What is an Uncontested Divorce in Minnesota?
July 11, 2013 | Elizabeth A. SchadingMany people confuse an uncontested divorce with a “do-it-yourself” divorce. A divorce that is “uncontested” has merely settled out of court. Like 95{a0c01d20c42349884e67ff80c137866b0a9fe47aaae8f8a86a605a369ae487c3} of divorces in Minnesota, it never goes to trial. It has the benefit of being fast, less expensive, and less rancorous than the litigated alternative. This outcome doesn’t happen by magic, however, and it doesn’t usually happen because two incredibly reasonable people sit down to hash out the end of their marriage without a single bump in the road. Most “uncontested” divorces still involve attorneys. Indeed, if one or more parties in the divorce is not represented by an attorney, there will still need to be a hearing if minor children are involved. The judge needs to make sure that the settlement is not one-sided. Getting an uncontested divorce that is fair for all parties might require the help of attorneys, mediators, neutral custody evaluators and financial planners. Each of these professionals can provide different perspectives on the dissolution of your marriage and can help both you and your spouse reach an equitable settlement. You should also be aware that you and your spouse cannot save money on your divorce by agreeing to be represented by the same attorney. You and your spouse each need a different attorney. You can…
Read MoreBGS Attorneys Named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
July 9, 2013 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Barna, Guzy and Steffen would like to congratulate their attorneys named to the 2013 Minnesota Super Lawyers lists. This year, the law firm had five Super Lawyers and two Rising Stars named to the lists. The attorneys named Super Lawyers were: John T. Buchman/Personal Injury Michael F. Hurley/Banking Jeffrey S. Johnson/Real Estate Thomas P. Malone/Business Litigation Steven G. Thorson/Real Estate And the Rising Stars: Angela M. Woessner/Real Estate Timothy D. Erb/Real Estate These attorneys will appear in the Minnesota Super Lawyers Magazine to be published in August 2013 and distributed to attorneys in Minnesota and the ABA-accredited law school libraries. In addition, selected attorneys will also appear in the August 2013 issue of Mpls./St.Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business. Super Lawyers are chosen using peer nominations and evaluations which are combined with third party research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The firm recognizes that it is an honor to have attorneys named Super Lawyers/Rising Stars. This acknowledgement reinforces their continuing mission to be recognized as the best and most innovative law firm in their market.
Read MoreWhat is Building Security Negligence?
July 8, 2013 | Adriel B. VillarrealWere you the victim of a violent crime? Many violent crimes can be prevented when property owners fulfill their legal responsibility to provide adequate security for their premises. Minnesota law recognizes this, creating the basis for building security negligence cases. Property owners are supposed to ensure their properties are well-lit and have proper locks. In some cases they’re supposed to provide security systems and human patrols as well, especially if their location is known and understood to be dangerous. Sometimes violent crimes are committed by the employees of a business, too. That is why most businesses screen their employees, since they can be held responsible for failing to do so if one of their employees hurts someone. If you are the victim of a violent crime, see to your safety first. Then perform the following steps to give yourself the best possible chance of winning a future negligent security personal injury case. First, seek medical attention immediately, especially if the injury is life-threatening. Follow all of your doctor’s instructions as you can weaken your case by failing to do so. Report the incident to the police as soon as you are able to do so. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report. If someone asks you to sign documents about…
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