Parenting time
New FAQ about Placing Case on Inactive Status
Jul 28 2020
Today I published a new FAQ with template form to assist spouses who wish to pursue reconciliation after a divorce case has already commenced. This piece explains how to place a case on "Inactive Status," to allow time to pursue reconciliation without having to immediately dismiss the case.
Update to Grandparent Visitation Article
Jul 03 2020
I have updated my article on grandparent visitation to make clear that according to case law, there is another exception to the general rule that grandchildren must have lived with the grandparents for at least twelve months in order to seek court-ordered visitation: specifically, that the parents have executed and filed a Recognition of Parentage (as most unmarried parents have).
New FAQ on Child Care Right of First Refusal
Jun 10 2020
In response to frequent questions about Child Care Right of First Refusal language in parenting time orders, I have written a concise FAQ on the topic, titled "What is a Child Care Right of First Refusal." I define it, discuss it, and provide some sample language.
New FAQ on In-State Moves
Jun 10 2020
In response to frequent questions about the implications of In-State moves on parenting time and school choice, I have authored a new FAQ titled "Do I Need Permission to Move Within Minnesota."
Yet Another Dirty Trick to Avoid
May 05 2020
Here's yet another Dirty Trick to avoid, which I have seen recur over the years, thus earning it a place as Dirty Trick #9 on my most popular article of all time: "Avoiding Dirty Tricks."
Another Dirty Trick to Avoid
Apr 06 2020
Here's another Dirty Trick to avoid, which I have seen recur over the years, thus earning it a place as Dirty Trick #8 on my most popular article of all time: "Avoiding Dirty Tricks."
The "Real" Best Interest Factors
Feb 23 2020
I have finally gotten around to writing an article I've been mulling over for years, titled "The Real Best Interest Factors." Enjoy.
Dirty Tricks and How to Avoid Them
Feb 10 2014
After seeing this happen too many times, I have been inspired to make an addition to a popular past article posting “Dirty Tricks and How to Avoid Them.” Specifically, I discuss the practice some parents have of scheduling children’s activities over the other parent’s parenting time.
Parenting Time in Minnesota Divorce and Custody Cases
Feb 07 2014
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.”
Custody Evaluations in Minnesota Divorce & Custody Cases
Feb 24 2011
Today I published a new article addressing custody evaluations in Minnesota. Among other things, the article addresses the components of a thorough evaluation, and provides some guidance on how to make a good impression on the evaluator, and considerations on how best to involve your attorney in this important process. The article is available here on my website under the title “Custody Evaluations in Minnesota.”
Adultery in Minnesota Divorce and Custody Cases
Dec 21 2010
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.”
Social Early Neutral Evaluations in Minnesota Divorce & Custody Cases
Jun 15 2010
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
May 14 2010
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.”
Out of State Moves in Minnesota Divorce & Custody Cases
Jan 10 2010
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.”
Parenting Consultants in Minnesota Divorce & Custody Cases
Nov 08 2009
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.”
Parenting Time (Visitation) in Minnesota Divorce & Custody Cases
Oct 07 2009
I’ve drafted an important article on parenting time which addresses: 1) the right to parenting time; 2) typical parenting time schedules; and 3) modification of parenting time. Read the full article here: “Parenting Time in Minnesota Divorce and Child Custody Cases.”
Paternity in Minnesota
Sep 06 2009
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.”
Step-parent Visitation in Minnesota Divorce Cases
May 02 2009
Contrary to common belief, there are circumstances when stepparents can obtain court-ordered parenting time. That is the subject of an article I have written and posted here: “Step-parent visitation in Minnesota.”
Physical Custody in Minnesota Divorce & Custody Cases
Mar 31 2009
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.”
Who Gets the Kids While We Wait to Go to Court?
Jan 31 2009
It is often the case that parties dispute who may have the children during the time period while they wait to get to court, which can be weeks to months away, depending on the county. A have answered this frequently asked question here: “Who Gets the Kids While We Wait to Go to Court?”
What Can I Do to Keep Costs Down?
Jul 26 2008
Clients often ask what they can do to help keep down their legal costs. Some suggestions are the subject of an FAQ response which I’ve posted here: “What Can I Do to Keep Costs Down?”
Should I Move Out, And If So, How?
Jun 26 2008
Moving out of the marital home is a decision which can have enormous implications for your divorce and/or child custody and parenting time case. Such a move should never be made without consulting an attorney. I discuss some of the strategic implications in the following FAQ: “Should I Move Out, and If So, How?”