Update to Article on Name Changes

In light of new case law from the Minnesota Supreme Court, I have updated an article on Name Changes to note the requirement that in order to have the right to notice of the name change of a minor, the father must be the "legal" father and not just the "biological" father. "Name Changes in Minnesota Divorce and Custody Cases."

Legal Custody Revisited

I have updated my article on Legal Custody in Minnesota, based on recent statutory changes.

Best Interest Factors Extensively Updated

I have extensively updated my treatment and analysis of the so-called "best interest factors," in accordance with the change to the controlling Minnesota statute. This newly updated article is titled: "Determining Physical Custody in Minnesota."

Parenting Time in Minnesota Divorce and Custody Cases

For those of us dealing with parenting time schedules every day, there is a certain short-hand which becomes part of our vocabulary. To help those who are not familiar with the most common parenting time schedules to better understand and visualize them, I have just included an important addition to my article on parenting time in Minnesota divorce and custody cases, complete with tables, so that the reader will have a better grasp of some of the most typical arrangements that are available. The article is titled: “Parenting Time in Minnesota Divorce and Custody Cases.

Am I Entitled To Access My Child's Records (School, Medical, etc)?

Getting access to your child’s important records -- even if you’re not the custodial parent -- is addressed in this FAQ: “Am I Entitled to Access My Child’s Records?

Physical Custody in Minnesota Divorce & Custody Cases

Today’s article is an important one, which I drafted to provide insight into the factors which the court and custody evaluators consider when making physical custody determinations. The so-called “best interest factors” are listed in many places. I give you my elaboration on them, to better inform readers of how each factor is applied in practice. The full article is available here: “Physical Custody in Minnesota.”

Dirty Tricks to Avoid in Minnesota Divorce & Custody Cases

I despise dirty tricks. Today’s article exposes some of them so that -- I hope -- fewer people will be duped. Read it here: “Dirty Tricks to Avoid in Minnesota Divorce.”

Paternity in Minnesota

Establishing paternity over children born out of wedlock, and the related child custody considerations in this situation, are discussed here in an article I have posted on my website: “Paternity in Minnesota.

Out of State Moves in Minnesota Divorce & Custody Cases

In the old days, the parent having sole physical custody could move the children to another state for almost any reason. Then around 2007, the legislature changed the law and passed a statute governing out of state moves, which makes it much more difficult, regardless of which parent has custody. The grounds for out of state moves are discussed at length in an article I wrote on the subject and posted here: “Moving Children Out of State in Minnesota Divorce and Custody Cases.

Mediation in Minnesota Divorce and Custody Cases

I’m often asked whether it is better to mediate or to litigate. I answer this question in detail in an article posted here on my website: “Mediation in Minnesota Divorce and Child Custody Cases.”

Social Early Neutral Evaluations in Minnesota Divorce & Custody Cases

The Social Early Neutral Evaluation, or “SENE”, has become a routine part of the settlement of contested custody cases in counties which have adopted the program, as have Hennepin and Ramsey counties. Most contested custody and parenting time cases will be settled through this program. For that reason, I’ve published an article on the subject here: “Social Early Neutral Evaluations in Minnesota Divorce and Custody Cases.” Besides describing how the program works, important tactical considerations are discussed.

Grandparent Visitation in Minnesota

Contrary to what is often assumed, there are many situations where grandparents can obtain court-ordered visitation rights on a regular, recurring schedule. In an article on my website I address the circumstances under which this may be awarded: “Grandparent Visitation in Minnesota.”

Domestic Abuse Orders for Protection Relating to Minnesota Divorce & Child Custody Cases

Domestic Abuse Order-for-Protection cases frequently go hand-in-hand with a marriage dissolution case, about half of the time legitimately. Today’s blog entry announces publication of a detailed article I have written on the subject, available here: “Domestic Abuse Orders for Protection in Minnesota Divorce and Child Custody Cases.” This article explains the legal grounds for an OFP, but focuses mainly on the intersection between Minnesota divorce and child custody cases, and domestic abuse cases, discussing how the OFP impacts one’s divorce and custody case, and providing tactical considerations for persons involved in such cases.

Parenting Consultants in Minnesota Divorce & Custody Cases

The rise in the use of Parenting Consultants in Minnesota divorce and child custody cases prompted me to write an article on the subject, available here: “Parenting Consultants in Minnesota.”

Adultery in Minnesota Divorce and Custody Cases

My article posting today addresses the issue of adultery, and the ways it is and is not relevant to divorce and child custody cases. It is a must-read before daring to raise or respond to an adultery issue. The article is available here on my website: “Adultery in Minnesota Divorce.”