At Johnson/Turner Legal, we understand that divorce is more than just a straightforward legal choice, it’s a big decision that should be handled with care and compassion. Whether you are nervous about finding a workable child custody agreement, need help understanding how spousal support works, or aren’t sure how to properly divide your assets, our firm is here for you.

The legal process for divorce can be extremely complicated in Minnesota, which is why our attorneys stay up-to-date on new legal strategies and applications of divorce law. However complex your case may seem, we’re here to simplify things and guide you through each step of the way. We pride ourselves in our ability to provide knowledgeable, compassionate legal representation to those throughout Rochester, MN, and if you find yourself in need of a Rochester divorce attorney, we want to hear from you.

Contact our Rochester divorce attorneys or call (320) 299-4249 to learn more about our flat-fee pricing model.

Why Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer in Rochester?

While some folks may consider attempting a divorce without legal help, that isn’t advisable. Not only will a good divorce attorney protect your interests and explain the legalities of the divorce process, but they can also serve as an invaluable ally at a time when you need it most.

Our Rochester divorce attorneys can help with the following aspects of divorce:

• Child custody: Focusing on the best interest of the child is always key, and our team can help you accomplish just that while also looking out for your interest as a parent. We can navigate the ins and outs of physical and legal custody and pursue a course of action that allows you the parenting time you desire.

• Child support: Whether you are dealing with basic support, medical support, or childcare support, these three facets of child support are determined by state guidelines. Our divorce attorneys in Rochester can help clarify these guidelines as you take action to ensure your child is properly cared for.

• Spousal support: Also called spousal maintenance or alimony, spousal support is designed to help provide for the lesser-earning spouse after a divorce. Our firm can help you understand your rights as it pertains to receiving or providing support.

• Property division: Determining how your property is divided in a divorce can be one of the more stressful aspects of the entire legal process. We can walk you through the guidelines per Minnesota law and create a plan that aims to protect the possessions you hold most dear.

• Mediation: Not all divorce cases need to be handled in the courtroom, some might be resolved in a more private manner through mediation.

Taking the Next Step: Filing for Divorce

Ready to take the next step in your divorce? Our team at Johnson/Turner Legal can help you from start to finish. As with any case, it’s important to build a solid foundation with as much information as possible. We’d like to gather documentation, any relevant evidence, and create a legal strategy that best represents your goals and family interests.

Our firm can walk you through each step in the divorce process. If you’re ready to get started, we can help you:

• Understand the residency requirements for divorce. You or your spouse (whoever is filing) will need to have resided within state lines for the past 180 days. We can also supply guidance on how you can provide proof of residency.

• Fill out the necessary forms. Every divorce requires that certain documents be completed. These can vary in complexity depending on the issues that are being contested. Our divorce lawyers ensure that your best interests are prioritized during this process.

• File divorce papers with the county court. This is one of the many advantages of filing first and can play a significant role in cases involving child custody disputes.

• Pay the filing fees. There are several different fees that are required and range from $50-400. These have a tendency to add up quickly, so it’s imperative to retain guidance from our law firm.

• Serve the other spouse the divorce papers. This cannot be done by you, it must be performed by a process server or local sheriff. If a friend or family member does the serving, he or she must not have any association or benefit with the case.

• Plan your next move. Depending on the response, or lack thereof, from the respondent, you may either move forward with the divorce or plan for reconciliation.

Everyone has a different idea of what they want when their divorce is said and done, but most of the time, the core goals remain the same, which is why we want to keep things simple, affordable, and always pursue a positive outcome. You can trust our Rochester divorce attorneys to utilize custom legal strategies to protect your interests and make the entire divorce as easy as possible for you and your family.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in MN?

The timetable to finalizing your divorce will depend on whether the case is contested or uncontested. In contested cases, the average length of time to finalize is anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. The issues involved in the case can shorten or lengthen this timeline; for example if children are involved. For cases that are uncontested, meaning both spouses have agreed to all terms of the divorce, they can expect an average timeline of 4-6 weeks. There are several factors that can increase or decrease the duration of both contested and uncontested cases, which include:

• Any existing agreements such as a prenup/postnup or ones that involve custody
• The cooperation between both spouses
• The valuation timeline of assets/property
• Any unforeseen events such as illness or job loss

To learn more about our team of divorce attorneys in Rochester, MN, contact us today or call (320) 299-4249.