Parent Liability for Alcohol at Prom and Graduation Parties in Minnesota
May 11, 2026 | Adriel B. Villarreal
Prom and graduation season is a time for many teens to celebrate and have fun. Unfortunately, alcohol-related accidents among teens are also more common during this time. If you are a parent hosting a prom afterparty or graduation open house this spring, you are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for attendees. Providing alcohol to teens at these events can expose you to serious criminal and civil liability. Understanding Minnesota’s laws around underage drinking is essential for any parent hosting a prom party, graduation party, or similar event. Minnesota’s Law on Providing Alcohol to Underage Individuals In Minnesota, it is unlawful for any person to provide alcohol to someone under the age of 21 or to knowingly allow underage alcohol consumption to occur on premises under their control. This means parents can be held responsible not only for alcohol they hand out directly, but also for alcohol they allow minors to consume at their event, regardless of who brought it. Exception for Parents Minnesota law does include a limited exception: A parent or legal guardian may provide alcohol to their own child for consumption exclusively within their household. This exception does not apply to: Friends of your child Guests at a graduation party Alcohol consumed on party buses, in hotels, or at other…
Read MoreDividing Joint Real Estate in Minnesota Outside of Marriage/Divorce (Partition): Q & A
April 2, 2026 | admin
Couples/families delay or forgo marriage for many reasons. But they can and do still buy real property regardless of marital status. This can include any real property such as houses, cabins, commercial buildings or land parcels. If the relationship ends, the joint owners of real property must navigate dividing it up. When they are not married, there is no divorce case in which Family Court can deal with real property. The Civil Court process of dividing real property owned by unmarried individuals is called “Partition.” It is governed by the Minnesota Partition Act (Minn. Stat. § 558A) and the Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure. Below are some of the most common questions clients have regarding Partitions, and their answers. 1. I was served Court paperwork related to the Property I jointly own. What do I need to do? By law, you must serve an Answer and Counter Petition upon the other party; you must do so within 21 days of service upon you. If you fail to do so, you could be found in default, and the Court could grant Plaintiff’s requests without your input. Your Answer and Counter Petition responds to the Plaintiff’s allegations and claims, then states your own allegations and claims. This is your initial chance to tell the Court…
Read MoreShareholders at Barna, Guzy & Steffen Elect New President and Rename Chair of the Board at Annual Meeting
February 12, 2026 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
The law firm of Barna, Guzy & Steffen held its annual meeting on January 17, 2026, in Coon Rapids, MN. The meeting included a gathering of the firm’s Board of Directors, a State of the Firm address given by William Huefner, and elections to the Board of Directors. After serving as President of the firm for 11 years, William Huefner did not seek another term. The Shareholders at Barna, Guzy & Steffen elected Thomas Wentzell as firm President. William Huefner was re-appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Tom is a shareholder who focuses his practice on commercial real estate. He originally joined the firm as a law clerk in 2012, while attending University of St. Thomas School of Law. He was admitted to the bar in October of 2013 and practiced at another medium-sized firm in the Twin Cities before returning to BGS in December of 2014. He focuses his practice on real estate development, acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, and real estate finance. Tom was named a Minnesota Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2022 and 2023, and is a Board-Certified Real Property Specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association. The firm would like to congratulate Tom on his accomplishments and his commitment to the firm’s mission of providing clients legal services…
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