Comprehensive Family Law Services | Minnesota Attorney Experienced in Divorce, Custody, Parenting Time Issues, and More

Practice Areas

  • Divorce Representation

    At The Law Office of Tiffany Dust, we provide comprehensive divorce representation tailored to your unique situation. Whether your case is a contested or uncontested divorce or high-conflict divorce, we guide you through every step, ensuring your rights and best interests are protected. For those seeking an alternative to divorce, legal separation may be an option, allowing couples to formalize custody, support, and property division while remaining legally married. If a marriage was never valid due to fraud, incapacity, or other legal grounds, we also assist clients in obtaining an annulment to declare the marriage void.

    Our firm has extensive experience handling high-asset divorces, which involve complex property division, business interests, and significant financial considerations. We work with financial experts to ensure equitable distribution and protect your wealth. Military divorces require in-depth knowledge of federal and state laws governing military pensions, benefits, and deployment-related custody challenges, and we are equipped to handle these intricacies. For older couples facing gray divorce, we address retirement accounts, spousal maintenance, and estate planning concerns to ensure financial stability post-divorce.

    For clients seeking a more amicable approach, collaborative divorceprovides an opportunity to resolve disputes outside of court through negotiation and mediation. This process promotes respectful communication and problem-solving, helping spouses reach fair agreements without litigation.

    We also handle default divorces. Default divorce is available for relief if one spouse fails to respond to the petition for dissolution of marriage and ignores or fails to appear at hearings. We ensure proper legal steps are taken to finalize the divorce in their absence.

    No matter your circumstances, our firm is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome in your divorce case. We provide assertive representation, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, ensuring that your rights, finances, and future are protected. Contact The Law Office of Tiffany Dust today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a new beginning.

  • Child Custody & Parenting Time Services

    At The Law Office of Tiffany Dust, we provide skilled legal representation in child custody disputes, ensuring that your rights as a parent are protected while prioritizing your child’s best interests. In Minnesota, custody is divided into legal custody, which determines decision-making authority, and physical custody, which determines where the child primarily resides. Whether you are seeking sole or joint custody, our firm guides you through the complexities of the legal process and advocates for a fair resolution that supports your child’s well-being.

    Creating a detailed parenting time (visitation) agreement is crucial to maintaining a stable and meaningful relationship with your child. Minnesota courts encourage shared parenting time when possible, but challenges often arise when negotiating schedules, holiday arrangements, and transportation logistics. We work with parents to develop customized parenting plans that foster positive co-parenting relationships while ensuring the agreement is enforceable and aligned with the child’s needs. If necessary, we also handle cases involving Guardian ad Litem representation, ensuring the court has an objective advocate for the child’s best interests.

    Parental relocation cases occur when a custodial parent seeks to move a child out of state or a significant distance away, potentially affecting the other parent’s custody and parenting time. Minnesota law requires court approval or the other parent's consent for such moves. We provide strong advocacy in relocation cases, whether you are seeking to relocate or opposing a move that could disrupt your parent-child relationship. Additionally, we assist with child custody modifications, helping parents navigate changes in circumstances such as job relocations, safety concerns, or changes in a child's needs.

    In urgent situations, we take swift action to obtain emergency custody orders to protect children from immediate harm, such as abuse, neglect, or parental substance abuse issues. We also represent third-party and grandparent custody/visitation cases, ensuring that children can maintain meaningful relationships with supportive family members when parental custody is not in their best interest. If you need legal guidance on any child custody matter, The Law Office of Tiffany Dust is here to advocate for you and your child. Schedule a consultation today.

  • Child & Spousal Support

    At The Law Office of Tiffany Dust, we assist clients in establishing child support in accordance with Minnesota guidelines, ensuring fair financial support for your children’s needs. Whether you’re the custodial or non-custodial parent, our experienced divorce attorneys work to secure a fair child support arrangement. We also provide child support enforcement services to ensure that the non-custodial parent complies with court-ordered support payments. If your ex-partner is not fulfilling their financial obligations, we can help take the necessary legal actions to hold them accountable.

    Life circumstances can change, and in such cases, child support modifications may be necessary. If there has been a significant change in income, parenting time, or the child’s needs, we can help you request a modification of the child support order. Our team will ensure that your modification request is handled efficiently and in a way that best serves your child’s interests. Whether you need to increase or decrease support, our attorneys have the experience to guide you through the process and ensure a fair outcome.

    Spousal maintenance (also known as alimony) can be an important part of divorce settlements, especially in cases where one spouse requires financial support after the divorce. At The Law Office of Tiffany Dust, we help clients negotiate and obtain fair spousal maintenance agreements that account for the financial needs and contributions of both spouses. We also assist with spousal maintenance modifications if your financial circumstances change after the divorce. Whether you need to increase or reduce alimony, our attorneys will advocate for your financial security and ensure that any changes are properly reflected in your divorce settlement.

    In cases involving both child support and spousal maintenance, income withholding for support can be an effective tool to ensure timely payments. We assist both custodial parents and spouses seeking support in setting up income withholding orders through the court. This process involves automatically deducting the support payments from the paying spouse’s income, providing consistent financial support for the recipient. If you’re having trouble with support payments or need help implementing income withholding, our team is here to help ensure that you receive the support you’re owed.

  • Property & Financial Matters

    At The Law Office of Tiffany Dust, we provide experienced legal representation in marital property division, ensuring that assets and debts are fairly distributed in a divorce. In Minnesota, courts follow equitable distribution approach that takes into account the difference between marital and non-marital property. Generally, marital property includes assets and debts incurred during the marriage while non-marital property includes assets and debts owned prior to marriage, inheritance, and other considerations. At the Law Office of Tiffany Dust, we help clients navigate complex financial matters, including the division of real estate, retirement accounts, and investments, and debts, ensuring all property is properly accounted for.

    A prenuptial agreement or postnuptial agreement can safeguard your financial future by clearly defining how assets and debts will be handled in the event of a divorce. A prenuptial agreement is signed before marriage, while a postnuptial agreement is created after marriage to clarify financial rights and responsibilities. These agreements can help prevent disputes over marital property division and debt allocation, giving you greater financial security and peace of mind.

    For high-net-worth divorces or complex financial situations, business valuation in divorce and hidden asset investigations are essential. If a spouse owns a business, proper valuation of the business is necessary . Additionally, hidden asset investigations help uncover undisclosed income, offshore accounts, or fraudulent transfers. At The Law Office of Tiffany Dust, we work to ensure financial transparency to avoid future litigation from re-opening the divorce in the future to assert your rights.

  • Paternity & Parental Rights

    At The Law Office of Tiffany Dust, we provide guidance on paternity establishment and parental rights matters across the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Twin Cities metro area. Establishing paternity is a crucial step for unmarried fathers to assert their rights to legal and physical custody and parenting time.

    In Minnesota, the steps toward establishing paternity can begin with voluntary acknowledgment by signing a Recognition of Parentage. Absent a Recognition of Parentage, paternity is established through court proceedings that may include DNA testing if contested.

  • Domestic Violence & Protection Orders

    At The Law Office of Tiffany Dust, we provide skilled legal representation for those seeking or defending against Orders for Protection (OFPs) and Harassment Restraining Orders (HROs) in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities metro area.

    Whether you need protection from domestic violence or have been wrongfully accused, we offer strategic advocacy to safeguard your rights. It is important to note, Order For Protection can significantly impact custody, parenting time, and other legal matters.

    An Order for Protection (OFP) is a court order designed to protect individuals from domestic abuse, restricting contact and granting emergency relief, such as removing them from a shared residence and can award temporary legal and physical custody of a joint minor child. Violating an OFP carries serious legal consequences, so having a knowledgeable attorney ensures your safety and the order’s proper enforcement.

    Unlike OFPs, Harassment Restraining Orders (HROs) apply to any individual experiencing harassment, including stalking, threats, or repeated unwanted contact. Whether you need protection or have been served with an HRO, we guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are upheld. Misuse of HROs can unfairly impact employment, custody, and reputation, making legal representation critical in both seeking and defending against these orders.

    Unfortunately, some individuals misuse protection orders in family law disputes to gain leverage in custody or divorce cases. If you are facing a false protection order, we aggressively challenge the claims by gathering evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and demonstrating inconsistencies. A wrongful order can have lasting effects on your parental rights and reputation, so having a strong legal defense is essential. Contact The Law Office of Tiffany Dust today to protect your future.

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution & Litigation

    At The Law Office of Tiffany Dust, we provide skilled legal representation in both Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and litigation for family law cases. Mediation and alternative dispute resolution offer a cost-effective way to resolve divorce, child custody, and support disputes without going to court. In mediation, a neutral third party helps spouses or co-parents reach a mutually agreeable resolution. Our firm guides clients through this process, ensuring their rights and interests are protected while promoting amicable solutions that prioritize family well-being.

    For cases that require arbitration in family law, we represent clients in this private, legally binding process where an arbitrator makes final decisions on contested issues such as property division, spousal maintenance, and parenting time. Arbitration offers a faster, more flexible alternative to traditional litigation while still providing enforceable outcomes. We help clients navigate arbitration proceedings with a strategic and results-driven approach.

    When out-of-court solutions are not possible, our firm provides trial representation for family law cases to protect our clients' rights and advocate for their best interests in court. Whether handling high-conflict divorce, custody disputes, or post-decree modifications, we build strong cases, present compelling arguments, and ensure our clients have a powerful voice in the courtroom. With extensive litigation experience, we are prepared to fight for fair and just outcomes when necessary.

    Our firm also focuses on settlement negotiation and parenting coordination, helping clients resolve disputes efficiently while minimizing stress. We work diligently to secure fair settlements through negotiation, avoiding costly litigation whenever possible. For ongoing conflicts, parenting coordination provides structured guidance to help co-parents resolve disputes and implement parenting plans effectively. Whether through ADR or litigation, The Law Office of Tiffany Dust is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

  • Post-Decree Matters

    After a divorce or custody case is finalized, circumstances can change, requiring legal action to modify or enforce court orders. At The Law Office of Tiffany Dust, we assist clients with post-decree modification, helping adjust child custody, parenting time, child support, or spousal maintenance when significant changes occur, such as job loss, relocation, or a child’s evolving needs. Minnesota law requires proof that modifications serve the child’s best interests, making skilled legal representation essential for a successful outcome.

    When a party fails to comply with a court-ordered divorce or custody agreement, legal action may be necessary. Enforcement of court orders ensures compliance with financial obligations, parenting time schedules, and other court-mandated terms. If one party repeatedly violates an order, the court may impose penalties, wage garnishments, or other corrective measures. The Law Office of Tiffany Dust provides aggressive legal advocacy to enforce these orders and protect our clients' rights.

    Serious violations of court orders may lead to contempt of court proceedings, where the non-compliant party faces legal consequences, including fines or jail time. Contempt actions are commonly used when a parent refuses to pay child support, withholds parenting time, or disregards court-ordered obligations. The Law Office of Tiffany Dust guides clients through contempt proceedings, presenting strong evidence to ensure compliance and accountability.

    In some cases, divorce settlements may need to be revisited due to misrepresentation or deception. Reopening divorce cases due to fraud is possible if one party concealed assets, provided false financial disclosures, or engaged in fraudulent conduct that affected the final settlement. Proving fraud requires substantial evidence, and The Law Office of Tiffany Dust helps clients uncover hidden assets and seek fair resolutions in family court.

  • Adoption and Surrogacy Issues

    At The Law Office of Tiffany Dust, we offer comprehensive legal services for all types of adoption cases in Minnesota, including stepparent adoption, relative adoption, and grandparent adoption. Stepparent adoption allows a stepparent to legally adopt their spouse’s child, granting them parental rights and responsibilities. Relative and grandparent adoption provides legal avenues for family members, such as grandparents or other relatives, to adopt a child when parents are unable to care for them. These adoption processes can be emotionally and legally complex, but our experienced family law attorneys are here to guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience for all involved.

    Whether you’re pursuing an agency adoption or a private adoption, our team at The Law Office of Tiffany Dust provides skilled legal counsel to help you navigate the adoption process. Agency adoption typically involves working with a licensed agency that facilitates the adoption and ensures compliance with state and federal laws. Private adoption, on the other hand, involves direct arrangements between birth parents and adoptive parents, often with the assistance of attorneys to manage legal paperwork, parental rights, and state regulations. We are committed to protecting your rights, guiding you through home studies, court procedures, and all necessary legal steps to finalize the adoption.

    At The Law Office of Tiffany Dust, we also specialize in creating surrogacy agreements to ensure that all parties understand their legal rights and responsibilities. Surrogacy agreements are crucial for both the intended parents and the surrogate, as they outline expectations, compensation, and the legal process for parental rights transfer. Our attorneys help you draft clear, enforceable contracts to protect everyone involved. We also assist in securing the parental rights of intended parents, whether through a pre-birth order or court hearings, ensuring that your rights as parents are established before or shortly after the birth.

    No matter the type of adoption or surrogacy arrangement you’re pursuing, our team at The Law Office of Tiffany Dust is committed to providing the legal support you need. From stepparent and relative adoptions to private and agency adoptions and surrogacy agreements, we ensure all legal requirements are met and your parental rights are protected. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in your adoption or surrogacy journey.

  • Unique Family Law Services

    At The Law Office of Tiffany Dust, we offer a range of unique family law services designed to address the unique needs of Minnesota families. One key service is emancipation of minors, which allows a minor to gain legal independence from their parents or guardians before reaching the age of majority. Emancipation grants the minor the ability to make decisions regarding education, healthcare, and living arrangements, while also freeing them from parental control and support obligations. Our experienced family law attorneys can guide you through this complex process to ensure that your child's interests are protected.

    We also assist clients with name changes for adults and minors. Whether you're seeking a name change for personal reasons or for a minor due to family circumstances, our attorneys provide guidance through the legal process. Changing a name is often necessary for reasons such as identity, safety, or personal preference, and we are committed to ensuring that the process is handled smoothly and efficiently. Our attorneys will help you understand the requirements and potential challenges for both adult and minor name changes in Minnesota.