As an adoptive parent, you could make a positive difference in the life of a child who desperately needs your love and care. Options abound; you can adopt domestically or internationally through an agency. You can adopt your new spouse’s child or get involved with Minnesota’s foster program. No matter which avenue you pursue, you’ll need to abide by local legislation. Not sure where to start? We offer a first look at the Minnesota adoption process below:…

Continue Reading Minnesota Adoption Basics

From Ancestry.com to 23andMe, genetic testing has completely changed how we think of adoption, sperm donation, and biological parenthood in general. Today, donations and adoptions cannot be regarded as completely confidential, as the possibility for a surprising genetic revelation always exists. A simple saliva sample can return dozens of blood relations. What does this mean…

Couples who make it through the first two years of marriage stand a far better chance of also making it to their ten or even twenty-year anniversary. Many marriages end while couples are just barely emerging from the honeymoon phase, however. These divorces often differ from the splits that follow long-term marriages. If you’re ready to divorce after just a few months or years, keep the following considerations in mind:…

Continue Reading Getting Divorced After Just a Few Years of Marriage: What You Need to Know

The right family law attorney can make all the difference as you pursue divorce, adoption, or other sensitive legal matters. Your role in the process doesn’t end when you select an attorney, however. This is a two-way street, in which your efforts can either help or hinder your attorney. Keep the following suggestions in mind…

Substance abuse is unfortunately prevalent in Minnesota, where it plays a key role in the breakup of many marriages. Data collected by the Minnesota Survey of Adult Substance Usein 2014 and 2015 reveals that five percent of adult residents suffer alcohol abuse, while two percent meet established criteria defining drug use disorders. If you believe that your spouse meets these criteria — and that divorce is your best option — you’ll want to proceed carefully to ensure the best outcome for you and your children.…

Continue Reading Divorcing Somebody With Substance Abuse Issues: What You Need to Know

You’ve finally made it through the whirlwind of divorce— and you’re ready to begin your life anew. Nothing marks a fresh start quite like a return to the dating market. Your desire for romantic distraction is perfectly understandable, but could your dating efforts ultimately undermine your next relationship? Read on to learn what the latest…

Domestic abuse plagues far too many Minnesota families, with data from the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women revealing that a tragic 24 Minnesotans died at the hands of partners or other family members in 2017. Many others experience considerable physical and mental suffering. Few seek the help they deserve. Resources are within reach, however, and many local organizations are ready to lend a helping hand — as highlighted below.…

Continue Reading Minnesota Resources for Domestic Abuse Victims

Whether you’ve happily moved on from your ex or regret your divorce, you’re likely to feel at least a tinge of jealousy as your former spouse hits the dating market. That jealousy will only increase if your ex enters into a serious relationship. These suggestions will help you move forward:…

Continue Reading Dealing With Jealousy: How to Cope When Your Ex Starts Dating Again

Is your relationship with your child suddenly tense? Do you suspect that your ex may have played a role in your parenting struggles? Your current emotional turmoil may best be explained by parental alienation.

A common, yet under-discussed phenomenon, parental alienation (PA) occurs when one parent psychologically manipulates his or her children into demonstrating an…