The Elk River divorce attorneys with Barna, Guzy & Steffen bring decades of experience in representing clients in a wide range of family law matters. Our office is conveniently located about 20 minutes southeast of downtown Elk River. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to individuals navigating the complexities of divorce.

Types of Divorce Cases We Handle

Our experienced attorneys assist clients with a variety of divorce cases, including:

  • Contested Divorce
  • Uncontested Divorce
  • High Conflict Divorce
  • High Net Worth Divorce
  • Collaborative Divorce
  • Military Divorce

Custody and Parenting Time

Custody and parenting time are among the most significant concerns in any divorce. Minnesota law requires courts to consider twelve different factors when determining what is in the child’s best interest, including:

  • Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs.
  • Any special needs the child may have.
  • The child’s preference (if of suitable age and maturity).
  • Any history of domestic abuse.
  • Physical, mental, or chemical health issues affecting either parent.
  • The role each parent has played in raising the child.
  • The stability of each parent’s home environment.
  • Each parent’s ability to cooperate and communicate effectively.
  • Willingness to facilitate a relationship between the child and the other parent.
  • The benefit or detriment of maximizing or minimizing parenting time.

Our attorneys work closely with clients to ensure their custody goals align with their child’s best interests and that their parental rights are protected.

Child Support

Child support is a critical financial obligation designed to ensure that children receive the care and resources they need. Under Minnesota law, child support consists of three components:

  • Basic Support – A monthly cash payment to assist with general child-related expenses.
  • Medical Support – Division of insurance premiums and uninsured medical costs.
  • Childcare Support – Costs associated with daycare, after-school care, and other childcare expenses.

Our family law attorneys can run calculations to help determine your expected child support obligations based on income and parenting time.

Property Division

Minnesota follows an “equitable distribution” approach to property division, meaning assets and debts are divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. Marital property, which includes homes, vehicles, bank accounts, and retirement savings, is subject to division. However, non-marital property, such as inheritances, gifts, and assets brought into the marriage, may be exempt.

We work with financial experts to ensure that assets are accurately valued and that our clients receive a fair share of the marital estate.

Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)

Spousal maintenance, or alimony, is awarded to provide financial support to a spouse following a divorce. Courts consider multiple factors when determining alimony, including:

  • The income and earning capacity of both spouses.
  • The future expenses and financial needs of each spouse.
  • The length of the marriage.
  • Whether one spouse was a stay-at-home parent.
  • Career sacrifices made by either spouse.
  • Each spouse’s health, age, and educational background.
  • The standard of living maintained during the marriage.

Spousal maintenance awards can be temporary or permanent, depending on the circumstances. Our Elk River divorce lawyers can assess whether alimony applies to your case and advocate for a fair resolution.

Need More Answers?

Divorce is a deeply personal and challenging process, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact Barna, Guzy & Steffen today at 763-783-5146 or submit an online inquiry to schedule your consultation.