Jump to Navigation
Phone: 952.236.4562 | Toll Free: 866.586.7090 | 350 West Burnsville Parkway | Suite 500 | Burnsville, Minnesota

Family Law Overview

Experienced South Metro Divorce Lawyer

At the Meinerts Law Office, P.A. in Burnsville, Minnesota, we know that each family and each divorce is unique. Attorney Merlyn Meinerts brings goal-oriented problem-solving skills to each client and each divorce action. Our practice includes:

Divorce

Whatever method is best for your situation — litigation, mediation or a collaborative law approach — Meinerts Law Office, P.A. handles the complete range of divorce services.

A Roadmap to Divorce

To initiate a divorce, two documents will be prepared: a summons and a petition for dissolution of marriage. Your divorce will be concluded by a document known as a Marital Termination Agreement.

Child Custody and Visitation

Joint physical custody, where a child's routine daily care is structured between mother and father, is becoming more popular in Minnesota. It relies on an ability of the parents to communicate well, cooperate and resolve disputes.

Minnesota Child Support Guidelines

Minnesota child support guidelines changed significantly in January of 2007. In the past, child support was based on the net income of the payer. Today, child support is based on the combined gross income of both parties.

Property Division

Minnesota courts will seek a just and equitable distribution of marital property in divorce. However, this does not mean that assets will be divided fifty-fifty.

Alimony

Alimony (also known as spousal maintenance in Minnesota) is available if one of the parties doesn't have enough income or property to support him or herself.

Contested Divorce

In any divorce trial, what makes the difference is how your lawyer prepares your case and presents it to the judge. Some lawyers seek to make the same point over and over without knowing when to move on.

Legal Separation

There are several reasons why people choose legal separation instead of divorce. Many do so for religious convictions. Others want time to pursue counseling or therapy and find out if the marriage can be retrieved.

Mediation

If both parties are willing, mediation is an excellent tool for moving to the next phase of life without jeopardizing the family finances.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative family law is also based on a willingness to cooperate and work in the best interest of the restructured family.

Post-decree Modifications

After a divorce is final, financial circumstances and child custody circumstances often change. When changes in circumstances require a modification of child custody, child support or spousal maintenance, lawyer Merlyn Meinerts can help you through that process as well.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement enables you to avoid a property division dispute in the event of a future divorce.

Adoption

Adoption is rarely an issue in divorce, but it is an important family law issue. When a family is adopting a child or when a stepparent is adopting a child, the Meinerts Law Office can perform the legal work necessary.

Free Consultation With Lawyer Merlyn Meinerts

Give your divorce the careful attention it deserves. Call Burnsville lawyer Merlyn Meinerts at 952.236.4562 or fill out our simple contact form for a free initial consultation. The lawyer serves clients throughout the south metro area of the Twin Cities, including Eagan, Apple Valley, Burnsville and Shakopee.