ARTICLES
The need for this article comes from the many calls my office receives from individuals who want to schedule a mediation with us, and the first question we always ask is, “Has the other party agreed to schedule mediation with us?” We often hear that moment of awkward silence on the phone while the caller…
Read MoreIn our current culture, we have had to expand our vocabulary when it comes to talking about the impact of unresolved conflict between parents on their children. This has become necessary due to the deconstruction of the nuclear family, which is evidenced by the following trends: As of 2011, for the first time in Minnesota…
Read MoreOne of the many issues that the law is not very well suited to handle is the attachments we have to our pets. When relationships end up being defined by a court, the lines that are drawn regarding pets cannot be based upon the emotional state of the parties, or the unique family “culture” that…
Read MoreThe question of what is in the best interest of a legal client is not always as easy as they make it sound in law school. This is particularly true in family law. To “zealously” represent your client’s interests as a parent can very well mean making a very difficult call regarding child testimony. No…
Read MoreIf you are a parent of a school-age child whose other parent lives somewhere else, planning the summers can be a source of stress. Kids have all kinds of choices to make with school out of the way, which requires parents to consider how much “freedom” to give their kids in setting priorities. Too often…
Read MoreThe average current cost for each person today in a Minnesota divorce is about $13,000.00. It is ironic that this is also approximately what is spent on the average Minnesota wedding. If a marriage cannot be saved, will mediation actually reduce the cost of a divorce? This is a fair question that most attorneys and…
Read MoreThe inscription on our logo at the R.C. Roby firm is a Bible verse from 1Timothy 1:8, “We know that the law is good if one uses it properly” (NIV). I think this is especially true when it comes to family law. No other area of law has greater impact on the future of those…
Read MoreThis Comment appeared in the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/RoomforDebate If there is no marriage – there is no commitment to stability – and no cultural message that working through relational conflict is worth the effort. However, more than trying to reform divorce laws, there needs to be an overhaul of the marriage laws. Creating a marital estate…
Read MoreAs Early Neutral Evaluation proves itself in several counties across Minnesota, we are seeing more attorneys becoming proactive in using this tool in their case management strategy. Many are not waiting for an ICMC Order where the court explains the process and the option, then issues an Order suspending the court deadlines, etc. Bypassing this…
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