Twin Cities Child Custody Lawyers

Last updated on January 23, 2026

The well-being of their children is the most important thought a parent carries into each day. Our founding lawyer, Christina Huson, is a child custody attorney and a mother, so she understands this from both perspectives.

She knows the strength of the bond between parent and child as well as the serious risks divorce poses to that relationship. She and our team has made it their goal at Huson Law Firm, PLLC, to establish workable parenting arrangements that ensure the health and prosperity of our clients’ children in St. Paul, Minneapolis and beyond.

Custody And Parenting Time In Minnesota

Minnesota custody issues center around determining which parent or parents will have legal and physical custody:

• Legal custody gives a parent the authority to make decisions regarding the child, such as their health care, religious training, education and general welfare.
• Physical custody gives a parent the authority to determine where the child lives and how their routine day-to-day activities are structured.

Both legal and physical custody can be the sole responsibility of one parent or shared as part of a joint custody arrangement agreed to by the parents or determined by family court. Once a custody determination is made, it’s often difficult to modify the terms absent major changes in circumstances.

If child support is required, it may be affected by the custody arrangement as well. Our lawyers can bridge differences while also effectively asserting your rights and wishes if an agreement cannot be reached.

Determining The Best Interests Of Your Child

When parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, the court makes a decision based on the best interests of the child. This will be determined based on factors such as:

• The wishes of the child’s parents
• The child’s primary caretaker
• The level of intimacy between each parent and the child
• The interaction and inter-relationship between the child, each parent, any siblings and others who may affect the child
• The child’s adjustment to home, school and the community
• The mental and physical health of all individuals involved

At Huson Law Firm, PLLC, our attorneys’ extensive experience and intimate knowledge of the issues facing parents and families help them form agreements on these very difficult issues.

How Do Parental Rights Differe Inside Of Marriage Versus Outside Of Marriage?

If you are the father of a child within a marriage, then the law presumes that you are that child’s biological father. However, if you have that child outside of a marriage, the mother has sole custody until you are able to prove paternity.

Without proving paternity, you may not have any rights to custody or parenting time. Our family law attorneys are ready to listen to your concerns and discuss your options.

What Are My Parental Rights As A Father?

As the above answer addresses, this will differ depending on the circumstances (married vs. unmarried). In general, fathers have just as much right to custody as mothers do. Christina and our team pursue equal custody for fathers throughout the Twin Cities, and she has earned a reputation as being the “Lawyer For Dads.” Our lawyers believe that it is crucial for both parents to have a strong and positive presence in their children’s lives.

Am I Able To Obtain Full Custody?

This depends on what you mean by “full custody,” but the answer is “no” in most cases. To obtain full legal and physical custody, the other parent must be absent from the picture or pose a danger to the child as a result of abusive or negligent behavior. Even in such situations, it may be possible for the other parent to obtain supervised visitation.

In most custody cases, the outcome will result in some type of co-parenting arrangement, as there is a presumption that the noncustodial parent should have at least 25% of the parenting time.

What Is The Guiding Principle Of Minnesota Custody Laws?

Everything comes down to “the best interests of the children.” Even when parents can agree on a custody arrangement, it must meet this standard.

Can I Go To Court To Keep The Other Parent From My Children?

As stated previously, everything in family law comes down to what is in the best interests of the child. Our attorneys encourage our clients to focus on this from the start since, one way or another, they are going to have to abide by the outcome that a judge deems is in the child’s best interests. Fighting for the sake of fighting is expensive and will not change this, but it could damage your ability to effectively co-parent after the divorce.

However, if there are legitimate reasons to go to trial for the best outcome, our team has a proven record of success in the courtroom.

Full-Service Representation For Minnesota Parents And Children

Are you ready to speak to an attorney about your child custody needs? Call 651-968-0822 for a free consultation. We serve parents in St. Paul, Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota.