Mankato Divorce Lawyer

Divorce, Child Support & Custody Disputes

Family legal matters can be very difficult because it is such a sensitive area of your life. When you marry someone, you expect it to be forever. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. When children are involved in the demise of a relationship, it becomes an even more sensitive matter that needs to be handled with care.

With the help of an experienced Mankato divorce attorney from Knutson  +Casey, your case will be handled the way that it should be and you will receive the support that your attorney should provide you through such a difficult time. You should never be left to your own devices, wondering what comes next. It is important that you are informed so you can make sound decisions that will affect the outcome of your case.

Why Choose Knutson + Casey?

When you are going through something as challenging as a divorce, you need a compassionate attorney by your side with extensive experience handling these situations. Knutson + Casey is ready to help.

  • We take the time to understand each distinctive matter, which means we take the time to get to know you and your situation personally.
  • We will make sure you understand all of your options moving forward with a divorce case so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your children.

Compassionate Divorce Attorneys

Divorce can be easy or it can be complicated. There may be cases where there is a need for mediation and other times judges may have to decide the outcome for each side in order for a conclusion to be reached. We do encourage mediation where possible when it comes to assets, child custody, spousal and child support, and other issues. When both parties can reach an agreement, the terms of the divorce tend to be more palatable to both parties and less stressful on the family as a whole.

Regardless of which route the divorce needs to take, your Mankato family law attorney will be there with you every step of the way to give you the guidance you need to make decisions regarding parenting time, assets, and other issues.

Divorce Filing Requirements in Minnesota

In order to file for divorce in Minnesota, one of the parties must have lived in the state for 180 days prior to the commencement of the divorce proceedings. The only requirement set forth under Minnesota law is that there is an “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.”

Grounds for Divorce in Minnesota

Minnesota is considered a “no-fault” divorce state. This means that one spouse does not need the consent of the other to file for or obtain a divorce. This also means that the reasons you want to obtain a divorce are not considered during the process.

The fault of either spouse in the breakup of the marriage will not be considered by the Minnesota courts when determining issues related to child custody, property division, or any other aspect that needs to be finalized in the divorce process.

What are the Major Issues That Need to be Handled in a Minnesota Divorce?

Every divorce is different, but there will typically be several common factors that need to be settled before a divorce can be finalized. This includes the following:

  • The division of marital property
  • Child custody arrangements (both legal and physical custody)
  • Visitation schedule for and non-custodial parent
  • Child support payment amounts
  • Spousal maintenance, or alimony, if applicable

A divorce in Minnesota will generally be uncontested if the spouse is involved agree on all aspects mentioned above. However, if spouses disagree on any of the factors mentioned, the divorce will likely be considered contested and become more complicated.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Minnesota?

Determining the cost of a divorce in Minnesota can be complicated because no two divorce cases are the same. At its most basic level, a divorce will cost $400 in filing fees to the court. However, the total amount you will pay in filing fees in the state will depend on the county.

In reality, a Minnesota divorce is going to cost more than $400. Pinpointing an exact average for these cases is not easy. There are various factors that can affect the cost of a divorce. This includes the relationship you have with your spouse, whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, your attorney’s fees, and more.

While only a small percentage of divorce cases go all the way to trial, you can expect a divorce to cost more the closer you and your spouse get to going to trial. If a trial is necessary, your expenses could become much higher.

Guidance in Child Custody & Child Support Matters

Child custody is a sensitive area due to the fact that parents love their kids and both want to be with them. In some cases, it is more feasible for the children to live with one parent over the other. There is a 12-point evaluation that is conducted to determine what is in the best interest of the child since the best interest of the child comes first.

Once it is determined which parent the child will live with, child support is then determined. Income is taken into consideration, as well as how much time the non-custodial parent is spending with the child. Child support ensures that each parent is contributing to the child’s care financially as they would be if the parents were living together and raising the child in the same household.

Once child support is determined, modifications can be requested by your southern Minnesota divorce lawyer. One parent can make less money or more money and this can affect how much child support is paid or not paid. This ensures that the child always receives the financial support that they need.

Contact a Mankato Divorce Lawyer Today

Divorce, child support, and custody disputes are very sensitive family legal matters that require a great deal of care. If you are facing any of these matters, then you need an experienced and compassionate attorney by your side to help you navigate the legalities and the technicalities so the process is as stress-free as possible. To learn more about how Knutson+Casey can help you, call (507) 344-8888 to schedule a free consultation with our legal team.