Edina Divorce Lawyer

Divorce Attorney In Edina, MN

Going through a divorce in Edina can be one of the hardest events a person can experience in life. During such an overwhelming time, it’s important to have a sympathetic Edina divorce lawyer on your side. They can make sure your legal rights are being protected throughout the entirety of your case. This can ensure the security of not only your future but also that of your family.

Experienced Divorce Attorney in Edina, MN

Santana Law PLLC is a solo law practice committed to providing compassionate legal representation to individuals across Minnesota. Founded by Minnesotan Ronnie Santana, he’s dedicated to asserting the legal rights of his community. The firm provides initial consultations to new clients.

Born and raised within the Latino community, Ronnie’s background provides him with valuable cultural insight that informs his approach to client representation. He understands how cultural factors can impact legal matters, so he strives to provide advocacy that is not only legally sound but also culturally sensitive and responsive.

Edina Divorce Laws and Property Division

In Edina, 6% to 10% of residents were divorced as of 2023. When a Minnesota court issues a divorce decree, it officially ends the marriage and changes both people’s marital status to single. This can be granted if the marriage is broken beyond repair. For those involved in a divorce, the Family Justice Center, located at 110 South 4th Street in Minneapolis, usually oversees Hennepin County cases.

A key aspect of the divorce process is the division of property. For couples who don’t have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in place, the court will divide marital property. This is different from separate property, which one spouse owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance. This might not be divided. Types of marital property can be:

• Joint bank accounts
• Homes. With the average Edina home valued at $621,757, real estate division is often a heated issue in divorce cases.
• Cars and other vehicles
• Furniture
• Personal belongings bought during the marriage
• Retirement accounts
• Pensions

During the division process, the court will make its decisions based on what is fair, not necessarily what is equal or who is at fault for the end of the marriage. They’ll look at multiple factors, such as:

• How long the marriage lasted
• Any previous marriage either spouse had
• The age and health of each spouse
• Each spouse’s job, income, and any debts
• The future earning potential of each spouse
• Each spouse’s contributions to acquiring and maintaining the property, such as homemaking

Alimony

During a divorce, the court can order one spouse to pay spousal maintenance, commonly called alimony, to the other. This may happen if the spouse asking for alimony doesn’t have enough income to meet reasonable needs, based on the lifestyle they had during the marriage. Alimony can also be granted if the spouse cares for a child who needs them at home and cannot work outside the house.

The amount and length of alimony depend on what the court finds fair. For granted alimony, the guidelines usually are as follows:

• For marriages shorter than five years, there is typically no alimony.
• For marriages between five and twenty years, alimony is generally temporary and lasts no longer than half the length of the marriage.
• For marriages longer than twenty years, alimony is often permanent unless the court decides otherwise.

Hire a Divorce Lawyer in Edina, MN

Our clients are often facing difficult times in their lives. At Santana Law PLLC, our attorney can provide strong representation and sound legal guidance throughout your divorce. Mr. Santana combines his experience as a former prosecutor and family law attorney to offer clients a comprehensive perspective on their unique case. This background helps him anticipate the strategies of the other parties involved. He can get the most favorable outcome for your case.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between Legal Separation and Divorce in Minnesota?

A legal separation is a formal court process, like divorce. It includes decisions about property, debts, child custody, and support, but the couple stays legally married. Divorce, however, legally ends the marriage. Legal separation takes just as long and can cost as much as a divorce. Some couples choose it for religious or financial reasons. If you legally separate and later want to divorce, you must start a separate divorce case.

How Long Does a Divorce Take to Finalize in Edina?

A divorce timeline can vary for each couple, especially for those who have been married for a long time or still have contested issues. If both parties can agree on property division, support, and custody for any children, the process can potentially take only a few months. However, if there are any disagreements, it can take much longer. It’s important to hire a divorce lawyer who can explain what to expect during your unique case.

Do I Have to Go to Court to Get Divorced In Edina, MN?

It depends. If you and your spouse agree on all topics, like how to divide property and debts, along with arrangements for custody, support, and alimony, you can file for an uncontested divorce. This process is faster and less expensive than going to trial. Minnesota offers two simplified types: summary dissolution and joint petition. Summary dissolution is for couples with no children, short marriages, low assets, and little debt. A joint petition is used when you agree on everything but don’t qualify for summary dissolution.

How Is Child Custody Decided in Minnesota?

Judges look at many factors, including:

• The child’s physical, emotional, and cultural needs
• Any medical or educational issues
• The child’s own wishes

They also consider each parent’s:

• Health
• History of involvement in the child’s care
• Home life
• Willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent

Even if a parent does not have custody, they usually still have rights to school records, medical information, and contact with the child, unless these are restricted by the court.

Choose a Trusted Divorce Attorney In Edina, MN

Santana Law PLLC focuses on empowering our clients by providing transparent legal advice and expectations during the entirety of your case. Our attorney can explain your legal situation in easy-to-understand terms, both in English and in Spanish.

Mr. Santana’s advocacy is based on your individual needs and the passion to protect your rights. He offers initial consultations to residents in Edina and the surrounding areas. Contact his office today to schedule your first meeting and learn how he can help.

Edina, MN Divorce Lawyer Resources

• How To File for Divorce in Minnesota?

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