Get free answers to your Family Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
In our Minnesota divorce, my husband bought our shepherd dog during the marriage, and he considers the dog his, which was acknowledged during the marriage. However, I chipped the dog in my name and paid for all vet bills. Recently, the husband stopped honoring our agreed visitation schedule,... View More 
answered on Apr 26, 2025
Minnesota law classifies your pets as property. There are no statutes that specifically address pets and visitation rights in a divorce. It seems your dog is material property. I am well aware this can be difficult, but a judge will not treat this like a child custody matter. If you want to go to... View More
I live in Minnesota and my daughter is facing difficulties securing legal representation for a court hearing scheduled for June 2025 to determine the parentage and reasonable support for her child. She separated from her ex-boyfriend in September 2024, who hasn't signed a Recognition of... View More
answered on Apr 24, 2025
I am sure the Minnesota State Bar Association can help, unless there are other circumstances you have not mentioned.
https://mnbars.org/?pg=Public
My husband, who has had dementia for the past six years, is currently in St. Mary's hospital, and they wish to move him into a memory care facility. We are both in our 70s with a fully paid house, and I have $200,000 in a 401K from my Mayo Clinic pension, along with each of us receiving social... View More
answered on Apr 15, 2025
An additional consideration would be are these assets your separate property or marital property. Are you getting divorced because there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage or is this a financial decision.
I want to divorce my partner, but I don't have any money saved up. We have two children; one is an adult, and I'm seeking custody of the younger child. We have property and other assets, which are in my partner's name only. I'm currently living in our marital home and would like... View More
answered on Apr 12, 2025
Here is an excellent place to become familiar with the process and some resources. https://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Divorce.aspx. Some attorneys are willing to work with you as far as payment plans. There is a possibility your partner may be responsible for some or all of your attorney's... View More
I have a contempt of court warrant for child support. I was notified by the child support enforcement officer and given 15 days to get a job and start making payments. I secured a job and began making payments within the period, keeping in contact. However, I was not informed it was sufficient.... View More
answered on Apr 5, 2025
Contact the public defenders' office Monday morning. A public defender would be appointed if you qualify and jail time is possible (and it may be.) The public defender, however, would not necessarily directly address the child support issues.
My 14-year-old son recently contacted his mother via email, whom he hasn't seen in almost 10 years due to the mother's choices. My son lives solely with me, his father, and our family. I have 100% physical custody and share 50% legal custody with the mother, who did not show up for her... View More
answered on Apr 5, 2025
You certainly have valid concerns. You will have to forgive me, but an online Q and A isn't an opportunity for an attorney to go into any detail in what may be right for your son. You can certainly try to address the situation before the courts or social services get involved. Perhaps a... View More
I'm dealing with issues regarding court-appointed child exchanges with my co-parent. Recently, they did not show up for an exchange and were unreachable for 6-9 hours. They later claimed they were sick and that their phone died, but now they want to take the child again. A few weeks ago, they... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
When your co-parent repeatedly violates court-ordered custody exchanges, especially with police involvement, you have the right to take action. Document every incident carefully—including times, dates, and what happened. Keep copies of all police reports, text messages, or any other proof that... View More
Can I open separate bank accounts and divide funds before the divorce is final in Minnesota, given that there are no existing legal agreements or court orders regarding financial assets, both parties are aware of the plan, and there are no joint debts or shared financial responsibilities to... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
Yes, you can open separate bank accounts and divide funds before your divorce is finalized in Minnesota, especially in your situation where both parties are aware and there are no court orders in place. Minnesota follows equitable distribution laws, meaning marital property will be divided in a way... View More
I live in Minnesota, and my wife wants a divorce but wishes to continue living in our house, also wanting to split all the bills as we do now. I currently pay for all the bills, while she saves her income in her bank account. Once our kids move out, do we continue splitting everything?... View More
answered on Apr 3, 2025
Each of you have an obligation to maintain the marital property. The obligations of each spouse after the divorce is final will be set forth in the judge or agreement if properly draft. Child support obligations are distinct from the marital property issues. You are commingling different issues... View More
My wife and I are getting a divorce in Minnesota, and we have a joint account where primarily my checks are deposited, while her checks are directed to her separate account. Given this situation, am I entitled to claim half of what is in the joint account?
answered on Apr 3, 2025
You are likely entitled to half of the joint account in a Minnesota divorce.
I paid for my wife to attend college using our joint account while I was working, and she completed her education during our marriage. We are now divorcing after two years. Considering she didn't have a job at the time, am I eligible for any type of reimbursement or compensation for the... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Minnesota, assets acquired before marriage are generally considered separate property and are not subject to division during divorce. However, if marital funds were used to pay for your wife's education, this could influence the division of assets. Courts may consider reimbursement for... View More
I am a grandmother seeking visitation with my granddaughter. I have not attempted any legal steps yet, but my daughter-in-law believes I have overstepped boundaries. I used to provide daycare one day a week for seven months, but now that opportunity has been taken away. My daughter-in-law is... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
You can start by reaching out to your local Minnesota family court or a community mediation center to request a voluntary mediation session. Even though you haven’t taken legal action yet, mediation is often encouraged before filing a formal petition. It’s a peaceful, non-confrontational way to... View More
As grandparents of a two-year-old, what are our chances of adopting her? She has been in our care for three months due to her biological mother's meth use and her biological father's criminal charges. MN Prairie is involved, and while the father is compliant with rehabilitation and... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
Your chances of adopting your grandchild in Minnesota will depend heavily on what the court sees as being in the child’s best interest. Since she has been in your care for three months and the county (MN Prairie) is involved, the child protection system is already assessing the situation. The... View More
I have 50/50 legal and joint custody with my ex, who resides in Minnesota, while I am located in Michigan. I've discovered from a family member that my ex and his wife are planning to relocate to another state without notification. I am concerned because they intend to move into my... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
Since you have joint legal custody, your ex cannot lawfully relocate your child out of state without either your written consent or a court order approving the move. If you’ve learned that they plan to move without notifying you, you should act quickly by filing a motion in family court to... View More
I am trying to reinstate my parental rights but was denied because my application was incomplete. I filed something incorrectly or missed certain documents. Unfortunately, I have not received clear information on which documents are missing or needed. How can I find out which documents are required... View More
answered on Mar 12, 2025
Quite simply you will need to devote your time and efforts at the law library to find out which documents are needed to reinstate your parental rights or hire an attorney. These petitions are not just a few fillable forms with a checklist. I apologize for being blunt.... View More
I am a stay-at-home mom currently staying at my parents' house with my 10-month-old twin girls. I am considering divorcing my husband due to serious trust issues. He has secretly recorded me during arguments and installed a hidden camera in our bathroom vent without informing me. He won't... View More
answered on Feb 28, 2025
Quite simply, hire an attorney immediately. If he can afford and attorney, he should help you if you need help. Ask his attorney for the documents. My best to you and your daughters. Rob Kane Minnesota Family Law Attorney Eagan Lawyer.
I recently moved to South Dakota after fulfilling my legal obligations, upon hearing that my mother, who has custody of my children, was diagnosed with cancer. I originally lived in Minnesota, where my son's initial court hearings were held, and my daughter's court proceedings took place... View More
answered on Feb 25, 2025
Initially, you will need to determine which state has the case now and what the current orders are. You provide many details, but the orders are controlling.
I am seeking assistance with filing for a divorce with children in Minnesota. My spouse and I agree on the divorce, and I do not seek any support from him. We have been married for four years. There are no custody agreements in place; we have an informal arrangement where he sees the kids whenever... View More
answered on Feb 22, 2025
Here is a great place to begin learning about the process. My best regards. Eagan Family Law Attorney Rob Kane Lawyer Minnesota.
https://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Divorce.aspx
She got name change and 100 % sole and o physical custody is that legal
answered on Feb 6, 2025
A default judgment would not be appropriate if you were fully engaged in the process.
He was given visitation every other weekend. He has never utilized that, as he moved in 2021 to North Carolina. I now want to move out of state (oklahoma) from MN, and he has issues with me moving. I am moving to better my financial situation with my 12-year-old and me. The orig. Visitation has... View More
answered on Feb 3, 2025
Based on the facts in this post, it seems unlikely he could prevent her from moving. He may, however, state facts that are not included here. The judge will take everything into consideration in determining what is in the best interest of the child. Rob Kane Eagan Minnesota Family Law Attorney... View More
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