clarity, honesty, transparency

Family Law

We believe that no two families are alike and thus there is no one-size-fits-all remedy when a marriage ends or when co-parents are at odds. We also believe that no one benefits by making the process more difficult than it needs to be. Our focus is on providing clients with the tools and information to make meaningful decisions and avoid unnecessary litigation. To discuss your case with a family law attorney, schedule a consultation using the button below.

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Experienced Counsel

Empowering Clients To Take Action

Divorce, child custody, spousal support - these are difficult issues to resolve. We know this because we have been practicing family law for over 25 years. Not only is the law surrounding these issues complex, but there is often an emotional component that can be equally as stressful to navigate.
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When clients come into our office, they often have questions that are keeping them up at night. The stress can be unbearable — crippling even — and knowing what to do next is not always clear.  If you are going through divorce, a child custody dispute, or any other family law related matter, the first step is speaking with an experienced family law attorney.
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At Sheridan & Dulas, P.A., we believe that knowledge is power. Our job is to explain the law in a way that empowers our clients to make informed decisions to resolve the issues that they are facing. Contact our law firm today to discuss the specific facts of your case, and let’s start developing a legal strategy that addresses the issues you are facing.

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Family Law Services

Divorce

We work to demystify the divorce process by giving our clients the answers and perspective they need to understand their options, make meaningful decisions based upon the facts and the law, and engage in proactive and productive negotiations to avoid costly legal proceedings.

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Spousal Maintenance

Our divorce lawyers have extensive experience in family law, including high-asset divorces seeking and defending against an award of spousal maintenance. We can give a sound legal opinion on whether alimony would apply in your case.

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Child Support

Child support is presumptively determined by a statutory formula. We help families creatively solve financial problems related to child support to find solutions that are both fair to each parent and meets the needs of the children.

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Child Custody

We provide honest legal counsel to help you make informed and practical decisions regarding all child custody matters. We also provide strong advocacy in contested custody proceedings to fight for you when you and the other parent cannot come to an agreement.

Property Division

There is no blanket approach to property division that will be right for everyone. At Sheridan & Dulas, we work with clients to achieve a fair and equitable outcome upon divorce.

Grandparents' Rights

We know how important a grandparent relationship can be for children, which is why we provide experienced legal representation for a visitation or custody matter involving grandchildren.

Tenacious Representation

How A Family Lawyer Can Help

Whether you are fighting for equal parenting time with your children, or attempting to secure income that you have relied upon for years, we understand that the outcome of a family law case can impact your life for years to come.
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We believe that the way in which a family law matter is handled is often just as important as the outcome. There are attorneys who are quick to go to court, burn bridges, and destroy their clients ability to mend broken relationships. While we never shy away from fighting for our clients at trial, we want to keep their best interests in mind - even those that extend outside of the courtroom.
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If you are searching for an attorney who will listen to your story, answer your questions, and address your concerns in order to achieve your desired goals, then you are in the right place. Contact Sheridan & Dulas today to schedule a consultation with one of our family law attorneys today.

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Experienced Counsel

The Family Law Experience You Need

Our team of skilled and experienced attorneys is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of difficult cases. We believe in providing our clients with all the information they need so that they are able to make informed decisions about their case, while always being mindful of achieving their goals.

At Sheridan & Dulas, P.A., we do not try to push clients in a particular direction; instead we look at each client’s specific goals and the unique facts of their case to provide the best representation possible.

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Reviews & tESTIMONIALS

Reviews for DeAnne Dulas

See what our clients are saying.

L.N. & T.N.

We wanted to sincerely thank you for all of your expertise over the past few years. We will be forever appreciative of the patience you exhibited toward us. We could not have done it without you. Your professional manner impressed us every step of the way. Thank you for taking such good care of us throughout a difficult process. You are outstanding at what you do.

Kristin

Thanks DeAnne, you're the best! Thanks for everything, you are the wonderful that has touched my life.

Kristin

Butterflies can't see their wings. They can't see how utterly amazing and beautiful they really are. But everyone else can. I believe you are like that as well. Your humility makes you shine and "fly with grace" in your practice, how you carry yourself, and by the words you choose so wisely. Thank you, DeAnne, for helping me along the way. Using kindness and words of wisdom has helped me let go so I can be free.

Carol

DeAnne, my thanks for all of your work and expertise. You never failed to inform and often spent time to calm my fears. You very generously guided me through a difficult time and process. Without your help I know I would not have the life I can now look forward to.

Family Law Frequently Asked Questions

Do I or my spouse need to prove grounds for the divorce?

Minnesota is a no-fault divorce state, so no grounds for the divorce need to be stated in the divorce petition. The fact that one of the parties wants a divorce is considered sufficient evidence that the marital relationship is irretrievably broken.

Can the responding spouse contest the divorce?

No. The divorce action will proceed, though there may be disputes that need to be resolved concerning child custody, parenting time, financial support, and property division.

Must there be a separation period before the divorce can proceed?

Not in Minnesota. In fact, spouses can continue to reside together during the divorce.

Will the judge require us to attend marriage counseling sessions before our divorce will be granted?

No. State law does not provide a judge with the authority to require a party to attend marriage counseling. The judge’s goal will be to accomplish the divorce as quickly and efficiently as possible, provided that all outstanding issues are resolved in a just manner. The court will focus on the issues of child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance, and property division.

If the property is just in my name, is it just mine?

No. Whether the property is marital or non-marital property depends on how and when it was acquired and how it was maintained during the marriage. Documentation is extremely important.

Can the children choose which parent to live with?

There is no age at which children are allowed to pick where they want to live. Courts in Minnesota always decide child custody and visitation matters in a way that is in the “best interest” of the children. In a particular case, the court may consider the wishes of a child in making its decision, depending upon the circumstances and the maturity of the child.

How long does the divorce process take?

Every case is unique, so there is no one answer to this question. Divorce in Minnesota can be completed in just a few days, or it may take years, depending on the issues. Most divorces can be accomplished in six to 18 months.

If my spouse and I agree on how we will divide assets and where children will live, can we just get a “do-it-yourself” divorce on our own?

The language included in the blank county forms simply does not cover the topics required to appropriately resolve issues related to children, financial support, and property division. We strongly recommend parties seek out the advice of counsel to dismiss those myths, understand their rights, and not create a much larger problem caused by not using the correct legal words or phrases.

Will a permanent spousal maintenance order remain unchanged and in place until retirement or until death?

A permanent spousal maintenance order in Minnesota remains in place indefinitely until a court order modifies or terminates the obligation. Either party can file a motion asking the court to consider increasing, decreasing, or terminating a spousal maintenance order at any time, assuming that it is a modifiable order.

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