Minneapolis Business & Real Estate Law Blog

Can your neighbor sue you if your tree blocks their view?

On behalf of Patrick Burns of Burns & Hansen, P.A. on Monday, March 4, 2019.

Trees on a property can substantially contribute to the property's overall value. Depending on the placement, species and age of a tree, mature hardwoods can potentially increase your property value by several thousand dollars. That is due to a combination of the aesthetic value of trees, the way that shade increases your enjoyment of the property or decreases cooling bills in the summer, and the theoretical value of the timber.

Sometimes, people purchase property specifically because of the trees on the land. Other times, people invest in their properties by planting trees that will eventually grow into something large and majestic. It is common for new trees to go in along property lines. Unfortunately, property owners don't always account for the eventual expansion of the canopy of leaves the tree produces or the root system.

Mediation can help protect your business in a divorce

On behalf of Patrick Burns of Burns & Hansen, P.A. on Thursday, February 7, 2019.

You poured your heart and soul into your company. You have every reason to want to protect it. Most people who start their own businesses invest significant amounts of their own time and money into making something financially successful. All of that investment can pay off with enough hard work, allowing you to support yourself and your family with the business you created.

Unfortunately, your business is an asset that could be subject to division in the event of a divorce. Depending on the circumstances of the creation of your company, your spouse may receive some portion of the business in the divorce.

5 reasons why you shouldn’t be afraid to divorce

On behalf of Patrick Burns of Burns & Hansen, P.A. on Friday, February 1, 2019.

If the thought of divorce is inspiring fear, you are not alone. In general, society places a stigma on divorce and a higher value on people who remain married. This creates a lot of pressure to stay in an unhealthy marriage. However, divorce is stressful enough without these societal pressures. It can change your life in completely unknown and unexpected ways.

Even though divorce seems very scary, there are many benefits to ending a bad marriage. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't be scared of divorce.

Why might divorce over 60 have increased complications?

On behalf of Patrick Burns of Burns & Hansen, P.A. on Thursday, January 3, 2019.

It is becoming increasingly common for spouses over the age of 60 to decide to file for divorce. There are many reasons for this, but a big factor is the way in which a person's lifestyle changes after retirement. Retirement can vastly alter the dynamic of a marriage, and, as a result, a couple may come to the conclusion that they are no longer compatible.

If you are considering filing for a divorce as a person over 60 in the state of Minnesota, it is important to note that divorce over 60 can potentially bring complications. By taking the time to understand the reasons for these complications now, you will be able to manage your expectations of the divorce and plan for any potential hurdles. The following are some of the most common reasons why a divorce over 60 can become more complex than a typical divorce.

Tips for social media use and child custody

On behalf of Patrick Burns of Burns & Hansen, P.A. on Monday, December 31, 2018.

Parents make decisions on a daily basis that can impact their children. One series of daily yet momentous decisions involves what they share on social media. While websites like Facebook and Instagram can be great ways to keep up with friends and loved ones, you have to think carefully about what you are sharing.

There are several ways that social media can impact a co-parenting relationship. Considering these before you log into these websites is crucial.

Many changes to new tax laws affect divorcing couples

On behalf of Patrick Burns of Burns & Hansen, P.A. on Wednesday, December 5, 2018.

Are you awaiting a final judgment of divorce? Or maybe you are only beginning to consider ending your marriage. Regardless, the implications of the new tax laws take effect in January 2019. Some projections have the government taking in nearly $7 billion in the next decade due to the implementation of these laws.

What does that mean to divorcing Minneapolis couples? Like others around the nation, the implications are considerable and could potentially lengthen your divorce negotiations. Below is information of which all divorcing couples need be aware.

The right attorney can make your divorce easier

On behalf of Patrick Burns of Burns & Hansen, P.A. on Thursday, November 15, 2018.

It is important that anyone who works with an attorney during a divorce can trust that attorney. There are situations in which your attorney may not have your best interests at heart, and in those cases, it's usually advised to work with someone new.

If you are working with an attorney and are not happy with the time it takes for them to respond to you or the way they're approaching your case, then it's possible to change your attorney. However, before you do that, there are a few other things you can do.

Special considerations for divorced parents this holiday season

On behalf of Patrick Burns of Burns & Hansen, P.A. on Monday, November 5, 2018.

The holidays are right around the corner, which means that it is time for parents to start making plans. If you aren't in a relationship with your children's other parent, you have some additional considerations.

This is a good time of year to teach your children about being considerate and staying on the high road. Here are some tips that might help your child enjoy the holidays this year:

Prepare for divorce and mediation sessions

On behalf of Patrick Burns of Burns & Hansen, P.A. on Monday, October 8, 2018.

Mediation is one of the most common ways to resolve a divorce. You should be prepared for this process if it is how you are going to work out the terms of the split. Many couples choose this option because it is often faster than having to go through a trial, and it is usually less expensive.

There isn't anything easy about going through mediation. You and your ex must sort through a variety of issues, including support payments, child custody and property division. Each should be handled separately. This can be a lot of work that will usually occur over the course of several sessions.

Are custody orders flexible?

On behalf of Patrick Burns of Burns & Hansen, P.A. on Thursday, October 4, 2018.

When two parents choose to raise their child separately, most choose to protect their rights by establishing a custody order through a court. If the parents were married and get divorced, the courts require them to create a parenting plan and reach a custody agreement as part of the divorce process, which the courts take very seriously.

Many parents do not have a firm understanding of just how important it is to obey a custody order, and may assume that the custody schedule is more of a suggestion than a legally binding order. Some parents may work together to create their own "home-brew" custody order, agreeing that as long as they both work together, disobeying a custody order is acceptable.