It is often that people come to us saying that they need a restraining order against someone or need to defend themselves in a restraining order action. However, many times people confuse a restraining order and an order for protection. What is the difference? Minnesota law allows for two types of protective orders – a…
For years, spousal maintenance (alimony) has been calculated and negotiated knowing that spousal maintenance is deductible in the obligor’s income and is included in the recipient’s income for tax purposes. It made it an easier pill to swallow for high-income obligors who were able to deduct a large chunk of their income each year for…
Going through a divorce is not easy for anyone, including the children involved. Parents constantly ask us how divorce may have an impact on their children during the process as well as after the divorce is finalized. It certainly will not be easy, and you certainly will not always enjoy interacting with your ex. Though…
“According to recent data, 16% of children are living in what the Census Bureau terms “blended families” – a household with a stepparent, stepsibling or half-sibling.  Many, but not all, remarriages involve blended families.” “According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, six-in-ten (63%) women in remarriages are in blended families, and about…
Currently, the 2017-2018 Legislature (90th) is looking at several different bills that have the potential for changing custody laws in Minnesota dramatically. Below is a list of the bills that are up for debate, as well as a brief description of the potential change: HF 2545: Changes the presumption that parents are entitled to at…
If you are going through a divorce, custody, or paternity case, you probably have heard of the term “co-parenting”, but what does it mean? Co-parenting is when both parents play an active role in their children’s lives to ensure the children’s needs are met and that the children can have a close relationship with both…
According to the IRS and relevant tax laws, custodial parents have a right to claim a dependency exemption for a child on their federal income tax returns if they are the parent providing over half of the financial support for the child in a calendar year. However, district courts have the power to award a…
At Family Law Solutions, PLLC, our experienced family law attorneys always offer a free half-hour consultation. The purpose of the consultation is to allow the potential client to describe their situation in detail, ask questions, and it allows for the attorney to offer advice and guidance for how the process will work and what the…
Social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn (the list goes on) have become an integral part of many of our lives. So much time is spent checking these apps and keeping up with lives of our “friends” that we follow. Some people use social media to share pictures of their children or…
Historically, pets have been treated like personal property; however, states are beginning to make a shift and are considering granting custody of pets in the case of a divorce. Check out this article for some more information. http://www.startribune.com/who-gets-to-keep-the-dog-in-the-divorce/417201413/