Knowledge Helps!

Lessening the effects and making informed decisions requires knowledge.  Do not limit yourself to only one source of information. The web offers a number of excellent basic educational resources.

While knowledge is power, before proceeding with any legal action, we strongly recommend that you at least counsel with a financial consultant or attorney before proceeding with any legal action that may have tax or legal consequences.

Court administration, mediators or co parenting educators are not allowed to provide legal advice. We recommend that you retain an attorney for divorce proceedings involving custody, division of pension and real estate, large business assets, or other potentially complicated issues.  You may also choose to hire an attorney on an hourly basis rather than pay a retainer fee. There are free attorney services for low income parents through Legal Aid and the Volunteer Attorney Program.

Mediation processes lessen litigation cost, so the earlier you enter a mediation process the more you will save.  However, it is wise to consult an attorney before entering a mediation process so you are prepared to make informed decisions.

There are many excellent attorneys in our area that can offer information and guidance.  Please check your local listings for attorneys.  Choose an attorney that specializes in the area of family law.

Family Support Web Resources

1. www.Familieschange.ca -  This is an educational website that includes video segments for children, teens and adults.  It has a Kids Guide, Grown-ups Guide and a Teen Guide to Parental Separation and Divorce.  This is excellent!
2. www.focusonthefamily.org - is a Christian website that has a number of resources and information for families, relationships, transitions, and parenting.  This is also an excellent resource!

Legal Support Web Resources

1. www.childsupport.dhs.state.mn.us - Includes basic explanations of the new child support laws and a web calculator for determining child support under the new guidelines. Requires accurate input of financial income of both parents.
2. www.courts.state.mn.us - You can download needed court forms from this site.  It also provides other sources of information.
3. www.lawhelp.mn.org - Find answers to legal questions and how to contact legal aid offices in your area.
4. www.divorcesource.com - Is an excellent research site on various topics related to divorce and tax and financial consequences by state. It is linked to a number of other informational web sites as well.
5. www.ourfamilywizard.com - Is a web-based communication service specifically designed for co parenting. It works like a communication notebook through a secure website. It keeps communications within businesslike boundaries, provides a record of communication, and has other helpful tools. We strongly recommend our parenting plan process before use of this product.

Please visit the Tips page for articles that may help in many areas.  Thank you!