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2024

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Best Family Lawyers in Saint Paul

Our Recommended Top 18

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Saint Paul Family Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

186

Reviewed

118

Curated

18

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
445 Minnesota St Suite 1500, Office 1506, St. Paul, MN 55101
  • Divorce
  • Child Custody
  • Postnuptial Agreements
  • Prenuptial Agreements
  • Domestic Violence

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Clarence Patterson III practices family law and criminal defense. It provides aggressive representation to families and individuals in Saint Paul who are involved in family law-related disputes. Founding lawyer Clarence Patterson III offers legal assistance in divorce, legal separation, division of property, adoption, child support, and minor guardianship. As a results-oriented lawyer, Patterson stays by his client's side throughout the legal process, focusing on succeeding during the pre-litigation stage. He also advocates for LGBTQ rights.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Clarence Patterson - Founding Attorney6 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.7 / 5 (31)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
905 Parkway Dr, Saint Paul, MN 55117

Why choose this provider?

McCullough & Associates PA is a family law firm that has been representing people in the Saint Paul metro area since 1975. It offers a variety of services to assist clients in difficult times. Attorneys represent people in child custody, spousal maintenance, property division, and child support proceedings. Founder and trial attorney Pat McCullough has been named a Minnesota Super Lawyer by Minnesota Business Monthly, St. Paul Magazine, and Minnesota Law and Politics.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Patrick Mccullough - Founder53 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.5 / 5 (12)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (11)
Avvo
4.6 / 5 (11)

(+2 additional sources)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
8653 Eagle Point Boulevard, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trust
  • Estate Taxes
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation
  • Estate Settlement

Why choose this provider?

de Beer & Associates PA is a family law firm near Saint Paul, founded by its attorney Linda de Beer, who has more than two decades of experience representing clients in the surrounding communities. Ms. de Beer's services include representing clients in complex cases of probate law, such as will challenges involving allegations of fraud, undue influence, and mental incapacity, and in cases where the decedent died intestate. The firm's additional areas of practice include high-asset divorce and small-business valuation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Linda De Beer - Founder32 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
161 Saint Anthony Avenue Suite 1008, Saint Paul, MN 55103
  • Divorce

Why choose this provider?

Causey & Ye Law is a firm serving clients in Saint Paul. It offers a range of family law services, from prenuptial agreement and family property division to child custody and spousal support. It handles separation agreements, as well as contested and uncontested divorce cases. The office offers immigration services, including naturalization, EAD renewal, and deportation. It also represents clients with criminal issues regarding traffic violations, white-collar crimes, and trafficking. Causey & Ye Law has served international clients from Hong Kong and Beijing.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.7 / 5 (25)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
2642 University Avenue W. Suite 210, St. Paul, MN 55114
  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

Why choose this provider?

Gray Law is a legal firm that has been helping clients in Saint Paul for over 30 years. It handles family law concerns, such as divorce, paternity, child support, spousal maintenance, and property division. The firm assists them in fighting for their rights and obtaining their best interests and fair outcomes by giving a tailored approach while gathering data about their cases and informing them about the laws. Mark Gray, the founder, has been practicing law since 1980. He also handles wills and probate proceedings.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Mark Gray - Principal44 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.9
Google
3.9 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
910 Inwood Avenue North, St. Paul, MN 55128
  • Divorce
  • Child Custody
  • Adoption

Why choose this provider?

Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A., is a law firm that caters to clients in the Saint Paul area. Its attorneys provide legal counsel on family law matters like adoption, paternity, prenuptial agreements, and protection orders for victims of domestic abuse. They also help settle divorce-related matters like property division, child custody, alimony, and child support. Lead counsel Tori Appelhof, Mary Pfeifer, and Kathy Hart have more than 50 years of combined experience in litigating family law cases.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.9
Google
5.0 / 5 (9)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
656 Selby Ave Suite 300, Saint Paul, MN 55104
  • Divorce

Why choose this provider?

Lukasik Law, LLC, is a legal practice that serves individuals and families in Saint Paul. The firm focuses on handling family law matters, including divorce, paternity, child custody, and child support affairs. Its founder, Lori Lukasik, has extensive experience negotiating and litigating cases involving modifications and enforcement of judgments and restraining and protection orders. The attorney has been practicing family law for over 15 years. She also advises clients on legal matters concerning estate planning and immigration.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Lori Lukasik - Principal7 yrs
Lori Lukasik - Principal7 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1152 South Robert Street Suite 201, St Paul, MN 55118
  • Divorce

Why choose this provider?

Ojo Law Office - Minnesota assists individuals in achieving their family law goals, such as domestic partnerships in Saint Paul. It has legal services to aid individuals in concluding marital ties through divorce proceedings or legal separation. The firm helps settle property distribution, child custody, and spousal and child support. Additionally, it works to support and protect victims of domestic violence. Ayodele Ojo moved to the US from Nigeria in 1999 and passed the Minnesota State Bar in 2004.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.2 / 5 (53)
Avvo
4.9 / 5 (19)
Facebook
4.0 / 5 (11)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
413 Wacouta Street, Suite 440, Saint Paul, MN 55101
  • Divorce

Why choose this provider?

Sykes Family Law provides counsel and representation for clients in Saint Paul. It helps individuals and families in resolving family law issues, such as divorce, child custody and support, alimony, and parenting time. Founding attorney Cathleen A. Sykes established the firm in 2012. She previously worked for Ballou Law Partners, where she provided legal representation in the areas of family law and immigration law. Sykes is an advocate for immigrants and same-sex couples and their families.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Cathleen Sykes - Owner and Founding Attorney14 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1599 Selby Avenue Suite 104, Saint Paul, MN 55104
  • Divorce

Why choose this provider?

Livesay Law Office represents clients in Saint Paul and the surrounding areas. It is led by Louise Livesay, who has been practicing since 1999 and is a member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota (CLI) and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP). Services offered by the firm include assisting with collaborative divorces, acting as a family mediator, and providing out-of-court options. It can also help with prenuptial agreements, paternity, third-party custody, and drafting of agreements.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Louise Livesay - Principal25 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1912 Lexington Ave N Ste 300, Roseville, MN 55113

Why choose this provider?

Janet Goehle, Attorney at Law, is a family law firm working with the people of Saint Paul. The firm files paternity actions and fights for the rights of grandparents. It also handles divorce and mediates between the two ex-spouses regarding child and spousal support, custody and visitation, and property division. Additionally, the firm reviews and modifies existing agreements. Janet Goehle is a member of the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Janet Goehle - Principal35 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2145 Woodlane Dr Ste 101, Woodbury, MN 55125

Why choose this provider?

Sjoberg & Tebelius PA is a civil litigation law firm that has been serving the residents of Saint Paul since opening in 1982. The firm helps third parties and family members with the adoption process, fights for grandparents' rights, and files paternity actions. It also develops and modifies postnuptial agreements regarding child custody and visitation and spousal support. Additionally, the firm takes cases related to business, commercial, and real estate law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Roy Sjoberg - Senior Partner, Founder, President42 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
2223 5th St, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

Why choose this provider?

James D. Capra Inc. assists Saint Paul locals in their family law matters. The firm represents and guides clients in filing for divorce. It assists in dealing with related issues such as property division and spousal maintenance. The firm advocates for his clients' parental rights in negotiating child custody. Capra offers information that helps parents understand their financial obligations and determine the amount the court would require them to support their children's rearing. He was also a volunteer in Minnesota Justice Foundation.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Google
4.3 / 5 (24)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (4)
FindLaw
5.0 / 5 (4)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
7825 3rd Street North, Suite 204, Oakdale, MN 55128
  • Child Custody

Why choose this provider?

Bowden Cyr PLLC Attorneys at Law serves clients in Saint Paul who are looking for a family lawyer. The law firm handles various aspects of family law, including straightforward and complex divorce settlements, legal separation, and domestic partnership disputes. It also assists with modification and strict enforcement of court orders and child support. Partner Lisa Watson Cyr has been dedicating her practice to family law since 1998. She is also a volunteer attorney at the Ramsey County Family Court Legal Clinic.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Lisa Watson cyr - Partner26 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (24)
Google
4.9 / 5 (17)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
311 Ramsey Street Suite 210, St. Paul, MN 55102
  • Alimony
  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Craig E. Shriver in Saint Paul helps individuals, couples, and families navigate their options in divorce and family law issues. The firm was established in 2001 by Craig Shriver, who has been a family law practitioner since 1993. He is proficient in legal proceedings for establishing and modifying parenting time, spousal maintenance, child support, and custody. Shriver also assists in establishing legal fatherhood and parentage through petitions to Minnesota District Courts.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.5 / 5 (8)
Avvo
3.5 / 5 (2)

Website
2642 University Ave W Suite 214B, Saint Paul, MN 55114
  • Divorce
  • Adoption

Why choose this provider?

Advocate Law Office is a firm operating in Saint Paul. It handles a wide range of family law cases, including divorce, adoptions, name changes, protective orders, and visiting rights for parents, grandparents, or a third party. Its practitioner, Daniel Wexler, has been practicing law since 1981 and utilizes alternative dispute resolutions for domestic matters. He also provides legal representation in bankruptcy, criminal defense, and probate and estate planning proceedings. In addition, Wexler serves as a counselor at the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
971 Sibley Memorial Hwy, St Paul, MN 55118
  • Divorce

Why choose this provider?

McLaughlin Law serves the locals in and around the Saint Paul metro. The firm provides legal counsel and representation in matters of family law including adoption, guardianship, and divorce. It helps the client navigate through the process and give legal solutions that work for their situation. Other cases it handles are expungement of records; wills, trusts, and estate planning; reading or understanding insurance fine prints; and drafting small business contracts. Ryan McLaughlin, attorney at law, has been in legal service since 2012.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (145)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (93)
Yelp
2.0 / 5 (4)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
711 Smith Avenue S., Saint Paul, MN 55107
  • Divorce

Why choose this provider?

The Ferdinand F. Peters Law Firm addresses the concerns and inquiries of Saint Paul-based clients. Peters, who has been practicing law since 1984, litigates and mediates disputes between clients in various areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, and spousal support. He has represented clients before the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Through his fluency in German, he also accommodates spouses and families who speak the language.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
4.7 / 5 (12)
Yelp
1.0 / 5 (3)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kinds of cases do family lawyers handle?

    Family lawyers handle all types of family-related issues, including divorce, child support and spousal support, custody, adoption, paternity and guardianship. Family attorneys can also handle prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and divide marital assets based on the policies outlined in these documents. Domestic violence cases are also within the purview of family law attorneys.

  • Is family court different from district court?

    In most states, family court is a division of the district court rather than a separate court system. Family law judges primarily preside over family disputes, such as divorce and custody hearings. Most states require family law judges to receive special training on how to best address family law matters.

  • How long do custody cases last in family court?

    The duration of custody cases can differ based on the circumstances surrounding the claim. A case in which parents agree to split custody can be quick, while lawsuits in which both parents or guardians are fighting for full custody can take much longer. Most child custody cases last three to 10 days, but this can vary under more challenging circumstances.

  • Why is there no jury in family court?

    There are no juries in family court cases because the concept of innocence or guilt does not apply. While there may be some cases in which additional opinions could be helpful, most cases are based on the letter of the law versus individual circumstances. Some states, including Texas, permit jury trials for family court cases, but this is uncommon.

  • What are the most common cases in family court?

    Family law covers a variety of different cases pertaining to familial relations. The most common cases in family court include:

    • Divorce cases, including settling issues of alimony, property distribution, and child care
    • Child custody and the determination of paternity
    • Domestic violence protection orders
    • Name changes, including modifications due to adoption or personal preference
    • Guardianship, including who will handle the care of a child or adult should current caretakers be unable to do so
    • Adoptions and the termination of parental rights
    • Juvenile matters, including child abuse and neglect, foster placements, and criminal conduct
    • Emancipation, which is the process of declaring a minor as independent from their parents
    • Approval of underage marriages

  • Do family lawyers handle mediation?

    Mediation can be a valuable part of a divorce case, counseling spouses to work through areas of disagreement in a fair, calm, and unbiased manner. Most, but not all, family lawyers handle mediation. Anyone who believes they may need intervention services is encouraged to ask about an attorney’s experience with resolving disputes, to ensure that support is available if necessary.