Category: Divorce
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Divorce? (And What About Mediation?)
September 9, 2026 | Jason C. Brown
Divorce can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Many individuals moving toward divorce wonder whether they can handle the process on their own or whether hiring a divorce attorney is worth the cost. But while DIY divorce is possible under specific, simple conditions, having an attorney safeguards your rights, protects your best interests, and prevents you from making costly mistakes. When Is a Self-Represented Divorce Feasible? Going through a divorce without an attorney is difficult, but it is possible. It works best in an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all terms from the beginning. This is usually a short-term marriage with no minor children involved, minimal shared assets, no real estate, and no complex retirement accounts. If you go this route, you will be responsible for all paperwork, deadlines, procedural filing, and legal research. In addition to the workload, there are risks associated with self-represented divorces. Without proper legal training, you run the risk of filing improperly, miscalculating assets, or accidentally waiving important rights. And once your divorce agreement is finalized by the court, it is very difficult to modify. That’s why we highly recommend working with a professional divorce attorney, even in an uncontested divorce. When Is Hiring a Divorce Attorney Necessary? While consulting with a divorce attorney is always…
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know When Navigating a Gray Divorce
June 10, 2024 | admin
Divorces among couples over the age of 50 are on the rise across the United States. These “gray divorces” come with special challenges that younger divorcees may not face, such as planning for retirement with a more limited income. At Barna, Guzy & Steffen, we understand the emotional, legal, and financial complexities involved in gray divorce, and we’re here to help you through the process. In the following blog, we’ve gathered important information that you should know if you are considering or navigating a divorce later in life. Spousal Maintenance Also known as alimony, spousal maintenance is financial support that one spouse may be required to pay to the other following a divorce. The goal is to maintain the other spouse’s standard of living, and it is often awarded to spouses who gave up careers to raise children. It is generally preferable that the separating couple makes a decision regarding alimony themselves. If they cannot come to an agreement, a judge will decide how much alimony a spouse must pay and for how long. The judge will award alimony based on several factors, including each spouse’s financial needs and abilities, the length of the marriage, and career sacrifices made by the spouse requesting alimony. While permanent alimony used to be common, a judge…
Read MoreHow to Plan a Parenting Time Schedule for Summer
May 1, 2024 | Jason C. Brown
Child custody is a complex matter that can be difficult for parents and children. Summer vacation often brings further complications as children are off from school and families make travel plans. With summer quickly approaching, we’ve put together a guide of things to know and best practices to follow when making your summer parenting time schedule. Check Your Legal Papers The first step in planning time with your children this summer is to examine your court orders and legal agreements with the other parent. Parenting time is separate from custody, and non-custodial parents are generally awarded at least 25 percent of their children’s total parenting time. In Minnesota, parenting time is measured based on the number of overnights a child spends with a parent over an entire year. Your court-issued parenting time order may specify seasonal changes in these arrangements. Consider Summer Schedules Next, make sure to account for how everyone’s schedules may change during the summer, including you, the other parent, and your children. Do you or the other parent work seasonal jobs or attend school? Do either of you have summer hobbies that would affect your schedule? Your children may also work summer jobs or attend summer camps. Older children may have recently acquired driver’s licenses and desire to spend more…
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