Can International Laws Affect My Divorce?
October 23, 2017 | Elizabeth A. SchadingGoing through a divorce is a very difficult time in many people’s life and not something we ever plan to deal with. This means that the process can often be stressful and tense for both partners and will involve sorting out property, valuables and making the best arrangements for the children going forward. Often it can take months before a divorce is final due to the complexity of the circumstances. In Minnesota, a divorce is called Dissolution of Marriage and unfortunately, problems often arise concerning property and children and who is entitled to receive the property and have custody. Yet, sometimes there are more complications that arise before sorting out issues concerning the marriage. The most common scenario that can make divorce proceedings tricky is when one of the partners has maintained citizenship or has residence in another country that has a different jurisdiction. This will mean that the question of international law pops up before anything can be dealt with, which will require the courts to decide what state or country can grant and finalize the divorce. After all, laws are very specific to each state and country, which means issues in divorces will be resolved differently from country to country. Generally, it will depend on where the divorce paperwork is filed…
Read MoreEmployee Spotlight: Jackie Campbell, Legal Administrative Assistant
October 11, 2017 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Jackie Campbell became a member of Barna Guzy & Steffen in 2016 when two attorneys for whom she had worked for more than twenty-five years joined the firm. Over many years of working with transportation lawyers, including Jim Wills, Jackie became essential to the team and gained a base of impressive knowledge about the unique industry. Knowing the law isn’t as critical as knowing the way the system works and the intent of the regulations; Jackie would tell you it also has a lot to do with knowing who to call (and call.. and call!). In July of 2017, Jackie’s expertise was put to the test when she was called on to help an important Minnesota trucking client regain its illustrative safety rating. The company was given a “Conditional” rating by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in 2014. This was a blow to the company due to the influence a negative rating can have on maintaining relationships with vendors, customers (shippers) and employees. In fact, many shippers will cancel contracts or simply refuse to deal with a carrier that does not have a “Satisfactory” rating. Not only are motor carriers subject to inspection of vehicles and log books while on the road, each company is also subject to periodic audits by the U.S. Department…
Read MoreBGS Adds a New Associate in Real Estate Law
October 3, 2017 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Barna, Guzy & Steffen LTD. announces the addition of a new associate to our firm. Andrew C. Thompson has joined the firm’s Real Estate department. He will be working closely with attorneys practicing in the firm’s growing Real Estate area serving existing clients and enhancing the firm’s ability to serve new areas of the community. Andrew received his J.D. in New York in 2013 and was most recently practicing law in St. Paul as a solo practitioner. Before that, he clerked for Washington County District Court Judge Ellen L. Maas. He is experienced in a variety of real estate related areas, including: commercial leasing, real estate financial structures, transactions, and real estate management. His experience attending law school, and living and working in New York has enhanced his law practice with a foundation in the City’s vibrant and busy real estate market. Andrew graduated cum laude from New York Law School in 2013 where he ranked in the top 12{a0c01d20c42349884e67ff80c137866b0a9fe47aaae8f8a86a605a369ae487c3} of his class. He was a John Marshall Harlan Scholar, recipient of the Law Review Outstanding New Member award and on the Dean’s List four of six semesters. He is excited about this new opportunity in his legal career and says, “I am very much looking forward to working with the experienced attorneys…
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