If you are involved in a family law proceeding in Minnesota, you will probably find that there are a lot of acronyms used by your attorney and the Court. Below are several acronyms that you may come across during your family law case: ICMC: Initial Case Management Conference. The ICMC is usually the first hearing…
Many people come in to our office and say that they want a “percentage” of custody. That is not how the process works. In Minnesota, there are custody labels and parenting time. More specifically, “Legal Custody” refers to the right to determine a child’s upbringing, including major decisions related education, health care, and religious training.…
Are you looking forward to receiving your stimulus check? Unfortunately, if you are behind on your child support payments, you will not be getting one. The coronavirus relief bill enacted by the federal government provides cash payments to Americans as aid through this crisis, with the exception of individuals owing child support. The checks will…
From the leaders of groups that deal with families in crisis: Susan Myres, President of American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) Jill Peña, Executive Director of AAML Dr. Matt Sullivan, President of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) Peter Salem, Executive Director of AFCC Joey Orduña Hastings, CEO, National Council of Juvenile and Family…
It may be the first or the fifth-year post-divorce that you are celebrating the holidays, but that doesn’t always make it easier. It is difficult to get used to your “new normal”, especially during this time of year. Splitting or alternating holidays with the children, travel arrangements, spending extra time with extended family, and the…
I have been doing some reading by Bill Eddy, a well-known name in the family law world. He is a certified family law specialist and family mediator at the National Conflict Resolution Center in San Diego. I often allow my clients to borrow books that he wrote, including BIFF and Don’t Alienate the Kids!, both…
Have you ever wondered what your kids are thinking following a divorce? Divorce and separation is difficult for everyone involved, especially the children. Often times parents let their emotions get the best of them and they need to be reminded to do what is best for their children, even if they were not doing anything…
The 2019-2020 Minnesota Legislature has proposed legislation that would require an equal (50/50) parenting time schedule for nearly all cases involving custody and parenting time in Minnesota. HF 887 and HF1666/SF 1295 would change the law that currently creates a presumption that parents are entitled to at least 25% parenting time with their children to…
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…