Family law is a broad and complex area of law. Apart from divorce, custody, and child support matters, there are a wide variety of issues that can arise at any time. When they do, it’s important to have an experienced family law attorney by your side who you can trust. Whether you’re facing a post-divorce issue, third-party custody conflict, name change, paternity matter, or any other dispute between family members, Livesay Law Office is committed to helping you reach a positive resolution.

Livesay Law Office helps families with a wide range of family law matters, including the following:

Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement is a contract a couple creates prior to marriage or civil union. Commonly referred to as a “prenup,” this agreement can address many issues, including management of finances during the marriage and disposition of property upon divorce. With a prenup, a couple can negotiate and agree on important matters in order to create a "road map" for their marriage. By entering into a prenup, couples are encouraged to have a discussion about finances before marriage. Livesay Law Office assists clients with prenuptial agreements and helps couples to have a better understanding of each other’s expectations and objectives. This is not something that should be left to the last month before a wedding.

Postnuptial Agreements

A postnuptial agreement is similar to a prenuptial agreement in that it can be used to determine ownership of assets in the event of divorce. It can also outline financial responsibilities and obligations for the remainder of the marriage. Postnups have numerous benefits — in addition to protecting your assets, a valid postnup can help couples avoid lengthy and costly litigation in the courtroom in the event of divorce. If you are considering a postnup, or you have been presented with one, Livesay Law Office can provide the guidance and insight you need to ensure you are financially protected.

Post-Divorce Matters

As part of your divorce, the judge may have issued several orders or you reached agreement on terms of your settlement. For instance, you might have been ordered to pay alimony or spousal maintenance, or you may be the party receiving it. The court might also have determined child custody and support issues. However, life continues to change after divorce, and a substantial change in circumstances might warrant a modification to such an order. In some cases, it may also become necessary to enforce an existing order.

Livesay Law Office assists clients with many different types of post-divorce matters, including:

  • Child custody modifications
  • Child support modifications
  • Alimony modifications
  • Enforcement of orders

Importantly, mediation can be an essential tool to resolve post-divorce matters if both people want to resolve matters out of court. This can allow both parties to communicate their concerns and address the issues that must be determined outside the courtroom. But in some cases, court may be necessary as a last resort. Livesay Law Office will evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action to pursue to achieve the best possible outcome. If Louise is not the right fit for your needs, she can help you find someone who is a better fit since she does not do in-court contested matters.

Paternity

When a child is born to an unmarried couple, the father has no legal rights or obligations to the child until paternity has been legally established. Signing a Recognition of Parentage only creates a presumption so it is important to legally establish paternity action in court. Significantly, the child’s parentage must be determined before matters such as custody and child support can be decided. While either party can allege or dispute paternity, it’s vital to ensure your child will be able to have a relationship with both their parents. Many parents find it helpful to clarify legal expectations and rights rather than leave things to assumptions. Livesay Law assists mothers and fathers with paternity issues and can help the parents understand one another’s concerns while keeping their focus on the needs of the child.

Third-Party Custody

When parents find themselves unable to care for their child for any reason, they may need to place the child in the care of a third party, such as a grandparent or other relative, for a period of time. This can ensure the child has a safe home and the stability they need to thrive. Third-party custody can give an adult, besides the biological parent, the authority to make educational and medical decisions on the child’s behalf — and the ability to protect the child’s welfare in the event parents are unable to provide a healthy environment. Livesay Law Office understands how emotional and stressful third-party custody matters can be and offers compassionate counsel and knowledgeable representation while helping those involved navigate the process. If the biological parent(s) and the relative considering third-party custody are interested in creating an agreement that involves all interested people, Livesay Law Office can assist in the process.

Drafting Divorce and Family Law Agreements

A settlement agreement and divorce decree require flexibility. If you have reached an agreement with the other party and need an attorney to draft the necessary legal documents, Livesay Law Office can do that in an efficient and cost-effective manner. We can also review and advise you regarding any documents with which you have been presented to ensure it is fair.

Contact an Experienced Minnesota Divorce and Family Law Attorney

If you require legal assistance with a family law matter, it’s crucial to have an attorney who can help guide you through the process. With more than two decades of experience, divorce and family law attorney Louise Livesay works with clients in the Twin Cities area for a wide variety of divorce and family law matters. We welcome you to contact us online for a consultation or by calling 651-294-2338.