Best Family Law lawyers in Minnesota

1,601 Family Law Lawyers in Minnesota

>1.6k

experienced lawyers

Melanie Jayne Leth

Po Box 130, Dodge Center, MN

Business Criminal Defense Family Law +2 +5

3.0/5

3.0

3 Reviews

13 Dec, 2023 by Sara

If I could give Melanie Leth a zero star, I would. Do not waste your time or money hiring her! She has no problem taking your money, but has a problem doing the job you hired her for! Hired her June 2023 and we are still waiting for legal documents to be filed for an estate of a deceased person for the next of kin to be the personal representative, super simple case. She failed to do her job. Run fast and far away from her!

30 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous

My daughter and I used Melanie and she helped us out tremendously. Always got back to us in a timely fashion and answered all our questions. I would recommend her to anyone. She is very knowledgeable and gets results. Thanks for the great job Melanie!!

12 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous

I was told that Melanie is a very knowledgeable attorney. However, I am also told she does not work on her cases. I consulted with her but after talking to others she avoids calls all the time, does not give updates, and has made no progress on their cases in months. I decided not to hire her based on this information. If I am going to pay that much, I want some results.

Niecie Marie Strand

7701 France Ave. S., Edina, MN

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +3

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

01 Feb, 2019 by Trevor

I retained Niecie M Strand after having 2 previous lawyers in my high conflict divorce. I wish I had retained Niecie right from the start, for she was given a tough situation with a lot to cover in a short amont of time. She went to work, and work she did. There were several times when Niecie and myself would be on the phone discussing my divorce, and she would have an email sent out to me, the Judge and the Petitoner’s side, ready to review, before we got off the phone. I know that sounds unrealistic but it the truth or close to it. She is Sharp, and on top of it in mediation, court or any situation that came up. Niecie also has the ability to negotiate hard on your behave, she’s not just a middle man. She is tough, Gritty, and will go to bat for you. I now set the bar at her standards if I ever need a lawyer again. I highly recommend Niecie M Stand to anyone in a divorce and hire her early.

13 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous

Not only did my fiancé not get what he wanted! But they clearly seem to favor the opposing side! And to think we paid 3,000 up front for what ?! He didn’t even get what he wanted. And they’re asking for an additional 900$, do not go with Cordell! Was not worth it only thing that can happen is if they can actually give my fiancé his money worth! Doubt that’ll happen though.

Gerald Kennie Wallace

306 W Superior St Ste 920, Duluth, MN

Criminal Defense Family Law Probate +3

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

18 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous

I caught a case about 8 months ago and with in that time I've spoke to gerald 1 time even after numerous calls to his office. He's made multiple promises even in front of the judge and has not followed through deffinently would not recommend him

21 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous

Later having a very bad experience with a previous attorney, I was scared to get too invested in any after that mess. But Gerald has far surpassed my expectations. He always goes above and beyond to make sure that I am represented as best as possible and to make sure that I have had nothing but fairness in and out of the court room. Gerald is hungry, and eager to do all in his power to help his clients. he has even met with me on weekends as to not interrupt my work schedule. I am very thankful to have him on my side. One of my favorite things about him is that he is a real person. He is funny and not a stuffy, stiff attorney with absolutely no persona which helps to make the whole ordeal of dealing with court a lot less stressful. I would recommend him to anyone in need of an attorney. Have a consultation with him and you will see that while he hasn't been practicing for a long time, he has everything to be one of the highest ranked attorneys in just a matter of time.

Meagan Montee Guptill

PO Box 615, Cambridge, MN

Child Custody Criminal Defense Estate Planning +3 +6

+1 (763) 225-3912

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

29 Sep, 2024 by Shelly

Meagan misinformed me and told me she could mediate my divorce. She is a substitute teacher which says a lot in itself. I was a teacher in the same building she subbed in, and she never came to visit me, even when I asked her to. She took my money, and did nothing for me besides fill out some initials paperwork where she put in incorrect information. She is very distracted when talking to her, and the conversations are so short that is sends your head reeling. She was absolutely pathetic in every way.

27 Dec, 2023 by Kelly j

Not only is Meagan is professional she has a huge heart to help and do what is right by her clients. She is a great listener and has the ability to identify circumstances beyond the issues on the surface. I highly recommned Meagan for your next leagl needs. Thank you for all you did in our case Meagan, we could not have done it without your expertise!

Katrina Maria Viegas

227 W 1st St, Duluth, MN

Business Child Custody Child Support +7 +10

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

16 Apr, 2024 by Nate mitchell

I hired one of the partners. Awful and incompetent. Recommendation given to judge was not possible under statute and was essentially thrown out. Waste of money. Biased. Don’t hire

10 Mar, 2024 by Melisa mauricio

Matt Beaumier and his team are so kind and helpful. They truly care about the clients. They answered all my questions and concerns with care. I couldn’t have made it through my custody case without them. I highly recommend them.

Kellen Thomas Fish

222 South 9th St., Minneapolis, MN

Estate Planning Family Law Litigation +3

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

30 Aug, 2023 by Brian

Kellen represented me in a very difficult divorce/custody battle. He was thorough in examining the evidence and although he has a calm demeanor, he was tenacious at trial. He was very compassionate with me. He was able to provide what I believe were the most favorable results in my case. I would recommend him and would use him again.

25 May, 2023 by Anonymous

He has an attorney that works in his office has been reprimanded. Promises were made with no results. Be very careful on hiring this law firm. You will be disappointed.

Michael H Daub

10249 Yellow Circle Drive, Minntonka, MN

Family Law +1

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

14 Aug, 2014 by Christine

Michael Daub is an excellent attorney who considers the client's needs as well as the big picture. His counsel was everything the word is meant to be--not just legal, but advocating, guiding and advising with authenticity and wisdom. I have whole-heartedly recommended him to friends and family and would hire him again if ever needed.

31 Jan, 2013 by Bob

Do not hire this attorney. He will not follow through with anything. He did not file my paperwork for nearly 6 months...

Shuly Yang Her

1208 Hawthorne Ave E, Saint Paul, MN

Criminal Defense Family Law Government +2 +5

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

15 Mar, 2023 by Big me

This lawyer does not care about your feelings or anything about your case. Don’t care about the issue you tell her. I would not waste my time with her . Pass this person up.

13 Oct, 2021 by Jack

Shuly Her is a smart and talented lawyer and a really asset to the profession.

Tricia Dwyer

8200 45th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN

Criminal Defense Family Law +2

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

30 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous

just wanted to drop in and say that I saw your response on someone asking about a vehicle forfeited from a 2nd DUI. you went in really hard and absolutely unprofessional saying how they have done it 100s of time and just got caught and how they need A 12 STEP PROGRAM. all this judgment from someone who gave you 1 paragraph of information. they didn't even say details of the charges, and you were just a total B (can you guess the last letters?) I have no idea why you are a criminal defense attorney with such awful 'bedside manner'. as a CDA you should know many people are WRONGFULLY being charged every day. It is a serious issue in Minnesota. You disgust me. And I really hope people see your response and don't go to you. THE JUDGEMENT like you're some queen looking down on those lowly people who 'commit crimes'. You absolutely should switch careers. Sincerely, someone WRONGFULLY charged with a DUI, I WAS SOBER. I will win my case i already have a lawyer with compassion. Anyway, your response is the first I've ever seen from a CDA that is so despicable and judgemental. Shame on you. How about you make a mistake and then see how you're judged. Anyway just wanted to drop a note to say you're a disappointment to the profession. Obviously, you can't get a good lick of clients since you're using this platform to get a little side cash by answering questions. Retire. Go find a new career. Shame on you. Dont bother responding.

11 Jun, 2021 by Joseph

Over maybe 10 years now, I’ve hired attorney Tricia Dwyer several times for my family law, estate planning, and other legal needs. Tricia is extremely smart and is dedicated to her clients - she aims for perfection in all her work. Tricia has years of professional experience -no legal problem is too tough for Tricia Dwyer to handle. I know I have saved thousands of dollars by hiring Tricia-she’s extremely cost-effective in her work for people. Tricia is dedicated to helping her clients - she tries to really end your legal problems for good. I know maybe two or three dozen people -or more - who have had legal advice and help from Tricia Dwyer, for family law and criminal legal problems, and other sorts of messy legal problems, and we all can’t say enough good things about her. Go to Tricia’s website because I know she’ll post a few of the entirely unsolicited ‘Thank You’s!’ she’s gotten from her clients.

Roxanne Carol Shaughnessy

14093 Commerce Ave NE Ste 400, Prior Lake, MN

Family Law +1

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

25 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous

I hired Roxanne as my attorney to assist me with some post divorce issues. She worked on my case for nearly two months and nothing was accomplished. I asked her more than once to stick to the issues at hand. She refused. She actually made matters worse for me and then sent me a large bill.

09 May, 2016 by Tara

Roxanne took on my very complicated case and made the best outcome that could happened to keep my son safe. Full legal and sole custody.

April Anne Carlson

1420 West St. Germain Street., Saint Cloud, MN

Child Custody Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

3.0/5

3.0

2 Reviews

06 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous

I retained April Carlson when I couldn't find another lawyer to represent me. She seemed like she'd put in effort, but that quickly vanished. During mediations, she had nothing to say, or helpful advice. Even though I was adamantly against an evaluation, I felt I had no other options. That evaluation cost me another year and a half without my child. When talking with her about the evaluation on the phone, she gave me the wrong information that wasn't in it. She wrote up the mediation agreement wrong which cost me custody and made my case miserably more difficult. April carlson will waste years of your life in court by her own mess ups.

19 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous

April was a complete professional handling my case. She was knowledgeable and kept me informed through the entire process. Not only was she knowledgeable but very personal and made me feel very comfortable the entire time. Great lawyer and I would recommend her to anyone in need of legal services.

Joseph Ronald Heinrichs

150 W Park Sq, Owatonna, MN

Criminal Defense Family Law Government +1 +4

3.0/5

3.0

19 Reviews

31 Jul, 2024 by Paul

Mr. (Daryl) Bail is a joke. Hiring him means you're overpaying for legal services and there are plenty of other better lawyers in the area that cost THOUSANDS less. No sense of ethics whatsoever. He's openly disclosed to other people the amounts of money he has drained from his clients. Client confidentiality means nothing to this guy. I totally get why he's not a named partner at PHB. He'd ruin the firm's reputation. When looking for a law firm to represent you I suggest looking anywhere else.

10 May, 2024 by Francisco menchaca

I was very pleased how everything turned out to be. I’m not going to lie, I was very nervous and scared for the worst and thought that I didn’t have a chance. But with the help with my lawyer and the whole team from Patton Hoversten And Berg this wouldn’t be possible. So I want to give a huge Thank You to Joe Heinrichs and Andrea Lembke for helping me get through this all the way, none of this would be possible if it wasn’t for you guys. Thank you Patton Hoversten And Berg!

13 Dec, 2023 by Cindy moll

I had to appear in court for speeding. I hired this firm, and my case was assigned to Joe Heinrichs. Mr. Heinrichs was knowledgeable, professional, and effective. I believe Mr. Heinrichs secured the best possible outcome for me. I would recommend this firm, and especially Mr. Heinrichs to anyone in a heartbeat. I even thought the fee was reasonable.

Trenton Joseph Gahm

150 W Park Sq, Owatonna, MN

Business Child Custody Child Support +9 +12

3.0/5

3.0

19 Reviews

31 Jul, 2024 by Paul

10 May, 2024 by Francisco menchaca

13 Dec, 2023 by Cindy moll

Daniel Lee Griffith

343 3rd St, Intl Falls, MN

Civil Rights Criminal Defense Family Law +1 +4

3.0/5

3.0

1 Reviews

22 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous

When discussing about charges. He started to forget. He started to stutter and mumble. He is a decent lawyer but I would not recommend. He tried to help but he doesn't cut it. If you want to win and or have good court sessions. Get someone else.

Judy Sally Engel

60 S 6th St Ste 1500, Minneapolis, MN

Appeals Family Law Real Estate +3

2.8/5

2.8

24 Reviews

09 Jan, 2024 by Tj forystek

I was referred to this group for a special needs trust. They basically charged me over $450.00, didn't listen, made assumptions, and finally said they were "too expensive" but have to bill me for the first hour. Needless to say, I ended the engagement. I would not recommend this law firm to anyone unless you're interested in wasting money on expensive, inexperienced lawyers that don't take their time to review your request but still charge their high rate.

09 Nov, 2023 by Jack klein

Awful firm, terrible people. I have nothing but negative things to say about them.

23 Aug, 2023 by Hannah erickson

Phuong-Loan Thi Huynh

60 S 6th St Ste 1500, Minneapolis, MN

Business Family Law +2

2.8/5

2.8

24 Reviews

09 Jan, 2024 by Tj forystek

09 Nov, 2023 by Jack klein

Awful firm, terrible people. I have nothing but negative things to say about them.

23 Aug, 2023 by Hannah erickson

Laura M June

10585 165th St W, Lakeville, MN

Child Support Domestic Violence Estate Planning +2 +5

2.8/5

2.8

7 Reviews

27 Oct, 2022 by Carlos maldonado

If you are considering hiring this Law firm and you love your family, I urge to reconsider, read all the reviews bellow this one they are really bad, She (Julie Seymour ) it states things we didn't agree and didn't talk being a lawyer you should judge for your self, I will let you judge this situation and consider if its a good fit for your family. A person that doesn't pay her house cleaners to threat, don't respect agreements and change them to her convenience. I strongly recommend consider doing buissnes with this law firm. You can judge people how they behave with others and most important if its in your own home and family.

05 Feb, 2021 by Robin johnson

Spent thousands of dollars and got nowhere. Lawyer was doing her own thing in her time. I didn’t feel she was working for me or my sons best interests. I do not recommend this law office

03 May, 2019 by Samuel ireri

Initially I retained Julie as my attorney and ended up getting Mary. They promised alot but didn't deliver to expectation. She missed child support court date. Of all court appearances....I walked in thinking I was would have my lawyer with me but no one was there, no counter motions were filed as expected and as promised.

Mary B. Rannells Rowan

10585 - 165th Street West, Lakeville, MN

Adoption Child Custody Child Support +4 +7

2.8/5

2.8

7 Reviews

27 Oct, 2022 by Carlos maldonado

05 Feb, 2021 by Robin johnson

Spent thousands of dollars and got nowhere. Lawyer was doing her own thing in her time. I didn’t feel she was working for me or my sons best interests. I do not recommend this law office

03 May, 2019 by Samuel ireri

Benjamin Carl Kaasa

11 E Superior St., Duluth, MN

Estate Planning Family Law +2

2.8/5

2.8

5 Reviews

07 Mar, 2024 by Shari

Benjamin Kaasa is a great attorney. He was able to be a great support and strength in a very sensitive time. Mr. Kaasa is very knowledgeable in what he does, sensitive to my needs (case), knows what he is doing, and is reasonably priced. I would highly recommend him.

17 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous

I was gravely disappointed in his overall performance concerning his representation during my divorce. There were circumstances, in this particular case, of an unusual nature that could have made a for a less painful end if he would have had the fortitude to actually pursue on my behalf. From the very beginning, he displayed an obvious condescending and arrogant demeanor toward me. One of several examples, on 11/22/19 , I had asked him for a ball park figure regarding the possibility, if this case went trial. His reply, “a ton of money”, or “a truck full of money” and on further occasions when I made this same inquiry…..as if I were incapable of understanding. That same afternoon, I asked about scheduling a consultation before the first scheduled FENE meeting….never got a response. Later, I dropped off some requested documents, inquired about the importance of some that I couldn’t get and asked about others that I didn’t include…..he just shrugged his shoulders giving me the impression that they weren’t actually that necessary. I also reminded him about the pre-FENE consultation previously requested…..again no response. Again, dropped off more documents that suddenly became important from the last time he requested info….hummm… and we finally had our pre-FENE consultation due to my constant urging. I asked him about my wife's income and bank account info…if he had requested this disclosure info. His exact response, “I hadn’t had time to ask for it”.....the day before the meeting? Am I not paying him to collect all info, that I have been asked to provide? Luckily, FENE got rescheduled. This should have given him more than enough time to collect the same kind of info that was required of me…..which he didn’t pursue. He still hadn’t requested it, until the day before the 2nd FENE, in an e-mail to opposing attorney. I again asked him about it that morning at the meeting, his response, "Her attorney says she has nothing and that is good enough for me”…..seriously? My wife had been on her own for three years. Numerous times he told me that my income wasn’t a factor; because my wife had been self sufficient for the past three years without my financial help. He also told me my home, which was purchased in 1994, could be considered non-marital. I asked about the validity of this, and his exact response, “I’m not worried about it” and just disregarded my inquiry. Seriously?.. he obviously didn’t do his homework as it was a completely different set of circumstances when I showed up at the 02/11/20 FENE meeting. During this entire process, he was unforthcoming and almost to the point of being blatantly misleading …all the way up to the morning of the 2nd scheduled FENE meeting. His efforts in representing me were lame and lackadaisical with his obvious attitude being, that any judgments or agreements against me were unimportant, as he had my retainer in hand, why try to actually represent his client for a more favorable and fair outcome? During the FENE meeting, he was shiftless and unhelpful. I felt he had made some kind of a “deal” with the opposing attorney before I even arrived....for it sure seemed that way, as he starting back peddling on everything he had previously told me about her access to my income, home equity values, personal property be it marital or non-marital, etc. He should have scheduled a consultation sometime before, to prepare me for these so called “changes” from his original dialogue/findings? Also, flashing around a Family Law text book made me sadly realize his level of incompetence, especially when he couldn’t even correctly formalize the equity in my home that she might be entitled…..he relied on her attorney's numbers without even fact checking. I certainly wouldn’t recommend Benjamin Kaasa representing on any legal matter.

31 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous

We recently had the pleasure of working with Mr. Kaasa as our attorney in a step-parent adoption matter. Both he and his office were very thorough throughout our case. They were great at responding to questions we had, and wonderful about keeping us informed at the status of our case. From our initial consultation to our final hearing, he was excellent every step of the way. I would certainly recommend Mr. Kaasa for family law needs.

Wendy Ann Murphy

218 3rd St NW, Faribault, MN

Elder Law Family Law Real Estate +3

2.8/5

2.8

5 Reviews

15 Jun, 2023 by Deborah morris

12 Apr, 2023 by Michael taylor

Easy to get to and the staff is helpful

13 Jul, 2022 by Tabithia whitehill

Karie Marie Anderson

218 3rd St NW, Faribault, MN

Family Law Litigation Probate +3

2.8/5

2.8

5 Reviews

15 Jun, 2023 by Deborah morris

12 Apr, 2023 by Michael taylor

Easy to get to and the staff is helpful

13 Jul, 2022 by Tabithia whitehill

Anthony Patrick Deutz

1 Water St W Ste 255, Saint Paul, MN

Child Custody Criminal Defense Family Law +3

2.8/5

2.8

4 Reviews

22 May, 2021 by Nicoleva vu

20 Jan, 2020 by Thomas vue

Was expecting more with the money he asked for.

06 Aug, 2019 by John doe

He lost my case. Not so sure if it was intentional or it's just that he's not good enough. It's a waste of money if you ask me. Maybe it was the way that the system was set up... His ex-partner is the same.

Victoria Allison Elsmore

W-1100 First National Bank Building, Saint Paul, MN

Family Law +1

2.7/5

2.7

9 Reviews

04 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous

doesn’t bring justice to POC being harassed by white women even when there is evidence and multiple confessions from the respondent. tried to defend the respondent and represent her for free then sided and abused discretion by failing to submit all evidence and tried to claim cyberstalking wasn’t in the minnesota statute when it indeed is under technology means. this person should NOT be an attorney let alone be on a bench of minnesota’s judicial branch! she took an oath to know the laws and the fact she doesn’t know what technology is is disgusting. and she is bias and abused discretion DO NOT expect ANY justice if you’re a person of color

31 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous

did not care, one sided, downplayed, bias. Didn't care If was being abused. Failed to submit proper documents. Downright cruel.

14 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous

Victoria put my child in danger. Victoria downplayed the abuse my child endured & ignored the death threats towards my child. She stated she worked a lot of hours on my case to charge a ton, yet never itemized her work. It never seemed as if she was very prepared when it came to court. I moved to another lawyer who proved abuse against the statues of MN and helped to protect my child. It is unfortunate that Victoria doesn't seem to understand abuse and the impacts that come with it. I hope she finds more training on the matter or sends abuse cases to attorneys who do. I wish she was transparent about not understanding abuse and did not take on my case.

Jessica Ann Hafemeyer

315 Central Avenue, Faribault, MN

Bankruptcy Estate Planning Family Law +3

2.7/5

2.7

7 Reviews

31 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous

To get me to put down a retainer she told me my case was an easy case and the opposing council would be easy to get passed. During my hearing, she failed to represent the facts that I had presented to her. She did things as she wanted them to be done, and spent the majority of her time rewriting what I had already done to increase her fee. DO NOT HIRE HER.

17 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous

We hired Jessica to represent us in requesting an increase in parenting time. She was condescending throughout, always in a rush and did not listen to our concerns. She also did not utilize over half of our supporting documentation to support these concerns. She was not prepared and did not argue our case in the Court room. We would've been better off representing ourselves.

22 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous

If I could give her a -10 stars, I would! Jessica is extremely unprofessional - and I'M the one who hired her to work for ME! She was impatient, answered my questions as if they were stupid questions, and angry with my wanting to understand the process better. I fired her halfway through the process and couldn't have been happier. Go elsewhere - FAST!

Esther M Lerman

1155 Centre Pointe Dr Ste 10, Mendota Heights, MN

Child Custody Estate Planning Family Law +2 +5

2.7/5

5.0

1 Reviews

2.3

6 Reviews

27 Aug, 2024 by Karina helgesen aase

08 Nov, 2019 by Debra

Esther has been my attorney for over 25 years. She has been helpful, reassuring, capable.

21 Apr, 2019 by Rebecca johnson

Knutson, Flynn, & Deans have the best lawyers. They are thorough, professional, and hardworking. They are absolutely outstanding. Anyone who says otherwise has just been beaten in court by them.

Raphael J Miller

Po Box 447, Gaylord, MN

Adoption Car Accident Child Custody +8 +11

2.6/5

2.6

3 Reviews

20 Apr, 2023 by Sarah potts

I do not recommend.

02 Jul, 2022 by Sam bearden

Rude lawyer with a pretty scary office.

09 Aug, 2019 by Patricia wiseman

He's my lawyer.

Laura Kelly Valentine

750 East Burnsville Pkwy, Burnsville, MN

Criminal Defense Family Law Mediation +3

2.6/5

2.6

3 Reviews

25 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous

Laura Valentine was my son's public defender for a juvenile case in Scott County (Shakopee). My son/her client is an individual with intellectual disabilities with IQ below 65. Laura Valentine knew there was substantial evidence to support that my son couldn't assist in the legal proceedings due to his developmental disability. Laura Valentine deliberately failed to file for a Rule 20.01 review hearing for Competency Motion. Which violates the Fifth and 14 Amendments, the rights to due process. My son was later adjudicated of the juvenile offenses. But that is not all she did in this case. Kaura Valentine on May 5th, 2020, forced my son to come to court for an in-person after Gov Walz activated the state of emergency stay in order because of COVID-19. I tried to stop the in-person hearing due to my son's asthma and my very serious health condition that put us at a high risk of getting COVID-19. But Laura Valentine didn't care and had my son/client come to Scott County Government anyway where she met him and then she unlocked the door to the courthouse, and they went in the building, it was dark. Laura Valentine turned on the lights. Nobody was in there, just them. They got into the elevator and went to the second or third floor. After reaching the third floor my son/her client had to go to the restroom and Laura Valentine kept walking down the hallway. After my son came out of the restroom and as they started walking towards Laura who was quite a distance down the hallway, about a minute later someone started screaming and yelling coming from behind them. When they turned around to see who was screaming at them. It was the deputy sheriff yelling at them to stop and had his hand on his gun. The deputy sheriff asked them how they get into the building and what was they doing in the building. My son informed the deputy that Laura Valentine his attorney unlocked the courthouse and brought them upstairs. My son and his escort were scared to death because the deputy was very angry that they were in the building when it was closed to the public. The deputy asked Laura Valentine if this was true, and she said yes. The deputy asked her how many other times she did this. Laura replied just once. The deputy took my son and the adult I sent with him back downstairs turned on the metal detector made them walk through it and then escorted them back upstairs. My son and his escort could have been shot and killed in that courthouse behind Laura Valentine forcing my son to a in person when every courthouse in America was closed to the public. Laura Valentine tried to give my son covid by forcing an in-person hearing 6 weeks after the pandemic stay in order and then almost got him and his escort shot and killed because the deputy mistaken them for burglars who had broken into a closed government building. Bottomline what Laura Valentine did in this matter to my son/her client was criminal. This is a very dangerous attorney and should be held accountable for what she did.

12 Nov, 2019 by Yoni

Atty. Laura K. Valentine is one of the best attorneys I have had the pleasure to work with. She is not only very informed and responsive to questions, but she takes her clients' cases very seriously and works hard for each one. She is very good at her job, very compassionate and always ready to help your situation regardless in her extreme busy schedule. I felt as though I had a friend in my corner who definitely had me and my daughter best interest in mind. I can't thank Atty. Valentine enough for the tremendous help she had provided me. I highly recommend her.

13 Mar, 2014 by Anonymous

Used this lawyer as a divorce attorney, she never fought for my best interests and did not inform me of so very many things I should have been aware of when making decisions throughout the divorce process. The final divorce decree that she presented me with for review appeared to be a form that contained items I never agreed to. One item was a life insurance policy for my ex-wife to cover spousal support incase of my death. This was never discussed muchless agreed to, yet it was on the decree, I had to point it out for it to be removed. Through out the divorce all Laura wanted to do was settle, whether it was in my best interest or not. Post divorce I asked her to find out why spousal support was being taken directly from my check versus paying my ex-spourse directly as agreed upon and stated in divorce decree. To my knowledge Laura never followed up with the county, she certainly never followed up with me and has never contacted me again, even after I made several attempts to reach her.

Jonathan Ryan Engel

8050 W 78th St, Edina, MN

Family Law +1

2.5/5

2.5

2 Reviews

17 Sep, 2024 by Moira walsh

Professional. Honest. As with any service, be very specific when you communicate your needs.

23 Aug, 2024 by David nogle

Mylene Ann Peterson

8050 West 78th Street, Edina, MN

Family Law +1

2.5/5

2.5

2 Reviews

17 Sep, 2024 by Moira walsh

Professional. Honest. As with any service, be very specific when you communicate your needs.

23 Aug, 2024 by David nogle

Anne M. Hoefgen

1015 7th Ave N, Moorhead, MN

Family Law +1

2.3/5

1.0

1 Reviews

3.6

29 Reviews

19 Sep, 2023 by Maggie

05 Sep, 2023 by Crystal jamerson

19 Aug, 2023 by Sabrina gallegos

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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.

Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:

Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.

Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:

Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:

Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.

The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:

Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.

How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:

Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:

Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.

Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.

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