Family Law

Juris Doctorate

June 14, 2022, Responding to an Affair in Marriage or Divorce; July 14, 2022 Mortgage 101

After obtaining a degree in Psychology, I earned a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law. As soon as I took my first family law class, I knew that I would become a family law attorney. Law school taught me how to handle divorces in a traditional manner (you hire an attorney that zealously advocates for your positions and go to court if a settlement cannot be reached). As soon as I began practicing law, it became quite clear to me that ending a marriage is never easy and so much more than just a legal process. I saw many couples struggling to figure out how to interact with each other on behalf of their children once their divorce decrees were entered. With this realization, I went in search of a better way to help couples navigate the divorce process. Luckily, I was introduced to the Collaborative family law process. I love that the collaborative process keeps the decision-making control in your hands rather than a stranger (such as a judge or referee) because who wants a stranger making decisions for you and your family? In traditional divorce, each spouse is focused on his/her individual needs. Typically, someone has to win and someone has to lose. Collaborative practice, on the other hand, focuses on the needs and interests of both spouses. Most importantly, parents are able to leave with a plan on how to productively interact on behalf of their children. It's a win-win for everybody. I'm so glad that I found this (truly) better way to divorce that focuses on honesty, transparency, cooperation and integrity.

Graduation Year : 2004

University Attended :

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts- Member First District Bar Association- Member First District Ethics Committee- Chair Dakota County Bar Association- Member