Minnesota Family Law / Divorce Law FAQ
Stebbins
and Hegranes LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What kind of cases do you handle?
We handle all types of family law cases, including dissolutions (divorce),
paternity, child support, child custody, parenting time (visitation), spousal
maintenance (alimony / spousal support), parentage, property division, prenuptial
or antenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, child protection or CHIPS
petitions, UIFSA, UCCJEA, Orders for Protection (OFP), Harassment Restraining
Orders (HRO), name change, and post decree family law cases, including appeals.
We have also successfully represented persons seeking to adopt a child, including
stepparent adoptions and adoptions by same sex couples.
Both Rick Stebbins and Steve Hegranes are qualified mediators, able to act
as neutrals in family law disputes in which ADR, or alternative dispute resolution,
is appropriate. Further, we are happy to announce that Rick was recently accepted
as an evaluator in the Hennepin County Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (“FENE”)
pilot project. This project helps divorcing parties attempt to settle disputed
financial issues, without the need for extensive litigation. The program has
been very successful to date.
In addition, our attorneys have experience in other areas such as landlord-tenant
disputes, contracts, and commercial leases.
2. Which counties do you service?
Our attorneys regularly handle cases throughout the metro Twin Cities area. We
have appeared in the courts of Ramsey, Hennepin, Dakota, Anoka, Washington, Goodhue,
Wright, Carver, Chisago, Sherburne, Isanti, and Scott counties.
3. How much will my case cost?
Attorney’s fees in family law cases range substantially, and depend
on the specifics of the case. Some matters are extremely complex, others less
so. A dissolution in which the parties do not have children, real estate, or
significant personal property will usually cost much less than a dissolution
in which every major issue is disputed.
Stebbins & Hegranes requires an initial retainer fee, and charges against
the retainer on an hourly basis. Retainers generally range from $750.00 to $3,000.00,
depending on the complexities of the case. The partners’ fee is $200.00
per hour, which is reasonable given their level of expertise. We use highly trained
legal assistants in order to keep costs as affordable as possible.
4. Do I really need a lawyer?
Again, this depends on your case. Often, a party believes
that s/he can come to an agreement with the other party without court involvement.
Experience has shown us that “true” agreements – in other words,
ones in which the parties have settled every contested issue – are rare.
Clients find it useful to have a professional who not only understands the legal
framework of the case, but can also navigate often emotional issues from a detached,
compassionate perspective.
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