Category: Family Law
Telling the Children about Divorce
March 6, 2017 | Elizabeth A. SchadingSometimes the best way for two parents to move forward is to part ways. Divorce has become a common aspect of family life. One of the biggest questions parents often have is when and how it is best to discuss divorce with their children. Here are some helpful tips to consider when broaching the subject with your kids: Don’t rush the conversation. It may be tempting to have the conversation quickly, like ripping off a bandaid. However, it’s best for all parties involved to schedule the conversation at a time when there is at least an hour or two to process the emotions that come up. Don’t schedule the conversation right before going to school or before bedtime. Different ages need different information. Depending on the ages of your children, they may want and need different kinds of information about the divorce. Preschoolers may need several, shorter talks and may have many questions. School age and teenage children may only need one conversation. It’s important to watch your children carefully during and after the conversation to see how they are reacting and what their individual needs might be. After the conversation, keep up routines. It’s important to keep a game plan in mind for after the conversation. The more you and your co-parent…
Read MoreSpousal Maintenance in Minnesota
February 10, 2017 | Elizabeth A. SchadingGoing through a divorce is never easy for a family. The spousal support laws vary from state to state and can be extremely confusing. Thankfully, you can rely on your family law attorney to be a valuable resource in navigating these complex issues. What are the spousal support laws in Minnesota? Minnesota courts have the power to order one spouse to pay alimony to the other (also referred to as spousal maintenance.) Often, the spouse who earns less money annually will make a request for spousal support from the higher earning spouse. This ensures that they can each maintain a reasonable standard of living to which they have become accustomed. Other reasons to request spousal support include the inability of one spouse to work due to giving full time care to a child that possesses a high level of need. This demonstrated need can be medical, physical, or mental. Minnesota courts can decide on three different kinds of spousal support: Temporary support. In this case, the support is paid by one spouse to the other during divorce proceedings. The income of both spouses is taken into account. Short-term support. This type of support helps one spouse achieve job training or continued education, with the intention that they will be able to earn more…
Read MoreNew Family Law Associate Joins The BGS Law Family!
September 30, 2016 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Barna, Guzy & Steffen LTD. announces the addition of a new associate to our firm. Lindsay K. Fischbach has joined the firm’s Family Law department. She will be working closely with attorneys practicing in the firm’s growing Family Law/Divorce area serving existing clients and enhancing the firm’s ability to serve our community. Prior to joining the BGS Family Law legal team, Lindsay worked at a Twin Cities law firm representing business and individual clients, primarily in the area of family law. She has also had the opportunity to serve as judicial law clerk for two Judges. She first served for the Honorable Robert R. Benson of Filmore County from 2012-2013, followed by clerking for the Honorable Robert A. Awsumb, Ramsey County, from 2013-2015. During that time she worked closely with the Judges, court staff, attorneys and litigants on legal issues and gained valuable experience in the court room. BGS is pleased to have Lindsay bringing her experience serving as a judicial clerk and as a practicing family law attorney to the firm’s growing Family Law department. Lindsay graduated magna cum laude from University of St. Thomas School of Law in 2012 ranked in the top 10{a0c01d20c42349884e67ff80c137866b0a9fe47aaae8f8a86a605a369ae487c3} of her class. She was on the Dean’s List several semesters and received the Dean’s Award in…
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