Your Friendly Neighborhood Lawyers

Over the past 45 years, our attorneys at Carson, Clelland & Schreder (CC&S) have built our divorce and family law practice one relationship at a time by successfully advocating on behalf of our clients and pointing the way forward through challenging times.

CC&S Attorneys and Staff
Group photo of attorneys and staff at Carson , Clelland & Schreder

A Twin Cities Firm Serving The North Metro Area Since 1979

Conveniently located in the northern Minneapolis metro area, we offer exceptional legal services without the downtown hassle or the downtown price tag.

Family
Law

Alternative
Dispute Resolution

Divorce
Law

Municipal
Law

Orders for
Protection

Real Solutions In Family Law

Clients rely on us for guidance through difficult and emotional times. Our attorneys provide comprehensive counsel and representation in matters of Minnesota family law, including filing for separation, contested or uncontested divorce proceedings, child custody and co-parenting, child support and orders for protection. Our team handles straightforward dissolutions as well as complex and contentious divorce issues, such as business valuations, alimony, parent relocation and post-decree modifications.

At CC&S, our attorneys strive to limit the stress and animosity of family matters while protecting our clients’ interests and pursuing their goals. They are skilled negotiators who can help you forge sensible solutions as well as proven trial lawyers who can help you stand your ground in court proceedings.

Renowned For Our Work In Municipal Law

In addition to our practice in family law, CC&S has been a trusted advisor for over four decades to municipalities throughout Minnesota. Our attorneys are well versed in all facets of municipal law, as well as real estate, land use and development. We provide additional legal services to individuals and families, including estate planning and criminal defense.

CC&S Attorneys and Staff

Exploring Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a major focus at CC&S. We employ a variety of methods to help parties resolve conflicts with out-of-court resolutions. Several of our attorneys are Qualified Rule 114 Neutrals who can facilitate mediation, arbitration, early neutral evaluation and hybrid methods. We also have parenting consultants and parenting time expeditors who can help co-parents swiftly and amicably resolve disputes involving their children. Our team invites you to learn more about all the ADR tools at your disposal.

Outdoor group photo of attorneys and staff at Carson , Clelland & Schreder

Words From Our Clients

Our Attorneys

Ellen M. Schreder

Ellen M. Schreder

Managing Partner

Ellen began her career by representing our municipal clients and has since built the firm’s family law practice. She now spends approximately half of her time serving as a neutral in all types of family law matters as a mediator, early neutral evaluator, parenting consultant and parenting time expeditor.

David K. Ross

David K. Ross

Partner

David has handled numerous criminal jury trials and has argued at the Court of Appeals on multiple occasions. David also represents the firm’s municipal clients in their civil DWI-related forfeitures.

Dawn E. Speltz

Dawn E. Speltz

Partner

Dawn works in all areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, paternity, asset division, child support and domestic abuse. She is also a qualified Rule 114 neutral, providing a variety of ADR services, including early neutral evaluation as well as parenting consultant services.

John J. Thames

John J. Thames

Partner

John has handled numerous trials and has argued at the Court of Appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court. John serves as the city attorney for the cities of Spring Lake Park, Maple Plain, Corcoran, Long Lake and Greenfield.

Jeffrey A. Carson

Jeffrey A. Carson

Of Counsel

Jeff has worked extensively in the fields of eminent domain and special assessments. He has also served as a commissioner in condemnation matters in the metropolitan area. He is a qualified Rule 114 neutral and serves as a mediator in the municipal field.

Joseph Murphy

Joseph Murphy

Associate Attorney

Joe works with our municipal clients in criminal and civil matters and assists private clients in criminal defense. He has extensive experience trying cases, litigating contested hearings and arguing cases at the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

Alina Stevenson

Alina Stevenson

Associate Attorney

Alina received her bachelor’s degree in history from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2012. Following her undergraduate education, she completed two years of service with AmeriCorps. Alina graduated with her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Oregon School of Law in 2017.

Calen King

Calen King

Associate Attorney

Calen is an associate attorney working in our municipal practice as well as family law. Calen has a unique background, as he worked for many years as a criminal and family paralegal prior to attending law school.

Our Team Is Here To Help