Protecting Your Family,
Securing Your Future
"Don't hesitate to hire Dan! I am so glad I chose him to represent me! He is very talented and easy to talk to. He listened to my situation and was able to prepare in really short time for the hearing."
Family law covers various legal issues involving marriage, children, and domestic relationships. As a family law firm in Northfield, MN, we regularly help clients with:
Guiding you through the legal process of ending a marriage or formalizing a separation.
Helping establish fair custody, visitation, and financial support arrangements for your children.
Equitably dividing assets and liabilities during divorce or separation.
Helping you legally change existing court orders when life circumstances shift.
Ensuring a fair outcome for financial support after a marriage ends.
Supporting parental rights, paternity claims, and legal protection from abuse.
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Book your appointment with Irwin Law Office PLC to get started.
Contact Us TodayShare your situation, ask questions, and get clear guidance on your options.
We handle the legal complexities and keep you informed every step of the way.
Whether through settlement or court, we work to get the results you need.
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When children are involved, custody is often the most emotional and important issue in a family law case. In Minnesota, there are two types of custody:
Minnesota courts encourage joint custody unless it would harm the child’s well-being. The overriding standard in any custody case is the “best interests of the child,” outlined in Minnesota Statute §518.17. This law lists 12 factors courts must consider, including the child’s needs, the parents’ relationship with the child, the child’s school and community ties, and each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
We help parents understand what the court is looking for and how to demonstrate their ability to provide a stable, loving environment. As a family law firm in Northfield, MN, we help create realistic parenting plans that reduce conflict and support the child’s development.
Financial support is another cornerstone of family law. In Minnesota, both parents are responsible for financially supporting their children. The amount of child support is calculated using the “Income Shares Model,” which considers both parents’ incomes, parenting time, and the cost of medical and childcare expenses.
Spousal maintenance—sometimes called alimony—is more complex. It’s not automatically awarded and depends on factors such as:
Whether you’re requesting or contesting spousal maintenance, our family law lawyers in Northfield can help you navigate the numbers, present clear financial evidence, and advocate for a fair outcome.
Under Minnesota Statute §518.58, marital property must be divided “equitably,”—which doesn’t necessarily mean equally. Property acquired during the marriage is usually considered marital, while assets owned before the marriage or received as gifts or inheritance may be considered non-marital.
Some of the most challenging issues in property division involve:
As experienced Northfield family law attorneys, we work with financial professionals when necessary to ensure assets are properly valued and divided fairly. We’re committed to protecting your financial future.
When a child is born to unmarried parents in Minnesota, the mother automatically has sole legal and physical custody unless paternity is legally established. This means fathers must take specific legal steps to gain parental rights.
Establishing paternity involves signing a Recognition of Parentage (ROP) or filing a court action. Once paternity is established, fathers can seek custody and parenting time—and they may also have a duty to pay child support.
We believe every parent deserves a meaningful relationship with their child. Our team works closely with mothers and fathers to resolve paternity issues fairly and respectfully.
Many people think prenuptial agreements are only for the wealthy, but they’re a smart tool for anyone entering marriage with personal or business assets. In Minnesota, a prenuptial agreement is enforceable if it is:
Postnuptial agreements—signed after the marriage—are also valid under similar rules, though courts review them with greater scrutiny.
Our Northfield family law attorneys help draft clear, enforceable agreements that protect your interests and reduce future conflict.
You don’t have to live in fear. Minnesota law offers strong protections for domestic abuse survivors. An Order for Protection (OFP) can block an abuser from contacting you, entering your home, or having firearms.
Under Minnesota Statute §518B.01, you can request an OFP if a family or household member has harmed, threatened, or intimidated you. We act fast and discreetly to secure protection—or defend your rights if you’ve been falsely accused.
Disclaimer: This website provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing or using this site does not establish an attorney-client relationship. By submitting your information, you consent to communication via phone, text, or email.
