Compassion

Family Law Attorney Louise Livesay treats each client with care and compassion. Each case she handles is about her client(s), their spouse, and their relationships, not just the legalities. Louise pays close attention to family systems when working with divorcing couples or families in conflict; she knows that if there are children involved, they will always be a family, except in a new configuration.

Listening

It is said a good listener hears not only what is being said but also what remains unsaid, and clients say this is true of Louise. Oftentimes, family law cases involve a lot of talking but many clients said the first time they really felt heard was while working with Louise. She also is able to ask the right questions needed to help people identify their underlying hopes, concerns, and goals. She applies these skills in working with her clients’ spouses as well. In doing so, she works to optimize the outcome for not only each of her clients but for their family as a whole.

Win-Win Negotiating

Louise helps people focus on positive outcomes and problem solving rather than feeding unproductive dynamics or fueling hostility. This approach supports families through the challenges of the divorce process and helps them connect with their best selves in order to reach enduring agreements.

Education and Experience

Louise’s extensive professional experience, her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota, and her law degree and mediation training from Hamline University combine to give her the ideal background for helping families going through a legal and emotional transition. Because she is committed to helping families make it through these challenges, Louise regularly pursues continuing education to enhance her ability to serve clients. These things, together with her love of working with families, have made her a sought-after family law attorney in the Minneapolis-St. Paul community since 1999.

Established Presence in the Collaborative Community

A certain level of training is necessary for attorneys to be able to hold themselves out as practicing Collaborative divorce. The most committed attorneys go far beyond the basic Collaborative training. Since 2005, Louise has been a dedicated member of the community of Collaborative professionals, not only in Minnesota, but on national and international levels as well. Because of her strong relationships with other members in the community, she is able to help clients put together teams that meet their specific needs and to work within those teams, knowing everyone involved is committed to achieving the best possible agreements for the families they are serving.

Pre-Divorce Consultation

Louise offers to see you individually or together as a couple. The consultation is to learn about your process options so you can make an informed decision, mutually if you attend together, about how to move forward. The first decision is to decide which process you will use so you can then select the attorney who is the best fit for you and your process. The session is designed to assist you with making informed decisions that fit your needs and your budget. Louise has found the best way to get people the substantive legal help they need without burdening them financially is to offer an initial consultation at a reduced rate for most cases. A reduced rate allows Louise to set aside the time to give specific guidance and let potential clients get to know her. At the same time, the rate is low enough that it is affordable for most people. Clients who retain us after this initial consultation tell us that it was well worth it.

Disclaimer: Livesay Law Office, LLC does not and cannot represent either party prior to, during, or after a consultation. Minnesota attorneys are prohibited from representing both parties in a divorce. Therefore, the attorney meeting with both people in a joint consultation will not discuss the specific facts of the case, will not provide legal advice, and will not have a confidential relationship with either party. A consultation is approximately 45 minutes for a pre-paid reduced hourly rate of $250. Louise's goal is to help you get meaningful answers to your questions in an affordable way whether you meet with her individually or together with your spouse. You can meet with Louise in person or via Zoom.