From Matthew’s interview for the Masters of Family Law series on ReelLawyers.com
The vast majority of divorces and family law cases in Minnesota – around 97% – do not go to trial. The reasons for this vary:
In settling family law matters without going to trial, you won’t get what you deserve – you will get what you negotiate. Even in mostly amicable divorces, custody, and parenting time cases, if you don’t want to be left with the short end of the stick, you will need to execute a smart negotiation strategy.
There are no do-overs in family law. You can’t start over. And while you could go back to court in a few years to try to fix a bad custody or divorce decree, the laws for decree modifications are different and much more difficult than when establishing custody, spousal maintenance, and child support. Some issues such as the award of the house, division of retirement, non-marital claims, and debt assignment are permanent once ordered. There are no second chances to get this right.
This is not negotiating a car or house purchase. The outcome of your case will affect the rest of the years of your children’s upbringing. The manner in which support and property division goes will have consequences for years and sometimes into retirement. With important issues such as custody, division of assets, spousal maintenance, child support, and assignment of debt, there are no bigger negotiations.
Who is the one person who knows your weaknesses, knows how to push your buttons, and has the emotional history to make the process as difficult and outcome as doubtful as possible? It is likely your ex and that is a disadvantage. No matter what factors led you to seek a divorce or child custody agreement, there are sure to be intense emotions surrounding you and the other person, making it difficult to think clearly about your situation.
If you recognize your circumstance in the factors above, you need to bring your A-game. You need someone who knows how to position and negotiate the circumstances to foster the outcome you need.
Trusting an experienced attorney to negotiate on your behalf can greatly reduce the stress associated with your case. The uncertainty that many clients feel at the beginning of their case is eliminated once they are confident that they have an advocate on their side.
Matt Ludt is one of a few attorneys in Minneapolis and Saint Paul to have attended elite negotiation seminars. This includes the 2-day Chester Karrass Effective Negotiation program, the most successful negotiation seminar in the United States. Matt has built Atticus Family Law by hiring and training other skilled trial lawyers so that they are prepared to apply these negotiation strategies and techniques to each case they handle.
The negotiation starts as soon as your case begins. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
The greatest family law firm in the Twin Cities Metro Area, they are skilled in their working capabilities, they are the heart of a stress-free closing deal in any divorce or family case.
My family is forever grateful for Alexandra and the work she put into our case.
You can count on the excellent and dedicated team at Atticus Family Law to handle your divorce or custody matter superbly. I highly recommend.
I have confidence in Matt's skill as a family law attorney and have referred many people to him over the years. He has always treated them professionally and done excellent work for them.
I love Atticus and recommend them to anyone in a difficult situation. They are there for you and your family.
Alexandra Reynolds is an outstanding attorney and she did an incredible job handling my case. She applied the little tested Cohabitation Law to my alimony appeal and she nailed it. Her knowledge of the law and her professionalism
The worst thing I have ever experienced in my life, my divorce, felt like a never-ending maze of financial and emotional torment. Alexandra Reynolds was there to guide me through the process. Her ability to break things down
Alexandra and the entire team at Atticus Family Law have been nothing short of amazing during what is no doubt one of the most challenging times to navigate! Her incredibly poised and professional approach with opposing counsel and
I'd like to say that Alexandra Renyalds is an extremely outstanding Family Attorney. She not only found new ways to look at my case. But was able to get on it right away. And when I needed her
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