Navigating the Minnesota Family Law Landscape
January 30, 2024 | Jason C. Brown
Family law issues can be emotional and overwhelming for all involved. From divorce and child custody to domestic violence, each case brings its own set of challenges. In this post, learn more about Minnesota family law and the key principles that govern these sensitive matters. Child Custody One of the most emotionally charged aspects of family law revolves around child custody. Courts prioritize the best interest of the child when determining custody arrangements. Factors such as the child’s well-being, relationship with each parent, and the ability to provide a stable environment are considered. Marriage and Divorce Marriage issues, though rare, involve the requirements for a valid marriage, including age restrictions, consent, and the formalities involved in legalizing the nuptials. Both statutes and case law govern the dissolution of a marriage. Minnesota is a no-fault divorce state. Issues include the division of assets, alimony, child custody, and child support. Adoption Minnesota’s adoption law outlines the legal procedures that prospective adoptive parents must follow to formalize their relationship with an adopted child. Adoption laws vary by jurisdiction. Understanding the nuances of adoption law is important for those looking to expand their families through that process. Domestic Abuse Domestic abuse is another significant aspect of family law. Protective orders and restraining orders are essential tools for…
Read MoreTips for Driving During the Winter
December 29, 2023 | Adriel B. Villarreal
As the temperatures in the Twin Cities begin to drop and snow begins to blanket the roads, it’s critical that you gear up for winter driving. Navigating through these severe winter conditions requires a different set of skills and precautions than driving in warmer seasons. Continue reading our blog as we explore some essential tips to help ensure your safety and your confidence on the icy Minnesota roads. Make Sure Your Vehicle is Prepared Before hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is winter-ready. This includes checking the battery, brakes, tires, and fluid levels. Consider switching to winter tires for better traction in snow and icy conditions. Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze and replace worn-out windshield wipers to maintain clear visibility. Slow Down and Increase Following Distance One of the most crucial winter driving tips is to reduce your speed. Snow and ice will reduce your traction while driving, making it more challenging to stop quickly. Drive at a speed that allows you to maintain control of your vehicle and increase the following distance between you and the car in front of you. This extra space provides more time to react to sudden stops or slippery conditions. Know How to Handle Skids Even taking the…
Read MoreEarned Sick and Safety Leave Law
December 11, 2023 | David R. Schaps
Minnesota’s new Earned Sick and Safety Time Leave Law (ESST) is approaching, and Minnesota business owners need to have policies in place and prepared to go live on January 1, 2024. Employers must provide each employee in Minnesota with at least one hour of paid sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked, up to at least 48 hours of accrued ESST a year. An employee is anyone who works at least 80 hours a year for an employer in Minnesota and is not an independent contractor. An employer’s existing leave policy, such as paid time off (PTO), may already fully or partially meet Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time requirements. Local ordinances such as those in Bloomington, Duluth, Minneapolis, and St. Paul may also affect the requirements to provide ESST leave time and differ from the new State requirements. Please note that an important part of the new law is that employees do not have to live in Minnesota to be eligible for ESST accrual but must work at least 80 hours in Minnesota in a year to be eligible; time worked in Minnesota will apply to ESST accrual. If an employer is based in Minnesota but has employees who work in another state, those out-of-state employees are not covered by…
Read More