Child custody cases are often the most challenging and stressful part of any divorce or paternity case. At Johnson/Turner, we understand the emotional toll and complexities involved, and we’re committed to giving your custody case the attention and care it deserves. Our team is here to help shoulder the burden so you can focus on what truly matters—your children.

Dedicated Custody Support Across Minnesota

Each client receives a dedicated team, including a Minnesota child custody attorney, a senior paralegal, a client engagement specialist, and a life coach. This holistic support approach means we’re not just managing your case but helping you cope with stress, maintain strong family relationships, and prepare for your future custody arrangement. Our flat-fee pricing ensures transparency—you’ll never worry about unexpected fees or the cost of a phone call. With fully-staffed offices in Forest Lake, Blaine, Lake Elmo, Rochester, Wayzata, and Woodbury, we’re here to serve you wherever you are in Minnesota.

Types of Child Custody in Minnesota

Understanding custody types in Minnesota can help you make informed decisions:

• Physical Custody: Determines where the child lives and which parent’s home they primarily reside in.
• Legal Custody: Refers to the right to make major decisions for the child related to education, healthcare, and religion. In Minnesota, legal custody is generally shared, unless specific circumstances justify a different arrangement.

How Custody Decisions Are Made

The primary focus in Minnesota custody cases is always the best interest of the child. Courts consider a variety of factors, including:

• The child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
• The ability of each parent to provide a stable, loving environment.
• The child’s preference, depending on their age and maturity.
• Any history of domestic abuse, mental health, or substance abuse issues.
• Each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.

When custody is disputed, the court may appoint an evaluator to provide a recommendation based on a comprehensive assessment of both parents and the child. We’ll be there to advocate for your rights and your child’s best interests throughout this process.

Resolving Child Custody Disputes

In cases where custody or parenting time is contested, Johnson/Turner offers various methods to help you reach an agreement outside of court. Our attorneys explore options like mediation, negotiation, and Parenting Time Expediting (PTE), a court-appointed role designed to resolve immediate parenting time disputes quickly and affordably. Our goal is to achieve a resolution that minimizes conflict and maintains focus on the well-being of your child.

Guardian ad Litem and Parenting Time Expeditors

In situations where the child’s welfare may be at risk, the court can appoint a Guardian ad Litem to advocate for the child’s best interests. Additionally, a Parenting Time Expeditor (PTE) can be appointed to help resolve disputes over parenting time orders, providing a faster, more cost-effective solution for time-sensitive issues, such as holiday schedules or special events.

Other Expense Sharing

Child support covers essential costs like food, housing, and medical care—but what about everything else? Expenses for clothing, extracurricular activities, sports, driver’s education, prom, and other necessities aren’t automatically shared. If these costs aren’t specifically negotiated in your agreement, the parent receiving child support will be responsible for them in full. Your Johnson/Turner team will help you navigate these conversations, ensuring clarity and fairness so your child’s needs are met without unexpected financial strain.