When it comes to raising kids there are two certainties: It’s expensive, and it’s going to continually change.

Between the cost of food, childcare, education, extracurriculars, and housing, a lot of parents struggle to meet their children’s needs. Most parents [...]

You might imagine stalking as an act that requires someone to skulk in the shadows, obsessively watching unsuspecting victims go about their daily lives – so people have been led to believe. The truth is that stalking doesn’t always happen [...]

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, getting a divorce from your spouse is the only option you have. But it’s a big decision – not something you should just jump into feet first.

The truth is, there is a lot to [...]

Minnesota become one of many states in which revenge porn is illegal in 2016. Since then, there has been an uptick in the prosecution of cases involving revenge porn.

What happens between two consenting adults is not the business of [...]

Child support: There’s plenty of information out there from many different sources – and not all of them are exactly trustworthy. You’ve likely heard the term “child support” or even seen it as a factor in your own separation and [...]

When you are arrested for driving while intoxicated in Minnesota, the first thing you may want to do is panic. However, if you understand DWI/DUI law in Minnesota, you know that there’s no reason to panic just yet – there [...]

Like many other states, Minnesota has strict laws regarding controlled substances. Those who violate these laws can face serious, life-altering penalties.

It’s important for every citizen of Minnesota to understand drug laws and the crimes that can stem from them [...]

Medical malpractice is something that occurs everywhere, and each state has its own laws surrounding medical malpractice claims, including Minnesota.

Many people struggle with understanding whether or not their case falls under the umbrella of medical malpractice. What is important [...]

When people think about stalking, they imagine dark alleys and scared young women being followed by strangers, eventually leading to something terrible occurring. While that Hollywood version of stalking has probably happened somewhere at some time, most stalking crimes are [...]

Many people fear that divorce will be a long, contentious, drawn-out process in the courts. Fortunately, that is simply not true in many cases. Why? Because many of those going through a divorce choose a mediator to help them settle [...]

In Minnesota, drug charges can be quite serious. If you are accused of something such as criminal drug possession, it’s a crime that, if convicted, can impact you for the rest of your life.

What can make drug possession charges [...]

Often, one of the most tedious and difficult things about Minnesota divorce is dividing up assets from the marriage. Many people don’t want to fully undertake this time-consuming process, but it’s to their detriment if they don’t.

Why? Because there [...]

If you’re accused of criminal sexual conduct in Minnesota, a potential conviction can alter your life forever. In addition to criminal penalties, you can also face the requirement to register as a sex offender, which can impact where you live [...]

Accidents happen. And when you’re driving a car on Minnesota roads, the chances of an accident happening are fair – so it’s important to be prepared for incidents on the road.

Most people prepare for car accidents by buying vehicles [...]

In Minnesota, car accidents are unfortunately one of the most common types of personal injury claims. So, if you were involved in a car accident over the holidays, rest assured you’re not alone.

In fact, there have been many accidents [...]

If you are found operating a vehicle while intoxicated in North Carolina, then you will face a DWI charge – and that can come with significant penalties.

A Minnesota DWI can send you to jail, make you responsible for steep [...]

When you’re going through a divorce or separation, there are a lot of things to agree on and arrange between you and your soon-to-be-former partner. One of the issues that concern many people going through this process is child custody.[...]

The holidays are celebrated in a variety of ways. For some, it’s about getting together with friends and family. For others, it’s about exchanging gifts. And then some also enjoy celebrating through wild parties with others, which can lead to [...]

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year that many people, especially kids, look forward to all year long. Unfortunately, there are some serious hazards that come along with all that joy and excitement – hazards that many parents [...]

Sexual assault doesn’t always happen like it’s portrayed in movies and on television. Sometimes, victims don’t come forward for years, for a variety of reasons. Until recently, many survivors of sexual assault missed the window to bring charges against those [...]

Sometimes, divorce must happen. Coming to the end of your marriage can be a painful process. Not only are their emotions to handle, but the assets you and your spouse have gathered over your marriage that must now be divided [...]

With the holidays in full swing, chances are many people are getting package deliveries on their doorstep. It may seem funny or thrilling to be a part of the “porch pirate” package theft trend, but in Minnesota, there are serious [...]

It’s not uncommon for criminal law and family law to intersect in Minnesota cases involving domestic violence. When a child is involved, the law is very specific in what kinds of acts constitute neglect of a child. It also further [...]

It’s common weekend or even weeknight occurrence: people are out with friends having a good time and a few alcoholic beverages. At some point, they may realize they have had too much to drink to get home safe, so they [...]

Drugs are considered by the law to be a threat to society, which is why drug crimes are punished so harshly in this country. In Minnesota, someone caught with even a small amount of drugs can face serious charges that [...]

It’s the moment everyone dreads. You were just headed home after a night out having fun with your friends, but then it happens: lights. Sirens. And the next thing you know the police officer is asking you to take a [...]

 On September 7, 2021, a Minnesota man pleaded guilty to producing sexually explicit images and videos of a minor. The man contacted a 9-year-old girl on Snapchat. He then lied about his age in order to get her to send [...]

Just as in other states, Minnesota takes threats and violence between members of the same household very seriously – and they take action to protect those who are vulnerable.

Minnesota provides victims of domestic violence with a form of legal [...]

Labor Day weekend is about saying goodbye to summer for another year, but it can have one lasting impact you may not have planned for – a DUI.

Driving under the influence is a very serious crime in Minnesota that [...]

In Minnesota, drug laws are strictly enforced. If convicted of drug crimes in the state, you can face severe penalties that will alter the course of your life forever.

That’s why if you’re charged with a drug crime in Minnesota, [...]

For many in Minnesota who have been convicted of a crime, a fresh start sounds like a great idea. The law recognizes this, which is why some crimes can be expunged from your record in the state under certain circumstances.[...]

Minnesota has some very tough assault laws on the books, some of the toughest in the entire country. That’s why if you’ve been charged with domestic assault, you may be looking at some serious consequences.

If you’ve been charged with [...]

In Minnesota, getting a DWI or DUI can lead to serious consequences. The fact is that a DWI in Minnesota can be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony – the facts surrounding the case as well as any [...]

Minnesota is no different from every other state in the U.S. in that it has laws surrounding the possession, manufacture, and sale of controlled substances. The laws in Minnesota break these substances up into different schedules. They base penalties on [...]

Being arrested for a sexual conduct offense in Minnesota is a difficult and alarming situation to go through. You may have many questions about being arrested and what that can mean for your future.

In Minnesota, there are several consequences [...]

Domestic assault is a crime taken very seriously in Minnesota, but there isn’t simply one way it can be committed nor one way it is punished. In fact, the state has a wide range of charges and penalties that can [...]

Something harmful happening to your child is a parent’s worst nightmare. There are some things parents can’t control when it comes to security, but some parental decisions have a huge impact on their child’s safety. One of those choices is [...]

There are many reasons fires can occur. In fact, many fires are caused by accidents or circumstances out of the control of people. In those cases, it’s often dismissed as an unfortunate accident. However, when a fire is purposefully set, [...]

Dogs are known as man’s best friend. While it is true they can bring happiness to the lives of many people, being bitten by a dog can cause a lot of pain and distress.

Dog bites impact the lives of [...]

Many older people live in care facilities across Minnesota. Unfortunately, along with the number of people who live in these environments, neglect and abuse occur more frequently than one may hope.

According to the federal government and Minnesota state government, [...]

Slip and fall accidents in Minnesota can happen any time and anywhere. The streets don’t have to be filled with snow and ice, which is why it’s important to understand the steps you should take if you do take a [...]

In Minnesota, as in many other states, criminal sexual conduct isn’t simply one crime. It’s a group of crimes broken into several degrees. In the state, there are actually five degrees of criminal sexual conduct, each with its own penalties.[...]

As sunny summer days take the reins, drivers might notice more motorcycles on the road.

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you already know it’s the perfect time of year to cruise. Even if you appreciate your bike more for gas [...]

DWI charges can turn your life upside-down. A one-night mistake could lead to thousands of dollars in fines and legal fees, plus jail time.

For some, it can initiate a downward spiral: you lose your license, which keeps you from [...]

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things in Minnesota and around the world. Of course, it impacts the daily lives of many Minnesotans, but there are a few stand-out issues still impacted by the pandemic – issues like workers’ compensation.[...]

Getting a divorce is a complicated matter. Just as no two relationships are alike, no two divorces are alike either.

That’s why the state of Minnesota provides several routes for couples to execute a divorce. There are requirements that must [...]

When you hear the terms “homicide” and “murder”, you probably think they are contrasting words for the same act. While both signal the death of another person, the law regards them in quite different lights.

In the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, a [...]

Police dogs should be shining examples of a well-trained dog. But even these highly-behaved working dogs act like untrained animals sometimes.

In Duluth, the city awarded a woman $50,000 after she was bitten during a police dog encounter. The victim [...]

By their very nature, car accidents are startling and unexpected. It’s not uncommon for someone to feel confused and disoriented immediately after an accident, a state of mind that can lead to panic.

A car accident doesn’t automatically hold you [...]

Arson is a crime of intent. That means that a fire was set on purpose – which is a crime that many states, such as Minnesota, take very seriously since it can lead to major property damage and even the [...]

Street drugs are dangerous, as evidenced by the number of people who die each year from accidental drug overdoses.

This trend’s visibility has risen in recent years. The Brainerd Dispatch reported that, compared to 2019, four times as many counterfeit [...]

The sprawling greenery and beautiful waters of the “Land of Lakes” might inspire scenic weekend drives, but most Minnesotans own a car simply to get where they’re going. No matter where you drive, you need insurance to protect yourself, as [...]

It’s a given that the death of a spouse is emotionally shattering, but it can leave a family financially devastated as well. This rings especially true if the deceased was receiving disability benefits through Social Security.

One of the most [...]

Traffic violations can be some of the most confusing issues to resolve. After all, many people receive a speeding ticket at some point in their life, but the outcome of that ticket relies on a variety of factors.

Officials in [...]

When you are injured due to the negligence of another person, you may think that a personal injury case against them is fairly open and shut. After all, you can show they were at fault for your damages, right? Not [...]

To say that a time leading up to a divorce may be contentious or even violent can be an understatement. After all, when a relationship has reached the point where a couple wants a divorce, chances are things are not [...]

Assault is a charge that can happen almost anywhere and be perpetrated by almost anyone. In fact, under Minnesota law, you may be surprised to find out what type of actions can be charged as assault.

Recently, a Duluth firefighter [...]

Minnesotans are accustomed to their fair share of slippery conditions. That doesn’t mean that injuries from slip and fall accidents are ever something you should simply shrug off.

There are laws surrounding slip and falls, and the damages you can [...]

If you’ve decided to get a divorce in the state of Minnesota, then you know there are a lot of things to work out.

It’s vital to know what your rights are in a divorce, which is why you have [...]

Drinking and driving is never a good idea, but it becomes an even worse situation when an accident is involved, as one Minnesota man recently found out.

A 22-year-old man was convicted of killing three people in a car accident [...]

Millions of Americans live in long-term care facilities. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect aren’t as uncommon as we wish in these situations.

That’s why it vital that if you have a loved one living in a nursing home, you familiarize yourself [...]

Child custody arrangements in Minnesota can be difficult to navigate, but only because they are complex matters with a lot of requirements through the courts.

Even if your child custody arrangement was designed amicably, making changes is a process where [...]

It seems as if states all around Minnesota are making recreational marijuana legal. However, Minnesota doesn’t seem quite ready to make the leap – though some lawmakers are trying.

Last year, Democratic leaders in the legislature introduced a bill that [...]

When you first settled your divorce, you may have been perfectly happy with the divorce decree. Life can change, though, and your circumstances right along with it, causing your official divorce decree to become unworkable or impractical for one or [...]

When people think of statutory rape, they often think of young children being lured into unsafe situations by adults. That isn’t always the case.

It doesn’t happen with great frequency, but some high school teachers in Minnesota may be having [...]

It’s never an easy choice to move someone you love into a nursing home, but when you make that choice you’re putting a lot of trust in the people who run the facility.

The good news is that nursing homes [...]

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Financial support is something a child needs from both parents. Under the law in Minnesota, children have the right for both their parents to financially support them.

Whenever a couple with children separates, whether they’ve been married or not, [...]

In movies and on television, the idea of conjugal visits in prison seems universal, but it’s actually not a reality in a good number of states, including Minnesota.

A petition made the rounds recently online to try to change this [...]

When a child is born, a special bond forms between a baby and their parents. Children rely on both of them for care, to meet their basic needs, and to teach them about the world.

The state of Minnesota recognizes [...]

Minnesota is known for many things – and one of them is long snowy winters. For many Minnesotans, pulling out their parks, donning their boots, and shoveling some snow is simply par for the winter course.

Unfortunately, it’s also the [...]

When people say that “crime doesn’t pay,” they’re not exactly being truthful. While it is true that crime won’t end well for anyone involved, it can end in expenses for both the perpetrator and the victim.

Courts in Minnesota often [...]

The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) was groundbreaking legislation that sought to help those with disabilities reduce instances of discrimination in the workplace.

Just as with most legislation, though, it’s a law that not every employer observes at all times [...]

Most people are familiar, thanks to television and movies, with the idea of a restraining order. Still, orders for protection can be difficult to understand for those involved in personal situations of domestic violence.

In Minnesota, there are three different [...]

Even though many Minnesota voters want to see the blanket legalization of marijuana in the state, the recreational use of marijuana is still illegal. Minnesota statutes still very much align with federal laws on marijuana being used recreationally.

That doesn’t [...]

Minnesota has already seen snow this fall – and it’s only going to keep on coming. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, Duluth averages below freezing temperatures in November and 9 days of snow.

The weather is only [...]

While opioid addiction continues to ravage families across the United States, Minnesota is working hard to help keep drug offenders from prison.

They do so by helping them into treatment programs through specialized Drug Courts. They’ve even created a sub-court [...]

When you turn on the news today, you hear a lot of talk about law and order. In Duluth, there’s a focus on law and order but not in the way you may think.

According to the Duluth Police Chief, [...]

Car accidents happen, but when there are children involved it can turn something terrible into something even more tragic. Case in point, a freight truck struck a car in Minneapolis, killing two of the three occupants in the car and [...]

Recently, the Minnesota Legislature has proposed a new set of legislation for child custody agreements. This new legislation, known as HF 887 and HF1666/SF 1295, is significantly more strict in how it views parental custody.

Specifically, it holds that both [...]

In Minnesota, there are certain criminal records that can be expunged. However, it’s a complicated and somewhat slow process – or at least it can be if you don’t have an attorney who can help.

There are a lot of [...]

Semi-trucks are vital to our nation’s infrastructure and are [...]

The sudden and untimely loss of a loved one is emotionally devastating, and even more so if the death could have been prevented. Even if the responsible party did not act intentionally, your loved one paid with their life and [...]

Minnesota law does not provide a specific age or circumstances under which a child can be left home alone or under the care of another child. However, there are general laws that require adequate and appropriate supervision of minor children.[...]

Drunk driving, despite the best efforts of those in law enforcement and the community, continues to happen. In Minnesota specifically, the number of deaths related to drunk driving accidents continues to increase.

In 2018, there were 371 traffic fatalities reported, [...]

With its icy winters and busy city roads, Minnesota sees its fair share of car accidents. Recent data from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) reveals the extent of our state’s traffic crash problem.

According to the report, there [...]

When it comes to COVID-19, it seems as if frightening information is constantly surfacing in the media. Take, for instance, the Journal of the American Medical Association study from April 2020.

In this study, it reported that 88 percent of [...]

If you’re injured by a dog bite in Minnesota, pain and fear can creep into your life long after the physical wounds have healed. Victims of dog bites have protections under the law in Minnesota, so it’s important to understand [...]

Family court and criminal court are two distinct systems of law, and it’s common for lawyers to practice either family or criminal law. In some cases, attorneys do practice both.

Family and criminal courts are separate branches of law, and [...]

Protests over the death of George Floyd have been intense over the past few weeks. Tens of thousands of protestors hit the street to have their voices heard over what was perceived to be police brutality.

In response to these [...]

Anyone with a vehicle in Minnesota knows about the “no-fault” car insurance policy required in our state. But what does that mean if you’re in a car accident? Is there any recourse if you’re injured? How do you go about [...]

Child support is an important part of family law in Minnesota.

It’s one of the most important types of support offered to children, helping kids receive the care they need to grow into functional adults. Because of this, the legal [...]

Although hundreds of new COVID-19 cases are still being reported in Minnesota each day, restrictions are easing up around the state. More businesses are able to reopen, pay their employees, and return to a sense of normalcy. If you’ve been [...]

Domestic violence is rampant in Minnesota and the US as a whole, and the number of cases has seen a dramatic uptick during the COVID-19 pandemic. A likely contributing factor? Victims and abusers in closer proximity more often and/or for [...]

Minnesota personal injury law can be complicated. There are many rules and regulations and then exceptions to these rules and regulations.

If you’ve sustained a personal injury and you believe that it was due to the negligence of another, the [...]

Social Security was created in 1935 to help promote economic security for Americans. Most people associate it with the benefits retired people receive, but that’s not the only type of social security benefits out there.

In fact, there are three [...]

One of the most troubling aspects of the COVID-19 crisis has been the stories coming out about nursing home abuse happening in cities throughout the United States.

Everything from physical abuse of patients to residents diagnosed with the virus being [...]

If you’ve lived in Northern Minnesota for a long time, you understand that accidents in Duluth can happen in the blink of an eye. Whether you were in an auto accident, or slipped and fell on the ice, it is [...]

Getting injured on the job in Minnesota can be overwhelming and complicated. It’s important that if you’ve been injured at work, you get the care and treatment you need. At LaCourse, Poole & Envall, P.A., our experienced worker’s compensation lawyers [...]