Holiday Peace Starts with You: Managing Stress After Divorce
The holiday season can be a time of warmth, celebration, and connection. For those recently divorced, however, it may also bring a unique mix of stress, grief, and uncertainty. Traditions shift, parenting schedules change, and the absence of a former partner or shared rituals can feel especially difficult. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to […]
What are the Pros and Cons of Mediation Versus Litigation in Divorce?
Divorce is never simple, but how you choose to navigate it can make a significant difference. Whether you are preparing for a cooperative separation or anticipating more complex challenges, understanding your options is a key first step in protecting your future. Two of the most common approaches to divorce are mediation and litigation. Each offers […]
Your One-Page Holiday Parenting Plan: How to Prevent Conflict Before It Starts
The holidays are meant to be joyful, but for separated or divorced parents, they can also bring tension, confusion, and last-minute disagreements about schedules, travel, and traditions. The good news? A simple, one-page holiday parenting plan can go a long way toward keeping the season peaceful and predictable for everyone, especially your children. Why a […]
What to Expect at Your First Divorce Hearing in Minnesota
Divorce is a big step, and your first court hearing can feel like the scariest part. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go in blind, and you definitely don’t have to go it alone. At Johnson/Turner, we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge and support. So let’s break down what really […]
DIY Divorce in MN: When It Works and When to Get Help
Divorce is never easy, but in Minnesota, some couples may consider handling the process themselves without hiring a lawyer. This is often referred to as a “DIY divorce” or pro se divorce—and while it can work in certain situations, it’s not always the best route. If you’re considering a DIY divorce in Minnesota, it’s important […]
When Your Ex Breaks the Parenting Plan: Legal Options in Minnesota
Parenting plans and custody agreements are designed to provide stability for children and clarity for parents. But what happens when your ex repeatedly ignores the parenting plan—whether by refusing to follow the schedule, making major decisions without consulting you, or interfering with your time with your child? If you’re facing this situation in Minnesota, you […]
The Calm Conversation Guide: Phrases That Turn Conflict Into Cooperation
Even in the best of relationships, whether between co-parents, divorcing spouses, or adult siblings managing a parent’s estate, conflict is natural. But how we respond to conflict can either escalate tension or open the door to cooperation. In emotionally charged conversations, the words we choose matter. A lot. That’s why communication tools like the BIFF […]
Back to School, Back to Court? Navigating Custody Disputes Around School Decisions
Every fall, we see a sharp rise in calls from Minnesota parents struggling to agree on where their child should go to school, whether to switch districts, or how to handle new IEP/504 needs. The stakes feel high and the timeline is tight. If that’s you, take a breath. You have options—and many do not […]
Revised MN Partition Act: What Unmarried Property Owners Should Know
Minnesota’s newly revised Partition of Real Property Act, effective August 1, 2025, provides a more equitable path for unmarried co-owners of real estate to resolve disputes. This reform introduces a fairer and more structured legal process, prioritizes equitable outcomes, and modernizes a system that previously favored rigid, outdated approaches. What Is a Partition Action? A […]
Could Obergefell Be Overturned? What LGBTQ+ Families in Minnesota Need to Know—and Why There’s No Need to Panic
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about the possibility of the Supreme Court revisiting Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. For many LGBTQ+ families, that uncertainty feels deeply personal—and understandably stressful. But here’s the good news: If you live in Minnesota, your rights are protected. And even nationally, significant […]
