Minnesota Child Custody Lawyer

How to raise children after parents separate is the most difficult issue in a divorce proceeding and by far the most emotional one for clients. There are two types of custody; legal custody which means who gets to make the important daily decisions in a child’s life, e.g. schools, religious upbringing, medical decisions and physical custody which means who has responsibility for the daily care, control and residence of the child. In some cases, persons other than biological parents wish to have custody of the children and that is referred to as third party custody.

If a parent or other person has taken or retained a child from their nation of primary residence to reside in another nation it may be necessary to bring a separate action in the country where the child is found or located to determine which nation has jurisdiction over the child to decide of custody and to obtain return of the child. Familiarity with and cooperation with agencies charged with the authority to assist in locating and returning children abducted are essential. When one or both parents have families and friends residing in another nation, are citizens of or hold dual citizenship in a foreign nation and there is a risk that one parent may leave the country with the child hoping to gain an advantage in a custody proceeding in that country, protective provisions to minimize the risks of abduction should be utilized.

Our attorneys have experience in handling the sensitive issue of custody. We will listen to your concerns and priorities and work with you to find a solution that is in the best interests of your family.