help you. We represent clients who live and work in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Call (763) 783-5146. A member of our law firm is standing by to talk with you.