When you and your spouse have made the very difficult decision to pursue a divorce, next steps in the legal process can be overwhelming. One of the first steps in the process is to decide how you would like to settle the terms of your divorce. In Minnesota, you have two primary options for this and the legal team at Kallemeyn & Kallemeyn, PLLC, can help you navigate either process.
Deciding Between Litigation and Mediation
1. Litigation: Litigation is the more traditional way to settle your divorce. Both you and your divorcing spouse hire divorce attorneys and you work directly with your lawyer to take your case to court. If you are unable to settle the terms of your divorce, your divorce attorney will represent your legal interest for your divorce case. Your case will be heard by a judge and a ruling will be given that you must adhere to. Litigation can take many months to complete and may be helpful for couples with significant conflict and when mediation is not possible.
2. Mediation: Mediation is an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process. It is more informal than litigation, is confidential and take less time and be less expensive as well. The Minnesota courts encourage all couples to attempt mediation before a legal battle, as the courts simply cannot accommodate the vast number of cases in a reasonable amount of time. Mediation allows you to work with a neutral third party (mediator) to find ways to settle all terms of your divorce including division of property, child custody and spousal/child support.
Experience Divorce Attorney and Divorce Mediator, Hennepin County, MN
Lisa Kallemeyn of Kallemeyn & Kallemeyn focuses her entire legal practice on family law. She received her law degree from William Mitchell College of Law. She has more than thirty years of experience representing individuals in divorce cases in Hennepin County, MN. In addition, Lisa is a Qualified Neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota Rules of Practice and is an Early Neutral Evaluation for Financial and Custody/Parenting time issues. She can serve as your divorce lawyer or your divorce mediator, depending on your unique needs.
It is important to understand that Lisa cannot serve as both your divorce attorney and your divorce mediator on the same case, so you will need to determine whether you want to pursue mediation or litigation. If you have questions about the divorce process or would like assistance from Kallemeyn & Kallemeyn, you can speak with Lisa by calling (763) 427-5131.
