Minneapolis Parenting Time Lawyer

Parenting Time Attorney in Minneapolis, MN

When parents separate or divorce, establishing clear parenting time arrangements (formerly called visitation) becomes essential for maintaining stability in children’s lives. Minnesota law emphasizes that children benefit from meaningful relationships with both parents whenever possible. For help protecting your parenting interests, contact an experienced Minneapolis parenting time lawyer to discuss your circumstances and their available legal services.

Reasons to Choose CC&S Attorneys at Law

At CC&S, our family law attorneys have been helping parents throughout Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, Sherburne, Wright, Isanti, Chisago, Pine, Washington, Dakota, Caver and Scott counties. We will also handle cases in outstate Minnesota, including Stearns, Beltrami, Hubbard and St. Louis Counties. Our firm has been assisting parents create workable parenting plans since 1979.

We understand the emotional complexities involved in these arrangements and work diligently to help you develop solutions that serve your children’s best interests while respecting and preserving your parental rights. Contact us to learn more about why we’re the preeminent family law firm in the area.

Minnesota Parenting Time Arrangements

Minnesota courts recognize several parenting time frameworks based on family circumstances and what the Court or the parents agree are in the children’s best interest:

• Equal parenting time (50/50): Children spend approximately equal time with each parent, often alternating weeks or following a 2-2-3 or 5-5-2-2 schedule
• Traditional arrangements: One parent has primary physical custody while the other has regularly scheduled parenting time on weekends and evenings
• Supervised parenting time: Court-ordered supervision when safety concerns exist, with visits occurring at designated facilities or with approved supervisors
• Reasonable parenting time: Flexible arrangements that allow parents to coordinate schedules cooperatively without rigid court-mandated times

Most parenting plans also address holiday schedules, birthdays, school breaks and vacations. These special occasions typically alternate between parents from year to year, with specific provisions for transportation, exchange locations and communication during longer separations.

While co-parents may initially be able to navigate a schedule and sharing holidays without a formal Court order, is it best to have a framework in the event parents are unable to agree and left with no quick resolution of their disputes, especially over the holidays were Courts are not available to assist.

Factors Determining Parenting Time Decisions

Minnesota courts consider several factors when determining parenting time arrangements, all centered on the best interests of the child:

• The child’s age, developmental stage and specific needs
• Each parent’s historical caregiving role and demonstrated parenting capacity
• Work schedules and availability for active parenting
• The child’s established routines, school arrangements and community connections
• The child’s reasonable preferences when age-appropriate
• Any history of domestic abuse or other safety concerns

Along with additional factors known as the “best interest factors”. Courts generally favor arrangements that provide children with frequent, meaningful contact with both parents while minimizing disruptions to their education and activities. These factors will be analyzed by the Court on a case-by-case basis and having an experienced attorney to help you provide your analysis of these factors to the Court to support your proposed parenting time schedule is the best way to ensure that the Court understands what is in your child’s best interest.

Modifying Existing Parenting Time Orders

Minnesota allows for adjustments when there has been a substantial change in circumstances that makes the existing order unreasonable or not in the child’s best interests.

The modification process begins with filing a motion with the court that granted the original order. Supporting documentation must demonstrate how circumstances have changed and why the proposed modifications better serve the child.

Parents can also agree to modify the existing parenting time schedule. However, unless that agreement is incorporated into a stipulated Court order, it cannot be enforced in the future should one parent decide they no longer agree to the change. Our experienced attorneys can help you formalize your agreements to ensure that your child is able to continue to have a stable and consistent parenting time routine.

Addressing Parenting Time Violations

When one parent consistently interferes with court-ordered parenting time, Minnesota provides several enforcement remedies:

• Compensatory parenting time
• Civil penalties and attorney’s fees
• Court-ordered parenting time assistance programs
• Custody modifications in severe cases

Our lawyers help clients document violations and pursue appropriate legal remedies while working toward cooperative co-parenting whenever possible. When you contact our team of experienced attorneys and friendly support staff, we can set up an initial meeting to discuss all potential resolution options based on your specific goals for your parenting time agreement. Contact a lawyer to learn more right away.

FAQs

Q: What are my rights if my child’s mother and I were not married when the child was born?

A: Under Minnesota Law, if you and the child’s mother were not married at the time of the child’s birth, Mother has sole legal and physical custody until a Court order establishes otherwise. It is important, even in situations where you remain in a relationship with the Mother, that an Order is established giving the other parent equal custody rights to the minor child. Even if the parents agree that it is shared custody, this must be memorialized in a stipulated Court Order to officially be enforceable.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire a Family Lawyer in Minnesota?

A: All attorneys prepare their own fee agreements for family matters. They base their legal fees on their experience level with cases like yours, the amount of time they believe they’ll need to spend on your case, and other case-specific factors. When you need a family lawyer, set up a first meeting to discuss their specific written fee agreement.

Then, they can discuss what services are included in their legal costs, and there won’t be any financial surprises. At CC&S Attorneys at Law, we offer free 30-minute initial consultation that will allow us to get to know your case, at no cost to you, so that we can provide you an estimate of the retainer needed to begin work on your file.

Q: Can I Represent Myself in a Minnesota Parenting Time Matter?

A: While you can technically represent yourself in a Minnesota parenting time matter, it’s not recommended. When you hire a lawyer, they bring substantial experience and knowledge to your situation. They can reduce your stress caused by your case, provide legal support, and ensure your voice is heard when creating a parenting time arrangement.

Contact CC&S Attorneys at Law to hear how we can represent your interests and help you avoid common mistakes made by people working without counsel.

Q: When Should I Contact a Minneapolis Parenting Time Lawyer?

A: Ideally, you should contact a Minneapolis parenting time lawyer as soon as your child is born, if you are not married, or as soon as your divorce action has started. However, our attorneys are available at any time throughout the process to help.

A lawyer can assist with a wide variety of family law matters. They protect your individual interests and ensure your children are supported and that you secure the best outcome for parenting time. A lawyer can provide you with plenty of information so you can make informed decisions about your available legal options. Call CC&S Attorneys at Law right away so we can begin working for you immediately.

Contact Our Minnesota Parenting Time Attorneys — Hire a Parenting Time Lawyer at CC&S Attorneys at Law

At CC&S, our experienced Minneapolis-based lawyers will help you create arrangements that support your children’s well-being while protecting your parental rights. We fight for your interests throughout the entire process of setting up or amending a parenting time agreement for your children. We make sure your parental rights are protected and advocate for your child’s interests as well.

Don’t go through this phase of a divorce alone, especially with so much at stake for your children. CC&S Attorneys at Law can offer emotional and legal support, and we increase your chances of a favorable outcome and minimal impact on your children. Contact us to schedule a consultation.