When parents separate, custody decisions are among the most consequential choices a court makes. Judges don’t treat custody as a contest to be won or a punishment to be doled out; rather, the inquiry centers on one enduring question: what arrangement will best promote...
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,...
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...
5 Things to Consider During a Divorce in 2026
Even if a divorce is for the best, it’s often a very challenging process. Everyone going through a divorce navigates a wide range of concerns, from the financial impact of the divorce to the emotional impact of their relationship ending. While every divorce is unique,...
Business Formation Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Company
Starting a new business is an exciting journey filled with opportunities, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most critical steps in launching a successful venture is the proper formation of your business. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs...
Navigating Business Sales and Purchases: Key Legal Considerations
For many small and medium-sized businesses, the decision to buy or sell a company represents a pivotal moment in their development. While such transactions can lead to growth, diversification, or a strategic exit, they also involve complex legal and financial...
Five Common Business Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Running a business involves countless responsibilities and decisions. While growth and success are top priorities, it’s also important to understand that disputes may arise along the way. Legal conflicts can escalate quickly if not addressed properly, creating stress,...
Happy Holidays From Your SPOE Team
The end of the year is finally here, and so is the holiday season! This year, it feels especially gratifying to deck the halls, warm up some cocoa, and feel the holiday cheer. The SPOE team has a lot to be thankful for, but we truly cannot express our appreciation for...
Family Law Options from SPOE Lawyers
If you know someone who has gone through a divorce, then you know someone who has experience with family law. Generally, family law covers divorce, custody, and child support. Each case is unique and it is important that both parties choose a law practice with the...
Choosing and Navigating Attorney/Client Relationships
At some point in your life, you may need to hire the services of an attorney. Especially if you’ve never met with one before, your first meeting with an attorney may intimidate you. Below is a brief guide on the attorney-client relationship and what you can expect....
An Update to Family Law That Could Impact Your Divorce
In 2019, Spousal Maintenance is changing. SPOE is always up-to-date with the latest changes in the law that will impact our clients. This change is not an alarming one, but it may impact spousal maintenance if you are divorced and receiving spousal maintenance, are...
SPOE Lawyer Spotlight: Michael Patera
The lawyers at Smith, Paulson, O’Donnell & Erickson use a team approach to help businesses, individuals, and families with their legal needs. Our team is made up of six attorneys with over 138 years of combined legal experience. In this blog, we’d like to take the...







