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.
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
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Municipal
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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.
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.
Words From Our Clients
“… I have never been through a divorce and had a lot of questions throughout the whole process. Ellen went above and beyond explaining everything to me in great detail, no matter how trivial. I also went to her paralegal, Jenny, who held my hand through every e-mail, Affidavit and Court appearance to ensure I was ready and prepared…”
– Jennifer
“Dawn was excellent to work with in my divorce. I felt that she knew the law and what the realistic outcome would be up front which I appreciated. She’s also understands financial portfolios very well and works very efficiently. I always felt confident she would get the results I wanted and she did. I would definitely recommend Dawn if you’re looking for a efficient competent lawyer to realistic and fair results in your divorce.”
– Jon
“My specific case was going terribly due to poor representation, which caused me to make a late in the process change of attorney. Dawn took charge of the case, addressed all the outstanding issues and completely turned the situation around for me. As a result of her guidance and representation, I achieved extremely favorable results in the divorce and custody decision of our son.”
– Mark
“Dawn was so prepared for every meeting and I felt like her insight and direction were invaluable to me. She made the process so easy and made me feel so comfortable and at peace with the decisions we made together. I would recommend her to ANYONE!”
– Denise
Our Attorneys
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
At Carson, Clelland & Schreder, our team knows how intimidating divorce and family matters can be and how stressful it can feel to be waiting in limbo. That’s why our knowledgeable staff will always be available to answer your questions during business hours. Call 763-515-0355 or contact us online to start on your path forward today.