Maple Grove Child Custody Attorney

Family Law Attorneys in Maple Grove, Minnesota

At the law office of Terzich & Ort, LLP, we represent men and women throughout the 13-county area in and around Minneapolis-St. Paul. Our partners have both been designated as "Rising Stars" in the legal community multiple times by Minnesota Law & Politics. Attorney Jodi M. Terzich has also been lauded as a Minnesota "Super Lawyer" for 2009.

Though we recently went into practice together, we both have years of experience in a wide range of family law matters, including child custody. We have earned our recognition among our peers by providing high quality legal advice at reasonable rates, combining personal service and attention with a high level of responsiveness. To set up an appointment, contact our office or call us at 763-391-7354.

Helping You Find Creative Solutions to Child Custody Disputes

We work closely with parents, helping you establish and implement custody arrangements that place a priority on the best interests of your children while recognizing your rights and concerns as a parent. We will carefully explain the difference between legal and physical custody labels as well as parenting plans, and help you determine whether joint custody, sole custody or a parenting plan is best suited to your situation.

In our experience, the best custody arrangements are the ones you work out cooperatively with each other. When you cannot come to an agreement, the court will determine custody for you.

We have a comprehensive understanding of the 13 factors (cited immediately below) that the court considers when making a physical custody determination, and will carefully review each concern with you so that you have an early sense of your likelihood of success. We will identify for you the factors that we believe support your case and those that mitigate against you. We will be your advocate with the court, making certain your position is understood, clarifying issues for the court, and responding to any concerns or questions from the court.

The 13 Best-Interest Factors

The wishes of the children's parents as to custody
What the children want if the children are of a sufficient age to express a preference
The children's primary caregiver
The intimacy of the relationship between each parent and the children (the demonstrated bond between children and parents)
The interaction and interrelationship of the child with a parent or parents, siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best interests
The children's adjustment to their home, school and community environment
The length of time the children have lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity
The permanence of the family unit in the proposed custodial home
The mental and physical health issues (this includes chemical use issues) of all individuals involved
The capacity and disposition of each parent to give the children love, affection and guidance, and to continue educating and raising them in their culture and religion or creed, if any
Cultural background issues
The effect on the child of the actions of an abuser, if related to domestic abuse (518B.01) that has occurred between the parents or between a parent and another individual, whether or not the individual alleged to have committed domestic abuse is or ever was a family or household member of the parent
Except in cases of domestic abuse, the disposition of each parent to encourage and permit frequent and continuing contact by the other parent with the children

We will also work hard to protect your right to legal custody, or the right to participate in decisions regarding your child's upbringing, such as education, health care and religious training. Though the presumption in Minnesota is that the parents share legal custody, the court can consider factors that support a finding of sole legal custody.

When we work with parents in custody matters, we make no presumptions until we look at all of the facts, evidence and circumstances. We will look at all the different options and help you move toward a custody agreement that is in everyone's best interests.

Parenting Classes for Contested Custody and Visitation

For parties who are unable to reach an agreement regarding custody and visitation, a combination of three classes is required. The two classes listed below are mandatory:

Hennepin County Education Video With Mediation. This three and one-half hour class is held at a variety of times and locations. This program is free. To register or learn more about available dates, please call 612-348-6734.
The LEAD Program. LEAD is an acronym for Legal and Economic Aspects of Divorce. It is a one and one-half hour class and costs $20.00 per person. A certificate of completion is given to all participants, which must be filed with the court. For more information, contact Storefront Youth Action at 612-861-1675.
The third class must be one of the programs listed below. Our firm can provide you with additional information on these:
Storefront Co-Parenting Program
Chrysalis Shared Parenting

Contact Our Office

To set up an appointment, contact our Maple Grove child custody lawyers or call us at 763-391-7354. We are available to meet with clients weekdays during regular business hours, and evenings and weekends by special request. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Creative Solutions Coupled With Sound Legal Advice