We’ve talked about the importance of creating a parenting plan, and how the individual ages of your children will play a significant role in that plan.  As you prepare to have that meeting with the other parent, here are a few tips to make it a successful one.
Read the rest of this article »

As Minnesota family lawyers with relevant experience, we know that conflict at home is never desirable.  One of the keys to a more fulfilling home environment is learning how to reduce the conflict that, at times, seems unavoidable.

A great place to begin is by recognizing the conditions that often lead up to, or enable, the conflict.  Consider the most recent conflict you witnessed or were a part of, and think about what topic or disagreement was at its root.  By pinpointing some of those “trigger” topics, you may be able to better control when or how some of conflicts arise.

Read the rest of this article »

No two people are the same, and chances are, you can see this fact distinctly even between your own children. While they have the same parents, it may seem they have nothing else in common.

With so many differences, it’s hard to know where to start when it comes time to determine a parenting plan. If every child is unique, where can you find guidance?
The good news is, while children’s personalities and likes/dislikes differ, children within certain age groups have similar needs. Here, we’ll describe some of these basic needs and general guidelines for fulfilling them.
Read the rest of this article »

Talks about virtual visitation aren’t new, but virtual visitation as a viable option in child custody cases is becoming more realistic and more common every day.

First, you may be wondering just what virtual visitation is.
Many people think of it as the next best thing to seeing your children in person. When parents can’t have face-to-face visits, they can have visits electronically - via email, instant message, video chats, texting, and more.

Most commonly, it allows parents who live in different locations than their children to be more consistent presences in their lives. However, it has been an option for parents who are incarcerated, parents who can’t see their children because of domestic violence disputes, or simply to supplement in-person visits for parents living in or near the same locations as their children.

So, why is it a more viable option today? For several reasons, ranging from affordable technology to state legislation.

Read the rest of this article »

The Minnesota State Legislature requires that all parents filing for divorce attend an educational program. The Hennepin County District Court requires that children of a divorce attend an educational program, as well.

Educational programs are required because parents have found them helpful to understand the legal system and their responsibilities. If you don’t attend the classes, a judge may refuse to schedule a hearing or grant your divorce. (However, if the children in the marriage for which you’re filing for divorce weren’t born to or adopted by both parties, you do not need to attend classes.)

You should finish these educational programs as soon as possible after you file for divorce. Your children should attend their program within 60 days of you filing for divorce. You must attend the programs before your divorce is final.

Your educational program will be determined based on the type of agreement you’ve reached within your divorce and child custody proceedings. Read the rest of this article »

Learn to help your family through divorce alongside other divorcing and never-married parents when you attend a Parents Forever Workshop at any of the convenient dates/locations throughout the fall and winter of 2009.

Parents Forever is an educational program that guides parents in negotiating divorce-related decisions with the least possible negative impact on their children. The program was designed and tested by the University of Minnesota. It is approved by the Minnesota Supreme Court as state-mandated parent education. Read the rest of this article »

Anoka-Hennepin Community Education will be offering “Fun With Dad”, an evening gathering that allows fathers to come together with their children, beginning September 17th.

The event focuses on fun activities for fathers and their children, as well as a chance for fathers to share ideas about raising children.
Read the rest of this article »

Outside of the legal profession, custody is simple. After a divorce, who takes care of your children?

Within this simple question, though, other details come up.  Where will your children live? Who will make decisions about raising them?

There are two different kinds of custody and two different ways each can be awarded to a parent by the court. Read the rest of this article »

Celebrate your family at the 16th Annual Ramsey County Bar Association Families First Picnic.

The picnic brings together members of the Ramsey County Bar Association and local businesses to provide a fun event for area elementary school students and their parents. Schools include Bruce Vento, Dayton’s Bluff, Northend, and John A. Johnson.

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009
Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: John A. Johnson Elementary School
740 York Avenue
St. Paul, MN
Click here for directions.

For more information, click here for the Ramsey County Bar Association site.

One of the hardest parts of any family law case is, of course, what happens to your family during and after the proceedings.

We know your children are important to you. We know you want to continue to be the best parent you can be.  There are many organizations right here in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area that will help you do just this. Read the rest of this article »