Best Family Lawyer in Minnesota
ANETA KATARZYNA LENNARTSON
Family Lawyer
- MN Rule 114 Certification for Civil Facilitative (Mediator) & Hybrid & Civil Adjudicative/Evaluative
- Neutral (Arbitrator)
- Licensed to practice in the State of Minnesota
Activities
- Journal of Public Law and Policy Associate and Symposium Editor
- (International Symposium, entitled The 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, A Reality Check)
- Vice President of the International Law Student Association
- Co-Chair of Alternative Dispute Resolution Chapter
- President and University Founder of of Toastmasters International Club
- Vice-President of Student Government
Awards and Honors
- Graduated with highest honors from NLU
- President’s Scholarship for Distinguished Service to the School
- Recipient of the Jerzy Dietl Merit Award for Academic Excellence and Community Service granted by Educational Fund of Enterprise
- NLU Honorary Scholarships based on academic achievement and leadership
- Dean’s List all semesters
Legal Work Experience
- Zimmer Law Group, Minneapolis, MN Immigration Law Firm Intern
- Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN Immigration Law Division Law Clerk
- United States Federal District Court, Saint Paul, MN Extern to The Honorable Judge Donovan W. Frank
- City Attorney’s Office, Minneapolis, MN Civil Division Law Clerk
RHIA BORNMANN SPEARS
Family Lawyer
Rhia Bornmann Spears is an experienced Family Law lawyer who practices in all areas of family law and in all Minnesota counties.
Her focus is on helping families with the difficult issues that arise with divorce, unwed parents, establishing custody, legal separation, parenting time, child custody matters, child support or any other family law matters that may arise. She is also frequently called on to take Order for Protection and Harassment Restraining Order matters related to domestic violence or harassment on short notice, then able to provide her client with a successful outcome.
Ms. Spears is a skilled negotiator as well as a strong advocate.
She is also trained in mediation; both Family Law Mediation and General Mediation. She is a registered Mediator in Minnesota and is listed on the Supreme Court Roster of Neutrals Rule 114.
Ms. Spears passionately believes in working with her clients to serve the best interests of the children involved. Oftentimes, the best gift she can give to the parties includes the tools to improve their long term relationships for the benefit of the children involved. Studies show parents fighting is what causes the children the long term stress, not the divorce itself.
Randall A. Smith
Family Lawyer
Managing Attorney Randall A. Smith is the founder of Lake Harriet Law Office, LLC. Mr. Smith earned his B.A. in Political Science from Hamline University, his Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School, and his M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas. His practice is limited exclusively to Divorce and Family Law cases in Minnesota. Mr. Smith is also licensed in United States Tax Court.
His 25 years of extensive practice experience includes Divorce cases involving Financial Matters such as the Division and Valuation of Assets (Real Estate, Brokerage Accounts, Retirement Accounts, Pensions, Partnerships, Intellectual Property, Businesses, Stocks and Collectibles), the Division and Valuation of Debts, Calculations involving the Tracing of Non-Marital Assets, Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) cases, Present Value Calculations, Regression Analysis, Depletion and Dissipation of Assets, Cash Flow Algorithms and Schedules, Marital Lifestyle Analysis, Prenuptial (Antenuptial) Agreements, Tax Issues and other Financial Matters related to Divorce and Family Law cases.
Mr. Smith also has extensive experience representing clients in Child Custody, Child Support and Parenting Time cases, as well as Family Law Appeals and Complex Divorce and Family Law Cases. He represents clients in contested matters, high conflict cases, and high net worth cases. In contested cases involving children, it is sometimes necessary to have a custody evaluation performed (typically by a therapist or social worker) to address the best interest factors. In some cases, parents work with a neutral child specialist, or other provider, to create a parenting plan in the best interests of the children.
He is actively involved in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and he conducts family Mediation sessions and Early Neutral Evaluations (both Social and Financial) in Family Law and Divorce cases throughout the Twin Cities; Mr. Smith is on several different SENE and FENE rosters across the Twin Cities.
Todd Dwire
Family Lawyer
Todd Dwire grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota, and has served his community in the area of family law for his entire legal career. He understands the people he serves because he is one of them. He will respect your situation and your concerns.
Todd Dwire is a founding principal of Dwire Law Offices, P.A. located in Lakeville, Minnesota. Todd has devoted his practice to honest, aggressive, and compassionate representation in all aspects of family law since 1997 including, but not limited to, divorce, custody, child support, spousal maintenance, post decree modifications, father’s rights, paternity, adoption, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, legal separations, domestic abuse and harassment, early neutral evaluations, alternative dispute resolution, estate planning, and probate.
He is a Qualified Neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice
Randall A. Smith
Family Lawyer
Managing Attorney Randall A. Smith is the founder of Lake Harriet Law Office, LLC. Mr. Smith earned his B.A. in Political Science from Hamline University, his Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School, and his M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas. His practice is limited exclusively to Divorce and Family Law cases in Minnesota. Mr. Smith is also licensed in United States Tax Court.
His 25 years of extensive practice experience includes Divorce cases involving Financial Matters such as the Division and Valuation of Assets (Real Estate, Brokerage Accounts, Retirement Accounts, Pensions, Partnerships, Intellectual Property, Businesses, Stocks and Collectibles), the Division and Valuation of Debts, Calculations involving the Tracing of Non-Marital Assets, Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) cases, Present Value Calculations, Regression Analysis, Depletion and Dissipation of Assets, Cash Flow Algorithms and Schedules, Marital Lifestyle Analysis, Prenuptial (Antenuptial) Agreements, Tax Issues and other Financial Matters related to Divorce and Family Law cases.
Samantha Ivey
Family Lawyer
Samantha Ivey attended St. Cloud State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree before earning her Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. For over 5 years, Samantha has represented clients in a variety of family law matters.
After graduating from law school, Samantha began her career as an Associate Attorney at a local family law firm. There she served as lead counsel at numerous trials and family court proceedings, including Initial Conferences, Pre-Trial Hearings, Review Hearings, and Contempt Hearings.
Prior to joining Atticus Family Law, Samantha led the Family Law Practice Group at a Twin Cities general practice firm. During her time there, she handled a large caseload while also managing the staff and administrative tasks of the Practice Group. She has successfully represented clients through the completion of their family law cases and in court.
Samantha is a savvy, driven attorney who guides her clients with compassion and empathy. She takes a pragmatic approach to her work and boldly stands up for her clients. She is a skilled negotiator who uses her training and experience as a former Rule 114 qualified mediator to achieve the best possible resolution for her clients. Throughout her career, she has gained experience working with intricate cases that include cross-cultural negotiations and neuro-divergent diagnoses.
Barbara J. Gislason
Family Lawyer
Ms. Gislason has a diverse range of talents and interests, and is considered a pioneer in several legal areas. She excels in all areas in which she practices and enjoys a strong track record of success.
Barbara has written the definitive text on animal and pet law in the United States. It has been published by the family law section of the American Bar Association, with expert guidance on handling pet custody within family issues. It has received glowing endorsements from over 30 of the top legal and animal minds in the world.
“Essential reading for lawyers and anybody who is interested in animal legal issues. Barbara Gislason’s work is pioneering and will help you think deeply about the relationship between people and animals.”
Daphne Karofsky
Family Lawyer
Student Attorney, Daphne Karofsky, is a first-year law student at the University of Saint Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis completing her Juris Doctor degree. Prior to law school, Daphne attended the University of Arizona where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Human Development with a minor in Psychology.
At the University of St. Thomas School of Law, Daphne is the secretary of the Women Law Student Association (WLSA).
Daphne is dedicated to advocating for clients’ best interests as they navigate difficult family law issues.
In her spare time, Daphne enjoys doing yoga, biking, and spending time with her family and friends.
Find Your Minnesota Family Law Champion: Top Firms for Expert Representation
Facing a family law hurdle in Minnesota? Here’s how to find the Minnesota family law champion for your case. While I can’t provide specific rankings, these renowned Minnesota firms boast excellent reputations and client reviews:
- Meshbesher & Associates: This powerhouse Minnesota firm, with offices statewide, tackles various family law issues: divorce, child custody, spousal support, and more. Their experienced team fights tirelessly to protect your interests.
- Arnold, Rodman & Kretchmer PA: Located in Minneapolis, this firm has a dedicated family law team. They offer legal muscle in a wide range of family law matters: divorce, child support, paternity, domestic abuse – ensuring you have the support you deserve.
- Tuft, Lach, Jerabek & O’Connell, PLLC: Specializing in family law, this Edina firm excels in divorce, child custody, parenting time, spousal maintenance, and prenuptial agreements. Their compassionate approach and strong advocacy are highly rated.
- Dudley and Smith, P.A.: With locations across Minnesota, this firm boasts a team of family law experts handling divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence. Personalized attention is their hallmark.
- Trepanier MacGillis Battina P.A.: This Minneapolis firm’s experienced family law team tackles a broad spectrum of issues: divorce, child custody, spousal support, property division. They focus on practical solutions and personalized representation for each client.
Remember: Finding the right lawyer is a personal decision. Schedule consultations, ask questions, and ensure their approach aligns with your goals. By considering these factors, you’ll be well on your way to finding the Minnesota family law champion you deserve!
For more information on Minnesota family law resources, visit the Minnesota State Bar Association website: Minnesota State Bar Association