Welcome to the Minnesota Divorce Attorney Center.  Our Law Firm helps people with their family law needs including contested and uncontested divorce, child custody issues, child support, spousal maintenance and alimony, paternity, domestic abuse and violence, property and debt division, prenuptial agreements, and more.

Vanderhyde and Associates is dedicated to protecting your interests and providing professional and compassionate service.  We proudly provide assistance throughout the State of Minnesota, and offer free in-home visits.  If you need assistance, please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.

Call the office nearest you or use our online contact form.

Minneapolis Area 612-767-2009
St. Paul Area 651-789-0059
Southern Suburbs 952-767-0121
Northern Suburbs 763-231-0383
Or call Toll Free 1-866-777-2557

In Minnesota, there are two types of divorce: contested or uncontested.  An uncontested divorce is one where the spouses can reach an agreement as to the terms of the divorce without having to go to trial.  Uncontested divorce is quicker, cheaper, and more efficient process.  In Minnesota, an uncontested divorce can be completed as quickly as 90 days (as opposed to a contested case which can take several years in some instances).  It is often the most desirable process because it offers more control to the parties and is more predictable.  Keep in mind that if you retain our law firm to help you with an uncontested divorce, we only represent one party.

What is involved in this process?

After you complete a detailed questionnaire, we will draft a preliminary martial termination agreement that incorporates the terms that are satisfactory to you.  After you and your spouse have had a chance to review the agreement and make any necessary changes, and the final terms are reached, we draft the pleadings and get them filed with the court.  The court will make a judicial assignment, and schedule a hearing.  Once we receive a final signed order, a notice of filing is drafted.

Unfortunately, spouses cannot always reach an agreement on key issues, which leads us to the next discussion:  Contested Divorce.

A contested divorce occurs when the parties can’t reach agreement on an imortant issue such as child support or child custody.

A contested divorce has 4 main components, 1) case evaluation, 2) investigation and discovery, 3) settlement talks, and 4) trial.

The case evaluation is a detailed and meticulous process where the attorney gathers all of the necessary information from the client and determines the best case strategy.  This can include gathering income documentation, insurance information, title to real estate and other property, etc.  The next step is drafting the summons and petition, commencing service, and getting the case filed with the court.

The discovery process is basically information gathering and sharing.  At this point in the case, we request information from your spouse.

When we feel that we have received all of the necessary information, we will begin to discuss the possibility for settlement.  This can be done through mediation, arbitration, or other alternative dispute resolution.  If that doesn’t work, we will attend the pre-trial hearing.  If a successful resolution can be reached, we will draft a martial termination agreement which outlines the applicable terms and present it to the court for final approval.  The overwhelming majority of cases will be resolved before going to trial.  However, every case is different and some cannot be resolved amicably which leads us to the next discussion, going to trial.  In Minnesota, divorce trials are before a court, not a jury.

Sometimes you will need help before a trial can even be commenced, in which case we can help you with any temporary relief you might need.  This is an attempt to get the court to grant you custody or child support or possession of your home.  We understand that everyone has different needs and every case has its own unique characteristics.  One size doesn’t fit all.

If you would like a free, no obligation consultation, please contact us today.  Call the office nearest you or use our convenient online contact form.