Ignorance Is Not Bliss
In Minnesota contested divorce cases, it is not uncommon that one spouse is more “interested” in getting divorced that the other spouse. But, as I routinely tell clients, it takes…
Facebook and Family Law in Minnesota
Facebook is everywhere. More people are on Facebook than not. People of all ages and from all backgrounds have an account. It’s free, so all you need is Internet access….
Antenuptial Agreements in Minnesota: Some Observations
Whenever I am asked to draft an Antenuptial Agreement (also known as Prenuptial Agreements, or simply Prenups), I like to ask the client why they want one, or why they…
Orders for Protection and Divorce: Proceed Cautiously
Living in the same house as your spouse while divorce proceedings are also ongoing is stressful. Ideally, the parties could live separately and negotiate temporary issues related to parenting time…
When Smart People Do Stupid Things
Most of my clients are very smart people. They have advanced degrees, earn a good income, and are very good at what they do. But that doesn’t mean that they…
Communication Is Key
A common question I get at the beginning of a divorce case is “How much is this going to cost?” My answer is almost always, “It depends. The more contested…
Don’t Take Positions Based on “Principle”
All too often in divorce cases, parties take positions based upon principle. This is not a good idea. It makes cases difficult to settle, and results in unnecessary acrimony, not…
Avoid Power Plays
While power plays are good things in hockey, you should avoid them in your divorce case. All too often, people going through a divorce argue about anything and everything. Both…
Let Me Save You From Yourself
Whether you know it or not, one of my jobs as your lawyer is to be your filter. Clients don’t realize just how poorly they can come across. They are…
The Importance of Self Awareness
I recently read an “Ask Amy” column that caught my eye. The writer explained that every year she and her sisters and female cousins got together near the Christmas holidays…