Thanksgiving is about more than turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie; it’s a time to reflect on all the things that are wonderful in your life. Unfortunately, if you are currently in the midst of divorce or legal separation, your life might not seem all that wonderful. After all, a relationship that was once filled with…

Many people receive alimony (also known as spousal maintenance) awards as part of MN divorce decrees, but these awards are less common than they were many years ago, and they may be temporary in nature. While our Minnesota alimony lawyers have helped many clients obtain the full support they need after divorce, we have also learned that individuals often discover numerous experiential benefits from going back to work.
Continue Reading Minnesota Stay-at-Home Spouses May Need to Go to Work After Divorce

The end of summer prompts feelings of regret and sadness in many Minnesotans, and not just because they dread shoveling snow or driving on icy roads. The quickly diminishing sunlight contributes greatly to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that correlates with seasonal patterns. The divorce process always takes a toll on ex-spouses, but SAD can…

Adopting stepchildren is an important step in converting a blended family into a cohesive unit where both parents carry equal weight with the children, but it involves much more than following the appropriate court procedures. Each Minnesota stepparent adoption lawyer at our firm firmly believes that all family members need to go through significant emotional preparation so they already live and act like a typical family before they make the adoption official in court.
Continue Reading Homework for The Entire Family Before a Stepparent Adoption

We often think about divorce in terms of dividing a couple’s assets: cars, homes, real estate, bank accounts, and investments top the list. Property division in divorce can be challenging. Sometimes, our most treasured assets don’t carry a price tag. Family keepsakes are a source of contention in divorce. They often lack monetary value, and they…

Minnesota law currently considers many factors when determining the duration of spousal maintenance (also known as alimony or spousal support), if any, after divorce. As a general rule, these help ensure that spouses of limited means can continue to afford living in a reasonable manner after divorce. However, even so-called permanent support ends when either party dies or when the recipient re-marries.
Continue Reading Under New Maintenance Bill, Cohabitation is a Financial Consideration

No matter how carefully the terms of child custody and support are determined during divorce, few parents walk away feeling that the agreement is fair. This is understandable, considering that any time away from the children, combined with potentially fewer funds to care for them are natural concerns.
Continue Reading Minnesota Legislators Are Considering Changes to Child Support Formulas