Efficient, Experienced Family Law Collaboration And Representation
Biography
Merlyn L. Meinerts provides a unique blend of services to parties involved in marital dissolution proceedings.
Meinerts is equipped to provide effective legal representation in those cases where a party is in need of an advocate or the case involves highly complex matters. When representing a party, Meinerts' approach would likely first include an attempt at a negotiated resolution through settlement discussions or the use of mediation or other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Where settlement efforts are not successful or practical, Meinerts effectively assists his clients in seeking a judicial determination of the matter via a motion or trial.
Meinerts is prepared to assist parties as a neutral third party facilitator, with alternative dispute resolution services ranging from mediation to arbitration. Meinerts' style in mediation involves empowering parties to control their own results in a marital dissolution proceeding. The prospect of a less expensive, less time-consuming and more certain process makes alternative dispute resolution an attractive alternative to litigation.
- Family Law
- Legal Separation
- Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
- Mediation
- Divorce
- Post-Decree Modifications
- Orders for Protection
- Child Custody and Visitation
- Child Support and Alimony
- Property Division
Education
- Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota
- J.D. - 1993
- Honors: National Moot Court Team
- Honors: Jessup Cup International Law Moot Court Team
- Honors: American Jurisprudence Award for Federal Courts
- South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota
- B.S. - 1985
- Major: Journalism
Classes & Seminars
- Why Hesitate to Litigate? Alternative Dispute Resolution for Family Law, Family Law Seminar, Las Vegas, Nevada, 2008
- Ethical Considerations for the Family Law Practitioner, First Judicial District Law Clerk Assembly, Hastings, Minnesota, 2008
- Attorney's Fees and Ethics, Dakota County Law Library, Apple Valley, Minnesota, 2009
- Top Ten Ethical Traps for the Family Law Practitioner, Family Law Seminar, Lutsen, Minnesota, 2009
- Initial Case Management and Early Neutral Evaluation in Dakota County, Dakota County Law Library & 1st Judicial District Bar Association, 2014
- The Process of Spousal Maintenance, Judicial Breakout Session, Family Law Institute, 2018
- The Impact of the Pandemic on Family Law Practice – Working with Clients, Facing New Issues and Evaluating your Practice, Family Law Institute, 2021
- ADR A to Z: How Family Mediation Works in Minnesota, Minnesota Continuing Education, 2023
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota, 1993
- U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 1994
Professional Associations
- First Judicial District Fee Arbitration Committee, Chairperson, 2008 to Present
- Legal Assistance of Dakota County Board of Directors, Member, 2007
- First Judicial District Panel of Parenting Time Expeditors, Member, 2000 to Present
- Early Neutral Evaluation Pilot Project for Dakota County, Co-Chair
- State of Minnesota Judicial Selection Commission, Member, 2010
Certified Legal Specialties
- General Mediation Certification, 1993
- Family Mediation Certification, 2000
- Family Arbitration, Consensual Special Magistrate Certification, 2006
- Certified by Minnesota's Supreme Court under the Alternative Dispute Resolution Rule 114
- Minnesota State Court System ADR-Rule 114 Neutral Roster
- Minnesota Court of Appeals Mediation Panel
- Early Neutral Evaluation Certification, 2009
Past Positions
- Nord, Macklin & Meinerts, P.A., Partner, 1994 to 1998
- Ceridian Corporation, Staff Attorney/Law Clerk, 1992 to 1994
- United States Senate, Communications Director/Legislative Assistant, 1985 to 1990
- Radio and Television, Broadcaster, 1978 to 1985
Honors
- Martindale-Hubbell “BV” Rated
- Super Lawyer Designation
Current Employment Position
- Founder