Divorce can reshape your entire life, from your finances to your living situation to your relationship with your children. The decisions you make now will have repercussions that last for years.
The divorce lawyers at Jaspers, Moriarty & Wetherille, P.A. have been helping families in Burnsville, Minnesota and throughout the Twin Cities metro area for over 40 years. We understand that every marriage is different, which means every divorce requires a personalized approach. Some couples can work together toward an agreement. Others have conflicts so profound that they require aggressive advocacy. Whatever your situation, our divorce attorneys will meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence.
We believe that good legal representation should never feel transactional. When you work with our law firm for your Burnsville divorce, you become a priority, not just a case number. We will develop a strategy that reflects what matters most to you. Our lawyers won’t push unnecessary legal work just to increase your bill. Instead, we focus on achieving results that are fair to you and your family. Reach out to Jaspers, Moriarty & Wetherille, P.A. today for a no-obligation consultation about your divorce.
Divorce involves far more than signing paperwork. Minnesota law requires local family courts to address several issues, like child custody arrangements, before a marriage can be officially dissolved. These include how parents will share time with their children, how spouses will divide the property they accumulated together, and whether one spouse will provide financial support to the other. Each of these questions can have complicated answers.
Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience to these challenges. We have handled straightforward divorces where both spouses largely agree, as well as high-conflict cases involving disputes over custody, hidden assets, and protective orders. This broad experience allows us to recognize potential problems early and address them before they escalate.
Do you own a Burnsville business with your spouse? Are you concerned about retirement accounts or real estate holdings? Have you recently received an inheritance, or do you expect one soon? These factors can significantly affect how your divorce unfolds. A lawyer from a law firm serving Burnsville families will know how to handle situations like these and protect your interests throughout the process.
Minnesota uses what is called a no-fault divorce system. This means you do not need to prove that your spouse did something wrong to end your marriage. If one spouse believes the relationship has broken down beyond repair, that is sufficient reason for a court to grant a divorce. Your spouse cannot legally force you to remain married.
The process typically begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This document outlines basic information about the couple, their children, and their property. After filing, the spouse must formally deliver these papers to the other spouse, who then has 30 days to respond.
From there, the court schedules a meeting called an Initial Case Management Conference. Both spouses, along with their lawyers, sit down with a judge to identify the major issues that need resolution. Common topics include parenting arrangements, support obligations, and property division.
Next comes discovery, a phase where both sides exchange detailed financial information. Minnesota courts strongly encourage couples to resolve their differences through mediation or direct negotiation rather than going to trial. When spouses can reach an agreement, their attorneys draft a settlement document for the judge to approve.
However, some cases cannot be settled outside of court. When that happens, a judge hears testimony and reviews evidence before making final decisions. The divorce becomes official once the court issues a Judgment and Decree that addresses all outstanding matters.
Hiring a skilled attorney can change the trajectory of your divorce. From the very beginning, your lawyer will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare. Our attorneys will help you handle the paperwork, meet deadlines, and communicate with your spouse’s legal team on your behalf. This allows you to focus on your family and your future rather than getting lost in procedural details.
One of the most valuable things a divorce lawyer can do is help you see the complete picture of your marital finances. If your spouse managed most of the money during your marriage, you might not have a clear sense of what assets exist or what debts you share. Your attorney can investigate these matters thoroughly and ensure you receive accurate information before agreeing to any settlement terms.
When negotiations begin, your lawyer will advocate for arrangements that serve your long-term interests. This is especially important in custody discussions, where the agreements you reach will shape your relationship with your children for years to come. If your case requires a trial, your attorney will prepare a compelling presentation of your position and argue on your behalf before the judge.
Some people consider handling their divorce without legal help to save money. While this is understandable, it often leads to costly mistakes. Court procedures involve strict deadlines, and missing one could prevent you from requesting support or challenging an unfair property arrangement.
Custody matters pose particular risks for individuals without legal representation. You might agree to a parenting schedule that seems reasonable at first but proves unworkable in practice. Modifying custody orders later requires returning to court and meeting a high legal standard, which is both expensive and uncertain.
Financial issues can be equally tricky. Without a lawyer reviewing the terms, you might accept responsibility for debts that should belong to your spouse or undervalue assets like retirement accounts. Once a judge finalizes your divorce, changing these arrangements becomes extremely difficult.
The attorneys at the law firm of Jaspers, Moriarty & Wetherille, P.A. assist clients with all aspects of divorce, including:
When Minnesotans seek the assistance of our law firm, they tend to have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common ones our clients ask us:
What determines how long a divorce takes?
Timing varies depending on the complexity of the situation and the level of cooperation. Couples who agree on major issues can sometimes finalize their divorce within a few months. Contested cases involving custody disputes or significant assets often take a year or more.
Do all divorces go to trial?
No. Most divorces settle through negotiation or mediation without ever reaching a courtroom. Trials become necessary only when spouses are unable to resolve certain issues on their own.
How do courts divide property?
Minnesota follows equitable distribution principles, meaning judges divide marital property fairly, taking into account the couple’s specific circumstances. However, fair does not always mean equal. Courts consider factors such as the length of marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the contributions each person made to the household.
How do judges make custody decisions?
Courts focus on the best interests of the child. Judges examine each parent’s living situation, involvement in the child’s life, ability to meet the child’s needs, and other relevant factors.
Ending a marriage is difficult, but you can optimize the outcome of the process with the help of an experienced legal representative. The attorneys at Jaspers, Moriarty & Wetherille, P.A. have spent over four decades helping families work through divorce with dignity and confidence. Speak with a Burnsville divorce attorney today. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation.
