Legal Question in Family Law in Minnesota

Divorce and child custody

How do I initiate a divorce and fight for custody of my two children? She has agreed to give me custody on more than one occasion, but after they are here, she changes her mind and comes to get them. I am supposed to have them half the summer and for next school year, but she says she won't pay child support. Yet, I do when she has them. I don't have a lot of money, and I don't know what to do.


Asked on 5/10/00, 7:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Maury Beaulier612.240.8005 Minnesota Lawyers

Re: Divorce and child custody

VISIT Http://divorceprofessionals.com

Custody may be changed if you can show that they are endangered or that the children have been integrated into your home with the other parent's permission AND the benefit of the change outweighs any harm.

To commence a custody action, you must file a motion and supporting affidavits with the Court and serve the other party. The information that you include in your paperwork is critical in establishing custody. If improper or irrelevant information is included, you may not prevail and teh Court may even award attorney's fees to the other party.

Custody battles can become rather expensive and you can expect to pay a retainer of $2,000 to an attorney. However, if you prevail, you would receive child support from the other party rather than paying it.

There are forms for a change of custody available in Hennepin county at a low cost. the forms are rather limited and do not allow you to include a great deal of information. Hennepin County also has a Law Access Project - a clinic that will help you fill out the forms with the help and advice of a lawyer.

VISIT http://divorceprofessionals.com

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Answered on 6/28/00, 8:54 am


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