Divorce with Children Can Be Difficult – Talk to an Experienced Divorce Lawyer

Divorce is difficult. People are forced to make complex decisions regarding their future at a time when they feel that all they care about is vulnerable to being lost, including their children.

When it comes to custody, the question that jumps to mind is, “Who Gets the Kids?” Because custody is difficult and explosive, people going through a divorce with children often seek experienced legal counsel to advise them on these complex issues and to advocate on their behalf in negotiations and in the courtroom.

Navigating the divorce process requires an appreciation for childhood development, parent-child relationships, recognition of financial complexities involved in single-parent households, and an understanding of the Minnesota laws and case decisions that govern custody outcomes.

The attorneys and staff of Atticus Family Law will help you identify your priorities, show you how they are related to one another, and develop an action plan. We operate with a “big-picture” perspective so that your overall plan takes into account what is best for you, your children, and your financial security, both during the divorce and in the long run. Family law is what we have chosen to do to help clients like you through these important life transitions.

Who We Help

Every family has a different story. At Atticus Family Law, we meet you where you’re at. Here are some of the most common situations we help parents work through:

• Parents worried about losing time with their children. You may fear that divorce means seeing your kids far less than you do now. We help you understand how parenting time works in Minnesota, where state law generally starts with the expectation that a child will spend at least 25% of parenting time with each parent, unless the circumstances support a different arrangement.
• Spouses who agree on divorce but still have children’s details to settle. You and your spouse may see eye to eye on ending the marriage, yet you have not worked out parenting time, decision-making, child support, healthcare, shared expenses, or how you will communicate. We help you build the child-related terms needed to finish an uncontested divorce.
• Parents caught in disputes that drag on and affect the kids. Ongoing arguments over parenting responsibilities or support can stretch a divorce out and expose children to conflict or pressure. We help resolve these issues through mediation, parenting plan negotiations, hearings, or trial when needed.
• Parents who need arrangements right now, while the case is pending. Final decisions can take months. In the meantime, we help you set up temporary plans for your children’s schedules and financial needs, so daily life keeps some structure while the case moves along.

The Basic Divorce With Children Process in Minnesota

Before a divorce can be granted, several decisions must be made regarding various aspects of the marriage and the marital estate. Here is what you can generally expect from the process:

1. Filing the case. One spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage. The other spouse receives the paperwork and has a chance to respond.
2. Setting temporary arrangements. While the case is open, parents can request temporary orders for parenting time, child support, and other pressing needs. These orders keep things running until final decisions are made.
3. Sharing information. Both sides exchange details about finances, income, and other matters that affect support and parenting. Honest disclosure here helps everyone reach fair terms.
4. Building a parenting plan. This is where you sort out the big questions:
   • Parenting time, meaning the schedule for when children are with each parent.
   • Legal and physical custody, meaning who makes major decisions and where the children live.
   • Child support, healthcare coverage, and how you will split expenses.
   • How the two of you will communicate about your kids going forward.
5. Working toward agreement. Many families resolve their differences through mediation or negotiation, which often costs less and reduces stress. When parents reach terms they both accept, the process moves much faster.
6. Court review or trial. If you settle, a judge reviews the agreement and, once approved, it becomes part of your final decree. If some issues stay unresolved, a judge decides them at a hearing or trial, always with the children’s best interests in mind.
7. Final decree. The court issues the final order, which spells out custody, parenting time, and support. This document guides your family life after divorce.

Why Choose Us

When you need to settle your divorce with children, it’s important to choose an attorney you can trust. Here at Atticus Family Law, our team has been proudly helping families through complex family issues for many years. Minnesota families choose our team because:

• We see the whole picture. Your case is more than a set of legal forms. We consider your children’s needs, your finances, and your long-term stability so the plan we build actually works for your life.
• We lead with care. We know this is an emotional time, and we treat you with patience and respect at every turn. You will never feel like just another file on a desk.
• We tailor our approach. No two families are alike, so we shape our strategy around your goals and your children rather than a standard script.
• We keep you in the loop. Clear, steady communication is part of how we work. You will know where your case stands and what comes next.
• We protect what matters most. Your relationship with your children and your family’s future stability sit at the heart of everything we do.

No matter your needs, you can count on our team to help you determine the solutions that best meet your family’s needs. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.

Trust Your Case to an Experienced Minnesota Divorce Lawyer

If you need legal representation in a divorce, contact us at Atticus Family Law. We are committed to helping you develop a plan that values your priorities as well as protecting your interests in negotiations and in court.

FAQs About Divorce With Children in Minnesota