St. Paul Family Law And Criminal Defense Blog

Understanding the definitions of legal and physical custody

On behalf of Macaulay Law Offices posted in child custody on Friday, March 1, 2019.

If you are navigating the child custody process in Minnesota, you may find that the different terms and legal jargon make everything feel more complex and overwhelming. It is very important that you understand what the different terms mean, because otherwise, you may be unclear in regard to your rights and the potential outcomes available to you.

Two terms that may have been mentioned to you are legal custody and physical custody. These are two important phrases to pay attention to because many parents make the mistake of equating their meanings. They are actually very distinct to one another.

LGBT divorce tips

On behalf of Macaulay Law Offices on Friday, February 22, 2019.

The fact that you are able to marry who you love is amazing-–and long overdue. But just like any couple, LGBT couples face challenges. Even though same-sex marriage is a wonderful thing, sometimes, it does not end happily ever after.

As a member of the LGBT community going through a divorce, you may be facing a lot of stress and emotional turmoil. Here is how you should protect and take care of yourself as you end your marriage with your partner.

Three less common defenses to a DUI

On behalf of Macaulay Law Offices posted in dwi/dui on Friday, February 15, 2019.

If you have been accused of driving under the influence in Minnesota, you will want to do everything you can in order to defend yourself against the charge. Being charged with a DUI can have far-reaching implications on your life.

It can lead to the loss of your license, which could make it difficult for you to get to work, and it can also make you feel isolated and unable to easily leave your home.

How Minnesota law influences divorces

On behalf of Macaulay Law Offices posted in divorce on Friday, February 1, 2019.

If you are going through a divorce, it is vital that you learn more about how the law works in Minnesota. This is because the law does have the potential to vary substantially in different states across the country.

People going through a divorce will naturally be faced with several challenges pertaining to their future. They will likely be uncertain about how marital assets will be divided, whether they will be awarded alimony, and whether they will find happiness and contentment once they become divorced. It is important that they conduct research to learn how they can influence the outcome of certain logistical factors.

Don't take liberties with marijuana in Minnesota

On behalf of Macaulay Law Offices posted in marijuana possession on Friday, January 18, 2019.

In the state of Minnesota, the use of marijuana for medical reasons is legalized, but you must have a qualifying medical condition -- and have a prescription for the drug from your medical provider in order to avoid serious legal consequences.

This is true even if you have a legitimate medical condition that the marijuana helps.

How to recognize an abusive relationship

On behalf of Macaulay Law Offices posted in domestic abuse on Friday, January 4, 2019.

Relationships do not need to be violent in order for them to be dangerous or abusive. If you are feeling scared or controlled in your relationship, it is likely that you are in an abusive relationship. It is important that you recognize your relationship as an unhealthy one and that you take action to safely leave the situation so that you can live the life that you deserve.

There are many services that are available to people who feel trapped in abusive relationships. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can provide expert advice and guidance for victims.

How to co-parent after divorce

On behalf of Macaulay Law Offices on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

Divorce is undoubtedly a difficult time, but it is relatively short compared to the long-term future after divorce. If you have children, it is crucial that you get a plan in place for successful co-parenting after the divorce, so that you can maintain family harmony and stability for your kids.

There are several ways you can work to ensure that you and your ex-spouse can successfully co-parent. Although you and your spouse may not get along well, you can find ways to reach mutual agreements and have mutual respect when it comes to your children and their needs.

Social media can damage divorce proceedings

On behalf of Macaulay Law Offices posted in divorce on Friday, December 28, 2018.

Social media is a great tool to share our life experiences while connecting to a global platform. However, behind innocent Facebook posts may be a former spouse, lurking for damaging information.

It's a common practice for lawyers and spouses to analyze the social media presence of a former spouse. It helps create strong arguments for more substantial alimony payments, specific custody agreements and even infidelity in a relationship.

It's more critical than ever to know what to avoid online while dealing with a divorce.

How much jail time can be given for pot possession in Minnesota?

On behalf of Macaulay Law Offices posted in marijuana possession on Friday, December 7, 2018.

One of the top concerns people have when accused of drug crimes is whether they could be facing jail time. What can individuals be facing when it comes to jail time when accused of marijuana possession here in Minnesota?

Under state law, jail time generally will not be given for possession of 42.5 grams or less of marijuana. This level of possession is instead punishable by a fine and a possible requirement to participate in a drug education program.

Are you divorcing a narcissist?

On behalf of Macaulay Law Offices on Wednesday, November 7, 2018.

The term "narcissist" gets used often without a common definition, and when it comes to divorcing a narcissist, it is important to understand exactly what type of person you are dealing with. There is an actual personality disorder associated with narcissism, but many people may have characteristics of narcissism without having a real, diagnosable disorder.

When facing a divorce with someone who demonstrates characteristics that resemble narcissism, it can be extra challenging to make progress without continual roadblocks and emotional conflict. Learn more about the types of narcissistic behavior you may face, and ways you can successfully deal with this behavior during the divorce process.

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