Washington County Divorce Lawyers Explain Contested Divorce in Minnesota

Experienced counsel serving Dakota County, Burnsville, Stillwater and Woodbury, MN

When you are heading for a contentious divorce, the attorneys at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A. are prepared to fight hard to protect your interests. We understand the stress and anxiety you are going through, and we are responsive to your questions and concerns. With more than 60 years ’ combined experience, our team has the knowledge and experience to take your case to trial.

Identifying issues in your contested divorce

A divorce is contested when the spouses can’t agree on one or more important issues. Depending on your situation, the disputed issues may include:

  • Division of property
  • Spousal support (alimony)
  • Child custody

We are effective negotiators, but sometimes full agreements cannot be reached. We are prepared to take your contested divorce case to trial if that’s what’s necessary to secure a fair outcome for you.

Advocating for fair child support and spousal support

Child support is owed to the custodial parent for the benefit of a child. Spousal support, or alimony, is owed to a former spouse and can take many forms depending on the requesting spouse’s needs and the paying spouse’s ability to pay. We engage experts, if needed, to establish income from investments or business interests before it is time to calculate child support or determine whether an alimony award is warranted.

Protecting your interests in a property division

Uncovering the other spouse’s financial information and the extent of marital assets is crucial to achieving a fair property division. We use every legal discovery tool to obtain the financial information that will support your position. This is particularly important for spouses who have not been directly involved in the family’s financial affairs. You can’t make an informed decision about a settlement — or know what to ask the court for — until all of your spouse’s financial cards are on the table.

Securing temporary orders in contested divorces

Contested divorce proceedings can take many months and sometimes more than a year, depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule. In such circumstances, we can secure temporary orders to maintain the financial status quo during the pendency of the case. Issues addressed in temporary orders may include:

  • An order not to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of marital assets
  • An order designating who pays the debts and household expenses while the divorce is pending
  • Temporary child custody and support
  • Temporary alimony

Temporary orders are especially important when children are involved.

Call today for a free consultation

With an office in Lakeville, Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A. serves clients throughout Minnesota, including Washington County, Dakota County, Burnsville, Eagan and Woodbury, MN. Contact us online to discuss your family’s legal problems, or call us at 651-379-3024. We give you an honest assessment of your case. Free parking and flexible scheduling are available.

Contact the Firm

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Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.

Address

20856 Holyoke Avenue,
P.O. Box 369,
Lakeville, Minnesota 55044

Phone

651-379-3024