Family Law

Family Law affects and touches every aspect of a person’s life. Whether it is the end of your relationship with your spouse, your relationship with your children, personal well-being and safety, and so on, your needs matter. With the help of a skilled family law attorney, you can get the representation you need to set you on the path to a better future.

At Dwyer Law Office, we want to help you navigate such a crucial time. We strive to ensure your needs, as well as your family, are met. Family law matters tend to be emotionally driven and contested. You need a compassionate, confident, and respectful lawyer to represent your needs best. Our firm is here to help you through challenges such as:

Divorce
Custody and Parenting Time (Visitation)
Paternity
Spousal Support
Child Support
Collaborative Negotiating and Agreements
Protection Orders (Domestic Violence and Disorderly Conduct), and
Name Change

Divorce

Divorces can be challenging to navigate, emotionally and logistically. Hiring the right attorney is important. Your attorney should help you navigate the transition, take out the emotions, and guide you to reach a resolution. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, there are many factors to consider, including but not limited to asset and debt identification, valuation, and distribution; children; taxation; future considerations; and so on.

Custody & Parenting Time (Visitation)

Some of the hardest decisions to make involve your children. Custody and parenting time issues can range from physical custody/residential responsibility (where the children reside), legal custody/decision-making authority (who makes decisions about the children), parenting time (how often you see your children), paternity, grandparent visitation, etc. Each issue is unique, but just as important. Keeping your family’s best interests in mind, we strive to fight for what’s best for your children.

Paternity

Paternity actions are the legal process to establish a father’s parental rights. When an unmarried woman gives birth, the court must establish paternity, the child’s biological father. It is an essential step in child custody disputes. Different states have different requirements and timelines to establish paternity. It’s important to meet with an attorney to learn what legal options are available to you.

Financial Issues (Spousal Support/Maintenance & Child Support)

In certain circumstances, you may be entitled to spousal support/maintenance and/or child support. North Dakota and Minnesota have different standards and requirements.

Spousal Support/Maintenance

North Dakota and Minnesota recognize the potential for financial support from your spouse after the marriage is over. Each state has specific requirements based on a series of factors.

Child Support

All parties, married or unmarried, are legally obligated to provide for their children. The court will step in as a third parent to ensure the child receives the financial support they are entitled to. Depending on your state, there are different requirements and restrictions. Other child-related financial issues include, but are not limited to child tax credit, medical insurance, uninsured medical expenses, daycare, extracurricular activities, and school-related expenses.

Collaborative Negotiating & Agreements

Relationships are tested in the traditional litigation approach for a divorce. Collaborative is a non-litigation approach where the parties, their attorneys, and other members of the team come together to resolve the case without court involvement. It is an alternative dispute resolution designed to minimize fees and preserve relationships. Collaborative law involves a team of professionals (attorneys, divorce coaches, child specialists, and/or financial experts) who aim to protect the interests, dignity, self-esteem, and overall well-being of your family, outside of court. Collaborative negotiations require all-party agreement and participation. If one party initiates a traditional legal action, their collaborative attorneys are discharged and not involved in the court proceedings.

Protection Orders (Domestic Violence & Disorderly Conduct)

No one ever imagines they’ll be the victim of an abusive relationship, but the right order can provide the necessary protections to plan for a safer, healthier future. Protective orders can shield a victim from unwanted, dangerous communications and interactions. North Dakota and Minnesota law have a variety of different orders to suit various needs. The type of protection order you need depends on the facts of your case. At Dwyer Law, we guide you throughout the entire process. We will draft the necessary legal documents and appear with you in court. We are here to help.