Saint Paul Family Law Blog

Modifying a child custody agreement in Minnesota is not an easy task, and that is by design. The parties to a divorce, their attorneys and the courts cooperate to create an agreement that protects parental rights while serving the best interest of the child. Nevertheless, at Huson Law Firm we know that life is subject to constant change, and an alteration to your circumstances, which may be beyond your control, can necessitate a change to an existing child custody agreement. 

According to FindLaw, there are complex grounds for modifying a custody agreement, but some generalities include an emergency situation that puts the child at risk, a positive improvement for a child or a change in one or both parents' circumstances. More specifically, you may receive a job transfer to a position in another state, making it difficult if not impossible to fulfill the terms of the current arrangement, or you may have reason to believe that child abuse is taking place in the other parent's home, putting your child in danger. Whatever the circumstances, there must be a legitimate reason for the modification, and you must never seek one out of spite or malice. 

If you have been separated from your child in Minnesota, you may have wondered if DNA testing may help you find them. DNA testing has grown in popularity over recent years and many people take the test for different reasons. Some people are looking for medical history, particularly if they are unfamiliar with one or both sides of their biological family. Some others may wish to learn more about their racial and ethnic makeup or are just curious.

The good news is that this fascination with genetics may have resulted in your own child seeking a DNA test. According to Forbes, all DNA-testing companies draw from one unique database. This helps to make it possible for people to find not just their long-lost children, but other relatives they may have otherwise never met.

When the U.S. Supreme Court hears a case, its impact is felt throughout the country regardless of where it originated. This is important when it comes to an Alabama case where a father is suing an abortion clinic for aborted his unborn child. This case could have an impact in Minnesota on father's rights in the case of an abortion.

Currently, according to Fox News, the prevailing opinion is that the father has no rights to an unborn child and any decisions a mother makes regarding that unborn child. So, if a mother wants to get an abortion, she does not need the permission of the father. In fact, she doesn't even have to tell him she is doing it.

As a father, you know that you may have to face some forms of bias when you seek custody of your children. While it isn't fair, women are still made out to be better caregivers.

Bias shouldn't have a place in your case, and your attorney will do all they can to make sure you're not facing bias from the judge or others. However, having some helpful evidence on your side is a good choice.