Minneapolis Criminal & Family Law Blog

Bartenders and travelers have highest divorce rates

On behalf of Christa Groshek of Groshek Law PA posted in divorce on Monday, September 18, 2017.

Minnesota couples may be interested to know that the old stereotype that bartenders have the highest divorce rates might be true. According to data from the 2015 American Community Survey, those who are employed in fields that involve the nightlife or travel, like shipping and transportation jobs, that prevents them from being home for long periods of time are more likely to get divorced than others.

The data also revealed the occupations that were least likely to get a divorce. These professions included medical professionals, software developers, scientists and actuaries. It was argued that this was because these professionals generally attracted individuals who preferred schedules and efficiency while professions involving nightlife and extensive travel attracted those who preferred fluid schedules. Those in popular professions located in more rural areas, such as forestry, farming, fishing or the military were also more likely to have lower divorce rates than other professions.

Income doesn't protect against abuse

On behalf of Christa Groshek of Groshek Law PA posted in Domestic Violence on Sunday, September 17, 2017.

The fact that people who live in wealthy neighborhoods could be victims of domestic violence may surprise some Minnesota residents. However, a July murder-suicide involved victims who live in an affluent part of Springfield, Missouri. In that incident, police believe that a 66-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman were each found with a single gunshot wound. Authorities say that the two were in a romantic relationship and that the man fired the shots.

According to the director of the Harmony House, domestic violence occurs among all income levels. However, when such events occur among those who are in higher income brackets, people may have a harder time talking about it. This is because victims may be professionals who are scared that no one will believe them or that they will be scorned or embarrassed by coming forward with their allegations.

Retirement funds and property division

On behalf of Christa Groshek of Groshek Law PA posted in divorce on Friday, September 15, 2017.

The issues that cause Minnesota couples to end their marriage often make negotiating the terms of property division difficult. To avoid costly financial mistakes, people must make a conscious effort to examine closely the details of the settlement. The property division phase includes splitting retirement accounts, and mistakes could lead to unexpected tax bills.

Any retirement savings, including employer-sponsored plans and individual accounts, must have specific paperwork completed before they can be divided. The divorce decree must clearly state who gets how much from each account. A document called a qualified domestic relations order officially authorizes distributions from a 401(k), 403(b) or pension according to the terms of a divorce. This order allows the parties to take their shares and roll them over into individual retirement accounts without incurring a taxable distribution.

How parents can agree on house rules after divorce

On behalf of Christa Groshek of Groshek Law PA posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, September 13, 2017.

Minnesota parents who are ending their marriage will need to work out consistent household rules for their children. This can be important for children whose lives have been disrupted by the divorce. House rules should not become a battleground for parents who are trying to attack one another. There may be some rules that a parent is unwilling to compromise on, but knowing those ahead of time as well as where there might be flexibility can help when parents sit down to negotiate. They may also want to consider having older children participate in the conversation as well.

Parenting classes and mediation are two resources parents can draw on if they are struggling to reach an agreement on household rules. Parenting classes, which can be recommended by family law courts, attorneys or therapists, can help establish norms and also give parents a sense of the importance of establishing consistency. In mediation, a neutral third party trained in conflict resolution works with parents to reach an agreement.

High child support payments after divorce

On behalf of Christa Groshek of Groshek Law PA posted in child custody & support on Tuesday, September 12, 2017.

Divorcing parents in Minnesota often express concern about child custody and support issues. This is particularly true in a high asset divorce, but can also present issues for parents of more modest means.

One reason for concern and contention over child support payments is that media reports often sensationalize the amounts that celebrities pay to former spouses and partners. For example, actor Mel Gibson pays his former partner $30,000 a month in child support. Some celebrities may pay less, but they have also paid out larger settlements in the form of property division or alimony.

Violating the terms of probation can have serious consequences

On behalf of Christa Groshek of Groshek Law PA posted in Probation on Thursday, September 7, 2017.

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For many people charged with crimes, probation is a welcome relief from more serious sentencing options. Often it can be a substitute for incarceration, which is a victory for anyone fighting against criminal charges.

However, probation places significant limitations on your daily life. Terms for probation are often quite strict, limiting whom you can interact with, where you can go and how you live. You may have to meet with a probation officer regularly. You'll probably be subject to drug testing. Conditions can also include maintaining a steady address and gainful employment. With probation terms as strict as these, even a simple mistake or oversight could be more costly than you think.

Shared parenting can help moms, dads and kids

On behalf of Christa Groshek of Groshek Law PA posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, September 6, 2017.

Divorcing Minnesota parents and their children could all potentially benefit from a child custody model that expects both parents to maintain a full role in their children's lives following divorce. Shared parenting, a popular model for child custody around the world, can help more women to avoid poverty and remain active in the workforce while promoting closer relationships between fathers and children.

Despite the fact that a growing number of women work full-time, family courts award sole physical custody to mothers in over 80 percent of the cases they rule on. While this percentage declines dramatically when fathers actively seek custody in the courts, the traditional award can restrict divorced women's earnings as well as keeping children separate from their fathers.

Tips for dealing with a toxic co-parent

On behalf of Christa Groshek of Groshek Law PA posted in Child Custody on Tuesday, September 5, 2017.

When a Minnesota parent of young children has just ended a marriage with a toxic partner, having to continue to deal with the ex can be difficult. However, there are certain things that parents who have to deal with a toxic co-parent can do to make the situation less stressful.

First and foremost, parents should always keep their child's best interests in mind. If they do so, they may find that it is easier to deal with their ex. Further, parents should limit communication with the toxic co-parent to just being about the child's needs. This means avoiding bringing up unresolved issues from the divorce. This also means not talking about personal lives with the toxic co-parent.

21-year-old woman charged with felony drug possession

On behalf of Christa Groshek of Groshek Law PA posted in Drug Charges on Wednesday, August 30, 2017.

On Aug. 17, a woman was taken into custody in Minnesota after she was accused of being in possession of methamphetamine. The 21-year-old Wisconsin woman was ultimately charged with a felony.

Authorities in Woodbury were called to a location on Commerce Drive at about 12 p.m. after they were notified of suspected shoplifters. When an officer arrived at the scene, three individuals were found arguing with each other in the parking lot. It appeared that all three were under the influence of an unknown substance. The officer described them as being irritable, having dry mouths and exhibiting erratic body language.

How to handle car insurance after divorce

On behalf of Christa Groshek of Groshek Law PA posted in Property Division on Monday, August 28, 2017.

Minnesota couples who are getting a divorce may need to split up their car insurance as well. Usually, this involves one person having to purchase a new policy. That person will also need to be removed from the old policy, but this should not be done until the new policy is in place.

In order to get a new policy and have one person removed from the old policy, the two people will need to be living at separate addresses. They will also need to get separate vehicle titles.

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