Child Custody and Support

Years of Experience

Sometimes, parents split up.  However, just because the relationship between the parents looks different, the relationship each parent has with their child continues.  Homes that have a minimum of conflict and parents who help their children transition between each new home are homes where children have a better chance of remaining attached to each parent, even after the split.

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Parents who are splitting up face many questions, such as:
- Where will our children live?
- How will custody and parenting time be determined?
- How much time will each parent get to spend with our children?
- What is a parenting plan and how does it work? 

The best interests of the children are the most important facet in custody disputes.  I work with my clients in order to create the best possible result for the children in contested custody matters.  My belief is that, in most cases, children need both parents in their life and that they deserve a safe and stable home environment.  Parenting plans should be practical and child-centered.  

In Minnesota, there are a few distinct categories related to custody:

1) Legal Custody:  provides a parent with decision-making authority regarding the child's education, medical care and religion

2) Physical Custody:  related to the child's residence and the day-to-day care of the child

3) Parenting Time:  parenting time is the schedule for when the child will spend time with each parent, including holiday and vacation time.

Minnesota sets forth a list of factors that the Court must consider when making custody and parenting time decisions.  I have experience working with the factors and provide that insight to each of my clients.