Divorce Attorneys in St. Paul

Divorce Attorneys in St. Paul

Divorce is a major life change, and some might say it is one of the most important decisions that you will make aside from marriage. If you are in a situation where you are thinking about starting the divorce process, but are hesitating due to fear of the unknown, it is advisable to speak with an experienced St. Paul divorce attorney. 

At Atticus Family Law, our team of divorce lawyers understands these concerns and we are dedicated to helping our clients to secure an equitable divorce settlement in order to help them move forward with their lives. 

Understanding the Divorce Process in St. Paul, Minnesota

When approaching the divorce process in St. Paul, it is first helpful to understand that Minnesota is a no-fault state, meaning that it is possible to initiate a divorce without the need to prove that your spouse engaged in extra-marital affairs, was abusive, or acted in a neglectful manner. It is acceptable to state that the reason for divorce was the dissolution of the marriage. 

Common Issues in a St. Paul Divorce Case

Many people have questions about what the courts will determine during the divorce process. For this reason, before initiating a divorce in Minnesota, it can be beneficial to understand the key issues that are typically evaluated. These commonly include: 

• Division of property – The courts will look to divide your marital assets, meaning assets and debt that was accumulated after you enter the marriage. Typically, non-marital assets, those assets that you entered the marriage with, will not be factored into the division of property. Assets could include real estate, savings accounts, retirement accounts, valuable jewelry, and more. Your attorney can help to outline all of your marital and non-marital assets. 
• Spousal maintenance – Often referred to as alimony, spousal maintenance refers to one spouse providing financial support for another spouse after the divorce is finalized. This is often meant to compensate a spouse who has put their career on hold in order to raise children or who has made a career sacrifice in order to support the other spouse’s career. Spousal maintenance could be awarded temporarily or permanently. 
• Child custody – When it comes to a custody arrangement, there will need to be a decision regarding legal custody and physical custody. A parenting schedule can be established to determine when the children will spend time with each parent. Some cases result in joint custody, meaning that custody is shared between the two parents and the children spend with both. In other situations, one parent will retain full custody of the children.  
• Child support – Basic child support is a payment made from one parent to the other in order to provide financial support for raising the children. There are several different types of child support, and your attorney at Atticus Family Law can help to outline the many factors that the court will consider when it comes to determining child support. 

If you are considering a divorce and would like to learn more about your options, contact our divorce attorneys in St. Paul at Atticus Family Law to schedule an initial consultation.