When families face legal disputes—be it divorce, child custody, or support issues—the prospect of court can feel daunting. Traditional litigation often involves adversarial hearings, public records, steep legal fees, and unpredictable timelines. Enter family law...
Divorce Mediation vs. Litigation: Choosing the Right Path
Divorce is seldom easy. Emotions run high, finances get tangled, and the well-being of children often hangs in the balance. Faced with these challenges, couples have to decide: should we hash this out in a courtroom or find a less adversarial route through mediation?...
Understanding At-Will Employment and Its Exceptions
At-will employment is the prevailing default in American workplaces: an arrangement under which an employer may terminate an employee at any time, for any reason—or for no reason at all—provided the reason is not unlawful. Similarly, employees may resign at will. This...
Join SPOE Lawyers: A Successful Law Firm and a Fun Place to Work!
Smith, Paulson, O’Donnell & Erickson is a successful general practice firm in Monticello, Minnesota. We are a growing firm with a solid history of serving the Monticello and surrounding west metro communities. As we grow, we aspire to remain a community-based,...
When and How to Appeal a Civil Court Decision
A civil court ruling can feel like the final word in a legal dispute – until you learn that the door to appeal remains open. Pursuing an appeal is a vital legal tool for correcting errors, safeguarding your rights, and ensuring justice prevails. But appeals don’t...
Partnership Disputes in Business: Common Causes and How to Handle Them
In the world of business, partnerships can be a powerful vehicle for growth, combining the skills, resources, and visions of two or more individuals to achieve common goals. However, the very dynamics that make partnerships appealing—shared decision‑making, pooled...
Reasons to Update Your Will After Divorce
Divorce marks a significant life change—not only emotionally, but legally and financially. If you created your will while you and your ex‑spouse were still married, that document likely no longer reflects your current wishes or family situation. Failing to update your...
How Parenting Time Decisions Are Made in Divorce Cases
When parents separate or divorce, one of the most emotionally charged and important issues is how much time each parent will spend with their children. Parenting time arrangements shape a child’s daily life, routines, and relationships. Courts strive to create...
What First-Time Homeowners Should Know About the Closing Process in Minnesota
Closing on your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. After weeks or months of searching, negotiating, and navigating mortgage approvals, the closing process is the final—and most critical—step before you receive the keys. In...
What Businesses Need to Know About Breach of Contract Litigation
No business owner sets out expecting a contract dispute—but in the world of commerce, they’re more common than many realize. Whether you’re managing a long-standing partnership or finalizing a short-term deal, the unfortunate reality is that even the most...
Key Factors to Consider When Buying or Selling a Business
Buying or selling a business is a big step, and it’s not something you want to rush into. Whether you're the owner looking to sell what you've built or a buyer ready to take on a new venture, this type of transaction is more than just a handshake and a price tag. It...
Avoiding Probate Pitfalls: Why Keeping Your Estate Plan Updated Matters
Planning for the future is one of the most meaningful ways to protect your loved ones and ensure that your personal and financial wishes are respected. Many people understand the importance of creating a will or estate plan, but once the documents are signed, they’re...