Grandparents play a vital role in the lives of their grandchildren, offering love, guidance, and stability. However, when family disputes arise—whether due to divorce, parental conflict, or even the death of a parent—grandparents may find themselves cut off from their grandchildren. Fortunately, Minnesota law provides specific circumstances in which grandparents have the legal right to
How is Income Determined for Child Support Under Minnesota Law?
Child support calculations in Minnesota rely on a key factor: the determination of each parent’s income. Understanding how income is assessed is essential for parents involved in family law cases, whether they are paying or receiving support. Minnesota law follows specific guidelines to ensure a fair calculation based on financial realities while prioritizing…
How Minnesota Divorce Laws Differ From Surrounding States
Divorce laws vary significantly from state to state, and understanding these differences is crucial for individuals contemplating divorce in Minnesota or any of its neighboring states—North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. While all five states follow the basic principles of equitable distribution and no-fault divorce, their unique statutes impact everything from property division to…
Considering a Family Law Appeal? Ten Things to Know About Minnesota Appellate Courts
When a family law case does not end in a favorable outcome, parties may consider filing an appeal to challenge the decision. The Minnesota appellate courts provide a legal avenue to review trial court rulings and determine whether legal errors were made. If you are considering a family law appeal in Minnesota, here are…
Neutralizing a Narcissist in Divorce: Minnesota Nice Isn’t the Answer
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a growing concern among personality disorders, affecting an individual’s ability to maintain successful relationships. If you are entangled in a divorce with a narcissist, you may struggle to feel heard, respected, and valued. Understanding their behaviors and learning effective strategies to manage interactions can help you navigate the legal process…
The Benefits of an Uncontested Divorce in Minnesota
Divorce can be a challenging and emotional process, but for many couples in Minnesota, an uncontested divorce offers a streamlined, cost-effective, and amicable way to separate. An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all key issues, such as property division, child custody, spousal support, and other matters. This approach to divorce has gained…
Is My Prenuptial Agreement Enforceable Under Minnesota Law?
Prenuptial agreements, also known as antenuptial agreements, are legal contracts entered into by couples before marriage to establish financial rights and obligations in the event of divorce or death. In Minnesota, these agreements are governed by both statutory law (Minn. Stat. § 519.11) and common law principles. However, to be enforceable, prenuptial agreements must meet…
At What Age Can a Child Make a Custody Decision in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, there is no set age at which a child can independently decide which parent they want to live with following a divorce or custody dispute. However, the court will consider the child’s preferences if the child is deemed mature enough to express thoughtful and independent opinions about the parenting time schedule. While the…
Are Minnesota Child Support Laws Complicated?
Minnesota has a detailed guideline for determining child support payments, aimed at ensuring fairness and consistency. The process begins by considering both parents’ gross income from all sources, subtracting any alimony or spousal support obligations. Next, each parent’s share of the combined income is calculated and applied to a guideline chart, which factors in the…
Minnesota’s Spousal Maintenance Statutes Amended for Clarity and Predictability
Minnesota’s family law statutes underwent significant revisions effective August 1, 2024, introducing changes to spousal maintenance awards.
Spousal maintenance, also referred to as alimony or spousal support, has long been a contentious issue in divorce cases. Historically, Minnesota’s laws provided limited guidance on spousal maintenance awards, giving judges broad discretion and resulting in inconsistent outcomes…