Category: Family Law
Family Law ADR: Alternatives to the Courtroom
October 13, 2022 | Jason C. Brown
To the surprise (and relief) of many, only a small portion of the family cases we handle wind up in trial. The vast majority of the time our attorneys are able to negotiate a favorable settlement. Our firm has a reputation for success in the courtroom. Still, we consider trial as a last resort. Why is it important to focus on settlement efforts before trial? We find that the litigants will save substantial time and money if matters are resolved sooner than later. We also find that the parties are far more likely to abide by the terms of the agreement if they have created it. Most importantly, by working toward settlement our clients maintain control over the outcome, rather than handing that authority over to a judge. There are a number of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) models available to family court litigants. Mediation is a common process in which the parties and lawyers hire a neutral to facilitate a conversation about the issues. The mediator is there to offer suggestions on how to resolve matters but takes no position concerning the issues. Most mediators are experienced family law attorneys who have shifted their practice to ADR after many years in the courtroom. Evaluative mediation involves the retention of a neutral but gives…
Read MoreTake Care of Your Legacy: Planning Your Will & Estate
November 18, 2021 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
By: William F. Huefner For many, writing a Will and planning for the handling of your estate seems like a topic that can be pushed to the backburner. However, planning ahead and creating a Will is something that should be handled sooner rather than later. With the help of trusted professionals, it’s easy. Continue reading our blog and find out how you can ensure a strong plan for your estate. When Is the Right Time to Write a Will? The short answer is right now. As long as you are at least 18 years old, you are in a position to write a Will. Experts recommend that every adult should have a Will regardless of their age and health. A few other life-changing events that provide a good reason to write a Will are accumulating a large sum of money, getting married or divorced, when you have children, and when you start a business. Many factors can be protected with a Will. Make sure you and your family are not caught off guard without one. Writing Your Will Itemize Your Inventory The first step towards creating a Will is itemizing your assets. Start off by making a list of your assets, i.e., bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, real estate, etc. Keep in…
Read MoreJason C. Brown, Attorney at Law, Joins Barna, Guzy & Steffen’s Family Law Department Bringing 20 Years of Experience
September 2, 2021 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
Attorney Jason C. Brown has joined the firm as a shareholder with more than 20 years of experience. Over the span of his career, he has represented a wide variety of clients seeking to resolve important family matters. Many of his cases have involved complex custody disputes, alimony claims, and high net worth individuals, including several divorces in which the value of the marital estate exceeded ten million dollars. Every client, no matter their background, is important to Jason. Joining the law firm of Barna, Guzy and Steffen will give Jason the opportunity to streamline his practice while offering clients access to the broad scope of legal services offered by the firm. Jason has been recognized as a family law Super Lawyer (2015, 2016, 2020, 2021) and has served as a court-appointed early neutral evaluator for Anoka, Hennepin, Sherburne, and Wright County from 2015-present. His Minnesota Family Law Blog was also honored as a “Top 25” by the Minnesota State Bar Association in 2011. Jason will continue to focus his practice on all facets of family law including divorce, custody, prenuptial agreements, adoption, grandparent rights, and mediation. Barna, Guzy and Steffen, Ltd. has a long-standing tradition of helping clients with their legal needs, serving generations of clients in the north metro. “BGS is a…
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