Three Paths to Custody – One Clear Future

You’re not just facing a legal challenge. You’re securing your child’s future.

Securing Your Child's Future.

Custody isn’t just about time on a calendar. It’s about peace of mind. It’s about showing up for your child — and protecting their future.

Your Custody Journey Starts Here

A quick, plain-language guide to understanding custody in Minnesota.

Covers legal and physical custody
Explains how parenting time is decided
Clarifies rights for unmarried parents
Outlines why a formal agreement matters

Shannon Wachter

Family Law Attorney

“When does a court recognize the child's opinion as significant?”

It’s important to note that while kids’ opinions are a factor, the judge’s primary goal will be to keep children out of litigation. Parents should know that and be prepared for that. If a child is talking to a legal official, it is also recommended that they receive some level of therapy to help them emotionally handle the position they are in.

The Three Paths to Your Custody Case

If you and your co-parent are mostly aligned and want a simple, court-ready custody agreement, this is the path for you. We’ll help you draft and file a legally valid plan — without court, without confusion.

This is a guided, attorney-led process that helps both parents come to a full agreement in one half-day session.We handle all the legal paperwork.

If your custody case is contested or complex, we’ll help you navigate court with strategy, clarity, and strong legal advocacy. You’ll always know what you’re paying for — and never pay more than you need.

Find a Time That Works Best For You

Book Your Free 15-minute Guidance Call

You heard that right—free and quick. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or need help figuring out your next step, this 15-minute guidance call is here to give you clarity. We’re in the business of helping people get to where—and who—they want to be, one decision at a time.

Common Questions on child custody matters

FAQs

How is custody decided in Minnesota?

Whether decided by parents or by a judge, custody decisions in Minnesota are based on the child’s best interests — including:

The child’s needs and developmental stage
Each parent’s caregiving history and ability to co-parent
The child’s relationship with each parent
Safety, stability, and consistency

Whenever possible, Minnesota courts encourage both parents to stay actively involved in the child’s life.

Why do I need a custody agreement?

Because hope isn’t a plan — and verbal agreements aren’t enforceable.
A formal custody agreement protects:

Your parenting time
Decision-making rights
Your child’s routine and sense of stability

Without one, any conflict or change in circumstance can turn into a legal dispute. A clear agreement prevents misunderstandings before they happen — and gives everyone peace of mind.

What rights do unmarried parents have in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, unmarried mothers automatically have sole legal and physical custody at birth — unless and until a court orders otherwise.

Unmarried fathers must establish both paternity and a formal custody agreement to secure rights to parenting time or decision-making.

How does an unmarried father establish paternity in Minnesota?

There are two common ways:

Recognition of Parentage (ROP) – A form signed by both parents, typically at the hospital or later through the state.
Court-ordered paternity – A legal process, often involving genetic testing, when there’s disagreement or lack of cooperation.

Important: Signing an ROP gives you legal paternity — but not custody or parenting time. That still requires a court-approved custody agreement.

Do I need to go to court to figure out custody?

Many custody agreements can be reached without ever stepping into a courtroom.
If both parents are in agreement (or close to it), we offer two clear paths:

DIY Quick Start – We’ll help you create a legally binding custody agreement and file it with the court.
FairWell Mediation – Both parents work with a neutral attorney-mediator to reach a full agreement in a single half-day session.

If court is necessary, we’ve got your back with Smart Start to Court — strong legal support and flat-fee pricing.

Can I change a custody agreement later?

Yes — but only if there’s been a significant change in circumstances, or if both parents agree to a modification.

Common reasons for a custody modification include:

A parent moves or plans to relocate
The child’s school or medical needs change
One parent’s ability to care for the child improves or declines
The current arrangement is no longer working or being followed
The child is older and their preferences now carry more weight

In Minnesota, any request to change a custody or parenting time order must be approved by the court — even if both parents agree. If the change is contested, the court will review whether the proposed modification serves the child’s best interests.

Our team can help you determine if you meet the legal threshold for a modification, and guide you through the process — whether it’s simple paperwork or a contested hearing. The goal is always the same: to support your child’s stability while reducing your stress.

Real Support. Real people. real results.

Real Stories.

Johnson/Turner truly helped me and my family! We worked closely with Katie, Karla, and Kristin; they helped us through every step of the way. Prior to hiring the firm, we were struggling to figure out the best course of action in pursuing custody of my two younger brothers. The team was empathetic and supportive, and they were very knowledgeable. It was a great feeling knowing that our team heard our concerns, understood our frustrations, and was willing to do everything to help us succeed in our case. They were professional, personable, and very communicative. We truly are grateful for Katie, Karla, Kristin, and the rest of the J/T firm for helping us in our time of need. I highly recommend the firm for any legal assistance you may need in the future!

Going through a divorce and later child custody issues is one of the most difficult chapters of my life, but working with Brad and Cheryl makes the process feel more manageable and far less overwhelming. From the beginning, I could tell they genuinely cared, not just about the outcome, but about me as a person. Brad was not only professional and incredibly knowledgeable, but also compassionate. He treated me like a human, always taking time to explain each step and ensuring I felt confident and calm throughout. Cheryl, my paralegal, was a rock, always responsive, organized, and truly empathetic. One of the biggest challenges I faced was navigating custody concerns with clarity and confidence. Brad and Cheryl both listened carefully to my concerns, addressed them with real understanding, and advocated for my child and me every step of the way. I never felt like just another client they made me feel heard and cared for, and for that, I am genuinely grateful. I would absolutely recommend Brad and Cheryl to anyone facing similar legal challenges. They turned a life-changing experience into something that felt manageable, even hopeful. I'm thankful every day that I found them.

I've been working with Johnson and Turner for nearly a year through a challenging divorce and custody case. From the beginning, their legal team has been consistently supportive, responsive, and thoughtful in guiding me through each step. Navigating this process hasn't been easy, but having a team I can trust has made all the difference. As we approach the final stages, I'm especially grateful for their commitment to keeping the well-being of me and my children at the center of it all.

Eric and his team were amazing to work with. They are not only help me with my divorce, but child custody, and parenting time. The flat fee pricing might seem expensive at first, but it saved me thousands of dollars in the long run when I went with the wrong lawyer first. Hands down I will use them for all my lawyer needs.

Providing Expertise and clarity

Articles on Child Custody

(651) 333-6763

Areas We Serve

The Twin Cities Metro area includes Blaine, Bloomington, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Forest Lake, Lake Elmo, Maple Grove, Wayzata, and Woodbury. The Duluth Metro area and Rochester Metro Area.

Opening Hours

M-Fri 8am-5pm CST

Three Paths to Custody – One Clear Future

Securing Your Child's Future.

Your Custody Journey Starts Here

Shannon Wachter

Family Law Attorney

“When does a court recognize the child's opinion as significant?”

The Three Paths to Your Custody Case

Find a Time That Works Best For You

Book Your Free 15-minute Guidance Call

Common Questions on child custody matters

FAQs

Real Support. Real people. real results.

Real Stories.

Providing Expertise and clarity

Articles on Child Custody

Do I Really Need a Custody Agreement If We’re Getting Along?

What Custody Means for Unmarried Parents in Minnesota

Three Tips for Dealing with a Manipulative Co-Parent

What Happens Without a Custody Agreement?

ADHD and Medication – Disagreements Between Parents

Navigating Changes to Your Child’s Living Arrangements

Shared Custody and Extracurricular Activities

How to Handle Custody and Property Division at the Same Time

Learn More about our DIY Quick Start Package

Learn More about our FairWell Mediation Package

Learn More about our Legal Representation Package

(651) 333-6763

Areas We Serve

Opening Hours