Divorce vs. Legal Separation in Minnesota
May 8, 2015 | Elizabeth A. SchadingOften what a “couple” considers separation versus what a court considers “separation” are two very different things. There’s a difference between “separation” and “legal separation.” Just because you and your spouse are living apart, it doesn’t mean that you’re legally separated. So, what is legal separation, and how does it differ from a divorce? What is Legal Separation in Minnesota? Legal separation actually changes the status of your marriage. Before you and your spouse can be legally separated, you’ll need to file and serve a petition. It’s important to remember that this is a completely separate process from a divorce. Unlike other states, you’re not required to legally separate before getting a divorce in Minnesota. Legal separation can take just as long as a divorce, and it can be just as costly. For all intents and purposes, legal separation is just like a divorce. Property, child custody, child support and spousal maintenance issues are all resolved. The couple’s debts and assets are divided. Legal Separation vs. Divorce So, what makes legal separation different from a divorce? You’re still married. If you want to end the marriage, you’ll need to go through the divorce process. When Legal Separation Makes Sense Why would a couple choose legal separation over a divorce? For some, it’s their…
Read MoreBGS Habitat for Humanity Day
May 4, 2015 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.On April 29th, 2015 several BGS Attorneys and Staff volunteered at a Habitat for Humanity build site in Minneapolis. They were lucky to enjoy the warm spring we are having this year and happy to help get some siding on the house at 2212 Elliot Avenue South. This year’s group of volunteers learned news skills and honed old ones as they worked together to help build a house for a family in need.
Read MoreFINALLY: A NEEDED CHANGE
April 9, 2015 | John T. BuchmanLast session, the Minnesota legislature finally passed and Governor Dayton signed into law, a provision that increases some of the benefits available to victims of car crashes here in Minnesota. This was a long overdue increase to wage loss and funeral expense benefits under Minnesota No-Fault Act. Minnesotans injured in car accidents have had, since the No-Fault Act was first created 40 years ago, the right to 85{a0c01d20c42349884e67ff80c137866b0a9fe47aaae8f8a86a605a369ae487c3} of any wage loss or income reduction due to injuries suffered in a car crash. However, for the last 30 years, that has been limited to a maximum of $250 a week. As a result, most wage earners could not survive long on $250 a week. The No-Fault Act also provided $2,000 for families who had to pay the expenses of burying a loved one who was killed in a car crash. The new law increases the maximum wage loss benefit to $500 a week. Additionally, the funeral expenses have been increased to $5,000 (which is still much less than the typical funeral cost of $8,000 – $10,000). These new benefit amounts became effective January 1, 2015, for any collision occurring after that date or for any policies renewed after January 1, 2015. It is our position that this would apply to people that were…
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