Child Custody & Support

Child Custody and Support Lawyer in Minneapolis

Serving Parents in Hennepin County & Twin Cities Metro

Child custody cases are often intensely emotional and challenging; they revolve around the well-being and upbringing of children who both parties deeply love. The stakes can thus be incredibly high, as decisions impact not only parents but also children’s future and emotional health. 

When parents disagree about where their children should live, how they should be raised, or what is in their best interests, the conflict can become highly personal and stressful. The legal process can intensify these emotions, making child custody one of the most challenging areas of family law.

While child support is generally a more straightforward issue, it can still become contentious as well. The calculation of child support can be complicated, and the child’s best interests must be considered, as well as parental financial circumstances.

At RWI Law, we represent parents, whether in pending or post-divorce cases or paternity cases, to settle these matters in as fair and just a manner as possible. Our team understands Minnesota custody and child support law and how courts view these issues in their decisions. We have represented hundreds of parents in resolving custody and support concerns through negotiations and in the courtroom at trial. 

Our approachable and knowledgeable team not only provides legal guidance but also empathizes with the emotional burden our clients face. We strive to make the legal process calmer and more manageable by providing reassurance and clear, concise advice throughout every step. Whether you’re in the midst of negotiations or preparing for court proceedings, you can trust our team to prioritize your family's needs and the well-being of your children.

Consult with a Minneapolis child custody attorney at RWI Law about your concerns. Call (320) 408-2614 or reach us by email online. Se habla Español.

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    Our firm is committed to making quality legal representation accessible, offering clear communication, transparent processes, and a supportive environment throughout your legal journey.
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Types of Child Custody in Minnesota

Minnesota recognizes two main types of custody: 

Legal Custody

This type refers to the right to make significant decisions about the child's life, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Legal custody can be either joint, where both parents share decision-making responsibilities, or sole, where only one parent has this authority.

In joint legal custody situations, coordination and cooperation between parents are crucial for effective decision-making. Courts often encourage this arrangement as it promotes a balanced involvement from both parents in the child's upbringing. However, it demands significant cooperation between the parents to avoid potential disagreements that can affect the child's well-being. At times, mediation can be beneficial in assisting parents to work together in the child’s best interests.

Physical Custody

This pertains to where the child will live and the logistics of the child's daily life. Physical custody can also be joint, meaning the child alternately lives with both parents or sole, meaning the child primarily lives with one parent while the other may have visitation rights.

Joint physical custody requires a delicate balance and organization to ensure that the child can transition smoothly between both environments. Parents may need to consider factors such as the proximity of residences, flexibility of work schedules, and their child's needs when creating a co-parenting plan. Developing a detailed parenting plan can help establish a routine that reduces potential stress for the child involved.

Minnesota Parenting Plans

In Minnesota, Parenting Plans are required in cases involving child custody. A Parenting Plan is a document that outlines how parents will care for and make decisions regarding their children after a divorce.

These plans typically detail when the child will be with each parent, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and vacations. They outline how significant decisions regarding the child’s upbringing will be made, address how parents will communicate with each other and the child, and establish a process for resolving disputes over parenting issues. 

Additionally, they may address how the child will be transported between parental homes and how child support will be arranged, and they may outline any provisions related to potential relocations of one parent that could impact the plan’s arrangements. 

Effective parenting plans are tailored to fit the unique dynamics of each family. Creating a comprehensive plan requires parents to evaluate factors such as work obligations, the child's educational and healthcare needs, and extracurricular activities. It's important to keep the child's best interests as the central focus, ensuring stability and continuity in their life. Consulting with legal professionals can provide invaluable guidance in formulating a practical plan that works for all parties involved.

How Courts Decide Custody in Minnesota

As in other states, Minnesota determines custody based on the “best interests of the child.” In determining this, courts evaluate numerous factors, from parental wishes regarding custody to who has been the child’s primary caretaker and the mental and physical health of all involved. 

Additional factors include: 

  • The capacity and disposition of the parties to provide the child with a stable environment
  • How custody will affect the child’s schooling or daycare, social and extracurricular activities, relationships with siblings and other family members
  • Whether either parent has a history of domestic abuse

Courts may also review evidence presented by third parties such as teachers, counselors, or medical professionals who can offer insights into the child’s needs and the suitable placement environment. Where feasible, Minnesota courts value the input of children, especially older ones, in expressing their living preferences as long as it reflects their best interests. This holistic approach aims to support the child’s emotional health and developmental growth beyond immediate family circumstances. 

You and your co-parent can negotiate a custody agreement outside of court and submit it to the court for approval. It will likely be approved as long as it serves the child’s best interests, which is the court’s primary objective. 

Have questions? Talk to a custody attorney in your area now. Reach out to RWI Law online or call (320) 408-2614.

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Stories of Client Success and Satisfaction

At RWI Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Confident, Clear & Honest"
    My first experience with an attorney was a success! He showed strong confidence and had an impactful closing statement! He was well prepared in the little time we received.
    - Eddie M.
    "5-Star Service"
    I had consulted with Ray and without hesitation, he got our case started. Very professional, and caring towards my specific questions & concerns. He has all of the qualities I was looking for in a confident, professional lawyer.
    - Brandon R.
    "Best in Town"
    Best lawyer to take your expungement case and any other legal issue you may have. I am so glad to have worked with Rayeed and would not hesitate to engage him or recommend him.
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    "Wise Counsel"
    Working with Ray on my case was an excellent experience. Answered any and all of my questions and concerns with promptness and gave wise counsel throughout the whole time.
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    "Highly Recommend"
    I greatly appreciate the help I was provided at RWI Law. They helped me and my family during a very difficult situation and we are sincerely grateful.
    - John H.
    "Very Knowledgeable"
    Ray has been quick with his responses, fairly priced, and moving my case along with urgency. Very knowledgeable. These are all things that a good council must have, in my opinion, and I get them all here!
    - Jesse M.
    "Quality & Professionalism"
    From the 1st day we hired him for a child custody case, he has been very professional and able to answer all of our questions.
    - Tiffany H.
    "Went Above and Beyond"
    Mr. Ibtesam looks for the best interest of his client and makes the right decision at the right time, it was a child protection case and lasted too long but he gave the same effort and care till the last day.
    - Anonymous

    Minnesota Child Support

    Child support is designed to ensure children receive the financial support necessary to meet their needs and maintain a reasonable standard of living after a divorce or when parents have never married. It covers various expenses, including housing, food, education, healthcare, and other day-to-day needs. 

    Child support aims to equalize the financial responsibilities of raising a child, ensuring that the child's financial needs are met irrespective of which parent they live with. 

    How Is Child Support Calculated?

    Minnesota provides state guidelines and a calculator to determine support payments. However, Minnesota courts can deviate from the guideline amount if there is a compelling reason to do so. The court might consider the child’s unique needs, the parents’ extraordinary financial circumstances, or any other relevant factors that would make the guideline amount unfair or inappropriate. Judges have the discretion to increase or decrease child support based on the unique circumstances of each

    The process of calculating child support involves an analysis of each parent's income, the amount of time the child spends with each parent, and the child’s specific needs. It’s essential for parents to maintain detailed financial records and be prepared to present their financial circumstances accurately. Minnesota law recognizes that each child’s situation is different, and flexibility within the system allows for adjustments that uphold fairness and meet the best interests of the child.

    How RWI Law Can Help with Custody & Support

    Navigating child custody and support without professional legal assistance can be fraught with complications and emotional distress. As experienced child custody lawyers in Minneapolis, we understand the nuances of family law and can provide tailored guidance, objective and reasoned advice, and procedural help. Whether through negotiation or representation in court, we are here to represent your and your child’s interests.

    Wedging through a complex legal system demands experience and informed decision-making. Our child custody attorneys in Minneapolis bring that knowledge, helping ensure all nuances and details are covered comprehensively. We aim to help clients build a stable foundation post-separation, emphasizing the emotional and financial well-being of children.

    For experienced guidance, turn to a child support attorney near you. Contact RWI Law at (320) 408-2614 or complete our online form to make an appointment. Our services are available in English and Spanish.

    Frequently Asked Questions on Child Custody in Minneapolis

    Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With in Minnesota?

    Minnesota courts consider the child’s preference in custody cases, especially if the child is deemed mature enough to express a reasonable choice. However, the child's preference is just one factor the court evaluates amidst many, such as the child’s emotional ties to each parent and household stability. Ultimately, the decision hinges on a broad assessment aimed at fostering the child's best interests, with the court striving for an arrangement conducive to the child’s welfare. While the child's voice is essential, it is not the sole determinant in the decision-making process.

    What If I Need to Modify a Custody Order?

    If circumstances change significantly after the original custody order is established, parents in Minnesota can petition for a custody modification. Valid reasons might include changes in a parent's work schedule, relocation, or concerns about a child's safety. The modification aims to adapt custody arrangements to better serve the child’s evolving needs and situations. To initiate this process, a parent must provide proof of significant changes affecting the child's well-being, maintaining focus on the child’s best interests. Legal advice and representation can be incredibly beneficial in navigating these complex modifications.

    How Does Mediation Affect Child Custody Negotiations?

    Mediation serves as a valuable tool for parents in Minnesota who want to resolve child custody disputes collaboratively outside of a courtroom setting. It allows both parties to negotiate terms with the guidance of a neutral mediator, focusing on open communication and mutually beneficial solutions. The process is often less adversarial and can be quicker and more cost-effective than going to trial. Mediation also grants parents more control over the outcomes. However, it's crucial to have your terms reviewed by an attorney to ensure your rights and interests, as well as your child’s rights, are fully protected.

    Connect with RWI Law online or at (320) 408-2614 to speak with a Minneapolis child custody and support lawyer. Hablamos Español.

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