Your Questions, Answered
Have questions? You’re in the right place.
You’re not alone—and you’re not the first to have these questions. Our FAQs and trusted support resources are here to help you feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. Give us a call and get your questions answered.
Your initial consult with someone on our Client Engagement Specialist (CES) team is all about understanding your situation and helping you learn how we work. You don’t need to bring official documents just yet, but it’s helpful to come with a general idea of your legal needs, your goals, and a basic overview of any assets, debts, or other important details. The more you can share, the better we can guide you toward the right path forward. This is your space to ask questions, feel heard, and start building your support team.
At the top of every page, there is a client page button. When you click on it it will bring you to a page with 3 options, one of them being your client portal. Or you can just visit this link that will bring you right to the login page of your client portal.
After you hire us, you’ll receive a dedicated VIP phone number that connects you directly with one of our Client Service Representatives (CSRs). They work closely with your legal team and are here to support you—whether that means answering questions, passing along updates, or making sure you’re connected to the right person at the right time. It’s one direct line to your entire team.
You deserve clarity and transparency every step of the way—including when it comes to your bill. If you have a question, simply call your VIP number and let our Client Service Representatives know. They’ll connect you with someone from our billing team who can walk you through the details and make sure everything makes sense. We’re here to help, not to confuse—and we’ll always take the time to explain.
It’s easy. Just call your VIP number and let our Client Service Representatives know you’d like to schedule a follow-up. They’ll coordinate with your legal team to find a time that works, get it on the calendar, and make sure you’re fully prepared. We’re here to keep communication smooth, supportive, and stress-free—so you always feel connected and informed.
Court is a formal setting, so it’s best to dress in a way that shows respect for the process. Aim for business or business-casual attire—think dress pants or a modest skirt, a button-down shirt or blouse, and closed-toe shoes. Avoid clothing with logos, slogans, or anything too casual like jeans, shorts, or flip-flops. When in doubt, go for clean, simple, and professional—your appearance can help make a strong, respectful impression.
You’re not alone—and you’re not the first to have these questions. Our FAQs and trusted support resources are here to help you feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. Give us a call and get your questions answered.
Explore our Solutions pages to learn more about the customized paths we offer to fit your unique legal situation. Whether you’re seeking a cooperative resolution, need strong representation, or want to handle your matter independently with expert support, you’ll find clear, practical information to help you choose the solution that’s right for you.
Nope—and we don’t expect you to. During your initial consultation, our team will listen to your goals, assess your situation, and recommend a solution that fits your needs. We’re with you every step of the way, and your path can adjust as your case evolves.
Life doesn’t follow a script—and neither do legal cases. If your situation shifts, your legal team will help you adjust your package to stay aligned with your goals. Our approach is flexible, responsive, and always customized to you.
Each solution includes a set of clearly defined services, transparent pricing, and a dedicated legal team. Depending on your needs, that could include strategy meetings, document drafting, court prep, mediation support, or life coaching.
We believe in clarity, control, and compassion. That means:
Fixed pricing—no retainers or hourly billing.
Custom packages—tailored to your goals.
Team-based support—including attorneys, paralegals, client service reps, and a life coach. It’s law, done differently.
At Johnson/Turner, we offer a range of family law solutions designed to meet you where you are—emotionally, financially, and legally. From full legal representation for complex or high-conflict matters, to collaborative options like FairWell Mediation, to guided, DIY-friendly packages like DIYvorce, every solution is built with transparency, support, and your goals in mind. We also offer custom package options that evolve with your case, so you’re never locked into one path. Let’s find the approach that works best for you.
We offer both Will-Based and Trust-Based Estate Planning solutions to match your goals, family needs, and financial picture. Whether you’re looking for a simple way to outline your wishes or need a more comprehensive plan to manage complex assets, we’ll guide you through every step with clarity and care. Our flat-fee packages include everything you need—no hidden costs, no guesswork. We also help with healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and other essential documents to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.
We offer clear, customizable probate solutions designed to meet your unique needs—whether that means formal court involvement or a simplified process outside of court. Our Estate Administration Without Court package helps you handle essential tasks like settling debts, distributing assets, and closing accounts when probate isn’t required. If a court-supervised process is necessary, our Probate Court solution provides full legal support through every step. And if you’re a beneficiary concerned about how an estate is being managed, our Beneficiary Representation ensures your interests are protected and your voice is heard. Whatever your role, Johnson/Turner is here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
You’re not alone—and you’re not the first to have these questions. Our FAQs and trusted support resources are here to help you feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. Give us a call and get your questions answered.
Explore our Family Law pages for up-to-date information on Minnesota law, helpful insights, and clear guidance to better understand your options and next steps.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—spousal maintenance (also called alimony) in Minnesota depends on a variety of factors, including the length of the marriage, income differences, each party’s needs and earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage. The court may award temporary or long-term support based on your unique situation. Want to learn more? Visit our Spousal Maintenance page for a deeper dive into how it’s determined and what to expect.
A custody evaluator is a neutral professional—often a psychologist or social worker—appointed by the court to assess your family’s circumstances and make recommendations about custody and parenting time. They’ll conduct interviews, observe interactions, review records, and may speak with other important people in your child’s life (like teachers or therapists). Their goal is to help the court determine what arrangement is in the best interest of your child. For more on custody and parenting time, visit our Child Custody page.
Your tax filing status during divorce depends on your marital status as of December 31 of the tax year. If you’re still legally married on that date, you may file as “Married Filing Jointly” or “Married Filing Separately”—depending on what’s best for your situation. If your divorce is final before year-end, you’ll file as “Single” or “Head of Household,” depending on custody and financial support arrangements. Because taxes can get complicated during divorce, we recommend speaking with a tax professional to ensure you’re filing correctly and protecting your financial interests.
We ask for detailed documentation because having a complete and accurate picture of your financial, personal, and legal situation helps us advocate for you effectively. These documents allow your legal team to build a strong strategy, prevent delays, and ensure we’re protecting what matters most to you.
Depending on your case, we may request documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, retirement account balances, mortgage or lease agreements, parenting time schedules, and past court orders. Think of it as giving us the tools we need to do the best possible job on your behalf.
In most cases, each party has one opportunity to request a different judge—but it must be done early in the process and before the assigned judge makes any decisions on your case. This is called a “notice to remove,” and it doesn’t require a reason, just timely action. If you’re concerned about your judge or wondering whether a removal makes sense in your situation, talk to your legal team right away. We’ll walk you through your options and what makes the most strategic sense for your case.
In Minnesota, child support is determined using a state formula that considers both parents’ incomes, the parenting time schedule, and the cost of things like health insurance and childcare. The three main components are basic support (for daily expenses), medical support (for insurance and medical costs), and childcare support (if applicable). It’s designed to ensure the child’s financial needs are met fairly, based on the resources of both parents. Your legal team will help you understand how the guidelines apply to your situation and what you can expect.
The timeline for a divorce in Minnesota depends on several factors—such as whether minor children are involved, whether spousal maintenance is being requested, and how complex the division of assets and debts may be. On average, divorce can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the level of conflict and whether the case is resolved through settlement or goes to trial. For a faster resolution, couples may consider options like mediation or collaborative divorce. Learn more about timelines and what to expect on our Divorce page.
A divorce or custody case begins when a Summons and Petition is prepared and served on the other party. This can be done by a process server or by sending the documents with an Admission of Service form, which the other party signs to acknowledge receipt—often the most amicable route. Once service is completed, the documents are filed with the court, and the case officially begins with a hearing called the Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC). Learn more about the first steps on our Family Law page.
The Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC) is an informal first meeting with the judge assigned to your divorce or custody case in Minnesota. Both parties (and their attorneys, if represented) attend to give the judge an overview of the issues. No rulings are made at this stage—it’s not a time to argue your case. Instead, the judge focuses on selecting the best form of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation, to move the case forward.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to methods used to settle family law disputes—like divorce, custody, or support—outside of the courtroom. In Minnesota, common forms of ADR include:
ADR is often faster, more cost-effective, and less adversarial than traditional litigation. To learn more about which option may be right for your case, visit our Mediation & ADR page.
If both parties reach a full agreement through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), the next step is to formalize it in a document called a Stipulated Judgment and Decree. This legally binding agreement outlines all the terms of the settlement—such as custody, parenting time, property division, and support.
Typically, the Petitioner’s attorney drafts the document and shares it with the other party for review and revisions. Once both parties approve the final version, they sign it, and it is submitted to the court. When the judge signs off, the divorce or family law matter is finalized, and any scheduled court hearings are cancelled.
This process saves time, reduces conflict, and gives both parties more control over the outcome.
If the parties attempt Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and are unable to reach a full agreement, the case moves forward to a Pre-trial hearing. At the Pre-trial, the court typically separates the parties in an effort to settle unresolved issues one final time before scheduling a trial. This hearing serves as a settlement conference and is the court’s last attempt to help the parties resolve outstanding matters outside the courtroom. If any issues remain after the Pre-trial, the case will proceed to trial, where a judge will make the final decisions. At every step, your Johnson/Turner legal team will be by your side with a clear strategy and strong advocacy to protect your interests.
You’re not alone—and you’re not the first to have these questions. Our FAQs and trusted support resources are here to help you feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. Give us a call and get your questions answered.
Explore our Estate Planning pages for clear, up-to-date information on Minnesota law, practical guidance, and valuable insights to help you protect what matters most—now and in the future.
An estate plan typically includes a will or trust, power of attorney, health care directive, and beneficiary designations. It outlines how your assets will be distributed and who will make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.
A will is a legal document that outlines your wishes for how your assets should be distributed after your death and can also name guardians for minor children. However, a will must go through probate court, which can be time-consuming and public.
A trust, on the other hand, allows you to transfer assets directly to beneficiaries without going through probate. It offers more privacy, control, and flexibility—especially helpful for managing complex estates or providing for loved ones over time.
👉 Explore more estate planning insights on our Estate Planning page
If you pass away without a will, Minnesota’s intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed—usually to your closest relatives. This may not reflect your actual wishes and can create unnecessary stress for your loved ones.
Yes—you absolutely do. An estate plan isn’t just about how much you own; it’s about protecting the people and wishes that matter most to you.
Even if you don’t have significant assets, an estate plan allows you to:
Appoint someone to make medical and financial decisions if you can’t
Name guardians for your children
Ensure your belongings—big or small—go to the right people
Avoid confusion and stress for your loved ones
You should review and update your estate plan whenever you experience a major life change—like getting married, divorced, having a child, or a significant change in assets. Even without major changes, it’s wise to revisit your plan every 3–5 years to ensure it still reflects your wishes and current Minnesota laws.
A power of attorney gives someone legal authority to manage your finances, while a health care directive allows someone to make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to speak for yourself.
You’re not alone—and you’re not the first to have these questions. Our FAQs and trusted support resources are here to help you feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. Give us a call and get your questions answered.
Explore our Probate pages for clear, up-to-date information on Minnesota law, practical guidance, and support to help you navigate the process of settling a loved one’s estate with confidence and care.
Probate is the legal process used to settle a person’s estate after they pass away. This includes validating a will (if there is one), identifying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what’s left to the rightful heirs. In Minnesota, probate is usually required if the person owned assets solely in their name at the time of death, without joint ownership or a named beneficiary.
If you’re unsure whether probate is necessary, we can help you figure that out—no guesswork required. Contact us today!
Not necessarily. If the deceased person’s assets were jointly owned, held in a trust, or had named beneficiaries, those assets may pass directly to the co-owner or beneficiary without probate. Smaller estates may also qualify for a simplified process.
Most probate cases in Minnesota are resolved within 6 to 12 months. That timeline can be longer if the estate is complex or there are disagreements among heirs or beneficiaries. Our team is here to keep things moving and minimize delays wherever possible.
The personal representative is responsible for managing the estate. This includes locating and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, filing court documents, and ensuring that the estate is distributed according to the will or state law.
It’s a big job—but you don’t have to do it alone. We guide personal representatives through every step.
When someone dies without a will, their estate is considered “intestate.” Minnesota law determines how assets are divided, usually prioritizing spouses, children, and close relatives. Even without a will, we’ll help you carry out this process with clarity and care.
In very simple cases, it’s possible. But probate can involve legal technicalities, deadlines, and disputes that make professional guidance a smart investment—especially during an already emotional time.
The estate is responsible for paying valid debts. Creditors must be notified and paid before the remaining assets are distributed to heirs. If the estate doesn’t have enough to pay everything, some debts may go unpaid based on legal priority
Informal probate is faster, less costly, and used when there are no disputes among heirs or beneficiaries.
Formal probate is more structured and court-supervised, often used when legal questions or disagreements arise.
Not always. Many probate cases—especially informal ones—can be handled without appearing in court. If court involvement is needed, our attorneys will represent you and guide you through the process with confidence.
Bloomington
8400 Normandale Lake Blvd., Suite #920 Bloomington, MN 55437
Open hours Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
Map & Directions
Burnsville
1509 Southcross Dr W, Suite 204
Burnsville, MN 55306
Open hours Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
Duluth
230 West Superior Street, Suite #400
Duluth, MN 55802
Open hours Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
Eden Prairie
6385 Old Shady Oak Rd., Suite #250
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Open hours Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
Map & Directions
Forest Lake
56 E. Broadway Ave, Suite #206
Forest Lake, MN 55025
Open hours Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
Maple Grove
11670 Fountains Drive, Suite #200
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Open hours Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
Map & Directions
Minneapolis
100 S 5th St., Suite #1900
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Open hours Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
Map & Directions
Rochester
975 34th Avenue NW, Suite #350
Rochester, MN 55901
Open hours Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
Roseville
2355 Highway 36 West, Suite #400
Roseville, MN 55113
Open hours Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
St. Paul
445 Minnesota Street, Suite #1500
St. Paul, MN 55101
Open hours Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
Wayzata
1155 East Wayzata Blvd, Suite #10
Wayzata, MN 55391
Open hours Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
Woodbury
7377 Currell Blvd., Suite #101
Woodbury, MN 55125
Open hours Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
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