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A Legacy Of Service In Minnesota

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A Trusted Partner In Legal Matters Involving Children

At Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A., our family law attorneys have been helping couples and parents throughout central Minnesota for two decades. We give special care and attention to clients who are trying to adopt and to those dealing with child custody and child support negotiations. Our goal is to make the legal process as stress-free as possible and make sure that the best interests of the child are always put first.

Representation For All Types Of Adoption

The adoption process can be long and complex and at times seem overwhelming. From initial background checks and preadoption training through the home study process, having an experienced adoption attorney to guide you makes the experience less stressful and easier to navigate.

We represent people in all types of adoption, including:

  • Stepparent adoptions
  • Agency adoptions
  • Relative adoptions
  • Direct placement adoptions
  • Interstate adoptions
  • Contested adoptions

We pride ourselves on being highly responsive as we guide couples through the adoption process.

Child Custody And Parenting Time Arrangements

In Minnesota courts, negotiations for custody are based on the goal of making sure both parents remain involved in their children’s lives unless there are issues of domestic violence. Child custody falls into two categories: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody is the right to make decisions about your child’s upbringing. This includes decisions about health care, religion and education. The courts typically grant joint legal custody regardless of the physical custody arrangement.

Physical custody refers to where the child lives and control of daily care. While the goal is for parents to share physical custody 50-50, issues surrounding work schedules, the location of separate homes and other life situations make a 50-50 division difficult to achieve. At Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A., we work closely with parents to create a custody arrangement that makes sense for the child and both parents. Ideally, we will work out an agreement with your child’s other parent and avoid going in front of a judge. If going to the family court does become necessary, we will make sure your needs and concerns are known to the court.

Representing You In Child Support Negotiations

Minnesota law requires that both parents contribute financially to the upbringing of their children. This does not mean, however, that they contribute equally. The court looks at the gross income of each parent, the child custody arrangement and the unique set of costs for each child when calculating support payments. We make sure that all sources of income and costs surrounding child care, medical needs and other necessary care expenses are known to the court. We explain how support is determined and guide you through the process.

Contact The Family Law Attorneys At Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A.

To set up a free initial consultation to discuss adoption, child support or child custody arrangements, call Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A., at 320-200-4928 or fill out our online contact form.