Family law consists of divorce (dissolution) and the issues
that go with it, including child support (which includes medical costs and daycare reimbursement), spousal maintenance (alimony),
property division and debt allocation. These issues also frequently arise in "post-decree" (i.e. post-divorce) actions, as
well as in motions for modification. In addition, I practice heavily paternity cases, which have similar issues as divorce.
I am also very experienced in domestic abuse restraining order proceedings (Orders for Protection). I no longer handle cases
involving contested custody.
I have extensive experience in divorce, paternity, and motion
practice in Anoka, Hennepin, Sherburne, and Wright counties. My practice also frequently gets me before the judges of Ramsey,
Isanti, Dakota, and Carver counties.
I represent men, as well as women, with equal vigor, and have
obtained very satisfactory results for many clients. A good deal of my practice is referrals from satisfied clients. My practice
is split about 50-50, representing men and women.
I am currently the newsletter editor for
R-KIDS, which is a non-custodial parents’ group. I get many referrals from that organization, as well as from the Men’s
Defense Association. Thus, I have special sympathies for those who can’t see their kids as much as they’d like.
Nevertheless, because I have learned many tricks of the trade over the years, I can play either side of the fence equally
well.
New Child Support Guidelines
In 2007, new child support guidelines went into effect that have changed Minnesota's longstanding
rule of just looking at the obligor's (non-custodial parent's) income, and looking at both parents' incomes. The effect as
I have experienced it thus far is that support orders in general seem to be a little less under the new law, although variation
of facts can certainly lead to higher awards in some cases.
Importantly, the new law only applies (for now) to motions or cases that are filed on or after
January 2, 2007. Existing cases can not be modified under the new law until after January 2008.
To calculate support under the new law, the Department of Human Services has devised a nifty
child support calculator, although in certain circumstances courts will not rigidly follow the calculator.
To learn more about your rights and responsibilities under the new law, please contact me.
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