Business Details
Trusted Family Law Attorneys in Saint Paul, MN
At Tuft, Lach, Jerabek & O'Connell, we specialize in family law, juvenile law, and estate planning, providing skillful, ethical, and compassionate legal representation. Our team-based approach ensures clients receive personalized attention from experienced attorneys, paralegals, and support staff, prioritizing cost-effective solutions through alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and collaborative law. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys are trained as Rule 114 Qualified Neutrals by the Minnesota Supreme Court, offering expertise in Social and Financial Early Neutral Evaluations.We balance amicable dispute resolution with robust courtroom advocacy when necessary, serving clients in complex matters such as divorce, child custody, spousal maintenance, and estate planning. Our estate planning services address unique family structures, ensuring security for blended families. We emphasize transparency, accessibility, and client education, maintaining offices in Maplewood and Plymouth to serve Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and all Minnesota counties. Our attorneys also hold leadership roles in legal and community organizations, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and client-centered service.
Services
Family Law
Divorce/Dissolution
Child Custody
Mediation/ADR
Estate Planning
Child Support
Spousal Maintenance
Juvenile Law
Probate
Guardianship
Highlights and features
- We employ a team-based approach to ensure cost-effective, personalized legal representation.
- Our attorneys are trained as Rule 114 Qualified Neutrals for mediation and evaluations.
- We balance amicable dispute resolution with strong courtroom advocacy when necessary.
- Our estate planning team specializes in addressing complex family structures.
- We maintain offices in Maplewood and Plymouth for accessible statewide service.
Associations and certifications
- Rule 114 Qualified Neutrals
Services
Family Law
Our family law practice addresses divorce, child custody, spousal maintenance, and property division with ethical, client-focused advocacy. We prioritize alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation to reduce costs and stress. Our attorneys combine decades of courtroom experience with compassionate guidance to achieve tailored solutions for complex family transitions.
Divorce/Dissolution
We handle high-asset, complex, and straightforward divorce cases, focusing on equitable outcomes for property division, alimony, and post-divorce modifications. Our team uses collaborative law and mediation to streamline resolutions while preparing for litigation when necessary. Clients benefit from strategic advice tailored to their unique financial and familial circumstances.
Child Custody
Our attorneys advocate for clients in child custody disputes, including third-party and grandparent rights. We address parenting time, visitation, and custody modifications with sensitivity to family dynamics. Our experience in juvenile court ensures robust representation for clients navigating contested custody proceedings and appeals.
Mediation/ADR
As Rule 114 Qualified Neutrals, we offer mediation, arbitration, and early neutral evaluations to resolve disputes amicably. Our mediators facilitate cooperative solutions for divorce, custody, and property division, reducing conflict and legal expenses. This approach empowers clients to maintain control over outcomes while avoiding prolonged litigation.
Estate Planning
We provide estate planning services, including wills, trusts, and probate, tailored to blended families and unique asset structures. Our team addresses the intersection of family law and estate planning, ensuring security for clients and their loved ones. Services also cover guardianship, conservatorship, and elder law matters.
People
Susan M. Lach
Of Counsel
Susan M. Lach has over 40 years of experience in complex family law litigation and now focuses on alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and early neutral evaluations.
Dan C. OConnell
Shareholder Attorney/Mediator
Dan OConnell has guided clients through family law matters for 30 years and is a four-time 'Lawyer of the Year' recipient for Family Law in Minneapolis.
Thomas W. Tuft
Shareholder Attorney/Mediator
Thomas Tuft specializes in all areas of family law, including complex divorce, child custody, and alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration.
John M. Jerabek
Shareholder Attorney/Mediator
John Jerabek advocates for clients in grandparent custody cases and juvenile court appeals, with expertise in contested adoption and family law litigation.
Letty M-S Van Ert
Shareholder Attorney/Mediator
Letty Van Ert offers family law, probate, and estate planning services and is a Rule 114 qualified neutral specializing in creative dispute resolution.
Questions
What areas of law does Tuft, Lach, Jerabek & OConnell specialize in?
We specialize in family law, juvenile law, estate planning, probate, guardianship, and alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation.
How does your firm handle divorce cases?
We use collaborative law and mediation to resolve divorce cases amicably, but we prepare for litigation when necessary, focusing on equitable property division and spousal support.
Do you offer mediation services for family law disputes?
Yes, our attorneys are Rule 114 Qualified Neutrals who provide mediation, arbitration, and early neutral evaluations to resolve disputes efficiently.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We serve Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Roseville, Maplewood, Oakdale, Woodbury, Stillwater, and all Minnesota counties, including Ramsey and Hennepin.
