Jensen Law Offices, PLLPJensen Law Offices, PLLP2026-05-15T14:25:39Zhttps://www.jmmfamilylaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1603926/2021/08/cropped-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Jensen Law Offices, PLLP<![CDATA[What happens to airline miles and reward points during a divorce?]]>https://www.jmmfamilylaw.com/?p=2551092026-05-15T14:25:39Z2026-05-15T14:25:39Zproperty division process. If you travel for work or use shared credit cards for family expenses, those rewards can add up over time.
What types of travel rewards may come up in a divorce?
Many couples share travel-related accounts or benefit from rewards earned during the marriage. These rewards may include:
Earning airline frequent flyer miles
Collecting hotel loyalty points
Building credit card reward balances
Receiving companion travel passes
Using airport lounge memberships
Accumulating rewards through business travel
You may also collect points through joint household spending. Even if the account only appears under your spouse’s name, the rewards may still connect to marital finances.
Are airline miles considered marital property in Minnesota?
Minnesota follows equitable distribution rules during divorce. This means courts divide marital property in a way they consider fair, though not always equal.
Travel rewards earned during the marriage may fall into that category. A court may look at when the points were earned, whether the rewards can transfer and whether shared finances contributed to the rewards.
Why reward points can create unexpected disputes
Travel rewards usually sit in accounts tied to one spouse’s email or credit card. That can create tension if the other spouse feels excluded from the process.
Couples also sometimes forget about reward accounts until late in the divorce process. When that happens, negotiations may slow down and smaller disagreements can become harder to resolve.
Looking beyond major assets during divorce
Divorce affects more than homes, bank accounts and retirement savings. Shared rewards, memberships and travel benefits may also become part of the discussion.
Thinking about these details ahead of time can help you avoid surprises during negotiations. A practical approach to property division can help you and your family reach a fair resolution with less conflict.]]>On Behalf of Jensen Law Offices, PLLP<![CDATA[What should you know about health insurance after divorce?]]>https://www.jmmfamilylaw.com/?p=2551072026-02-24T11:48:08Z2026-02-11T16:58:03ZDivorce changes many parts of your life, and health insurance often sits high on the list. If you rely on your spouse’s plan, coverage can end faster than you expect. Understanding your options helps you avoid gaps that can lead to high medical bills.
Why coverage often changes after divorce
During the marriage, many spouses stay on a family health plan through an employer. Once the divorce becomes final, that eligibility usually ends. You cannot stay on the plan as a spouse, even if you shared coverage for years. Minnesota law treats this shift as a standard result of divorce.
Short-term options after divorce
After divorce, federal law may allow you to keep the same coverage for a limited time through COBRA. This option lets you stay on the plan, but you must pay the full premium plus an added fee. That cost often feels high, so you should review the numbers carefully before choosing this route.
Long-term health insurance choices
You can explore a plan through your employer if one is available. Many people also look at individual plans through the health insurance marketplace. A divorce counts as a qualifying life event, which means you can enroll outside the usual open enrollment period.
How health insurance fits into divorce agreements
Health insurance costs can affect financial arrangements in a divorce. Premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, and coverage for children often appear in settlement terms. Courts may consider these costs when reviewing support issues, so it helps to understand how insurance fits into the bigger financial picture.
Planning ahead to protect your health
You should review your coverage well before the divorce becomes final. Gather plan details, deadlines, and cost information early. Clear planning reduces stress and helps you stay insured during a time of major change.Minnesota law provides a framework for how divorce affects finances and family responsibilities. Health insurance remains an important part of that framework, especially when children rely on continued coverage. By understanding your options, you place yourself in a stronger position after divorce.]]>On Behalf of Jensen Law Offices, PLLP<![CDATA[Key elements of a stress-free holiday co-parenting plan]]>https://www.jmmfamilylaw.com/?p=2551062026-02-24T11:47:30Z2025-11-10T13:56:38ZHolidays can be both joyful and challenging for co-parents. When you share custody, planning ahead can make the season more peaceful for you and your children. A detailed holiday co-parenting plan helps you avoid last-minute conflicts and keeps everyone’s expectations clear.
Set a clear holiday schedule
Decide early how you’ll divide holiday time. Some parents alternate holidays each year, while others split the day or celebrate on different days. The key is consistency—agree on a plan that feels fair and works for your children. Write down exact dates, pick-up times, and drop-off times. This prevents confusion and ensures both parents know when their time begins and ends.
Prioritize your child’s needs
Think about what matters most to your children, not just what’s convenient for you. Keep familiar traditions that make them feel secure and happy. If possible, let your children have input on where they spend certain holidays. When kids know their feelings count, they handle transitions more smoothly.
Plan communication in advance
Talk with your co-parent before the holidays begin. Discuss travel plans, gifts, and special activities so nothing overlaps or causes tension. Use respectful communication tools such as shared calendars or parenting apps. Keeping all plans transparent reduces misunderstandings and helps both parents stay informed.
Be flexible when needed
Even the best plans can change. Unexpected events, weather, or illness can disrupt schedules. Stay flexible and focus on problem-solving instead of blame. Showing cooperation sets a strong example for your children and keeps the holidays positive.
Keep traditions and create new ones
Each household can celebrate in its own way. Maybe one parent hosts Thanksgiving dinner, while the other plans a post-holiday outing. Blending old and new traditions gives your children a sense of continuity and excitement. What matters most is spending meaningful time together.
A stress-free season starts with a solid plan
A thoughtful holiday co-parenting plan gives everyone peace of mind. When both parents communicate clearly and put their children’s needs first, the holidays become a time of connection instead of conflict.]]>On Behalf of Jensen Law Offices, PLLP<![CDATA[Is lump-sum alimony available under Minnesota law?]]>https://www.jmmfamilylaw.com/?p=2551052025-08-12T17:33:33Z2025-08-12T17:33:33ZWhen couples divorce, spousal maintenance, commonly called alimony, often comes in the form of monthly payments. But in some situations, a one-time lump-sum payment may be an option. In Minnesota, this type of arrangement is less common but possible under certain circumstances.
How lump-sum alimony works
Lump-sum alimony means the paying spouse provides the full agreed or court-ordered amount all at once instead of over time. This payment can be in cash, property, or a combination of both. The goal is to satisfy the maintenance obligation immediately, which can simplify finances for both sides.In Minnesota, courts usually order ongoing alimony payments for a set period or indefinitely, depending on the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning ability, and other factors. However, the court can approve a lump-sum arrangement if both parties agree or if the circumstances make it fair and reasonable.
Potential benefits of a lump-sum payment
A lump-sum payment can bring finality to financial ties, helping both parties move forward without long-term obligations. The recipient gets immediate access to the full amount, which can be helpful for major expenses like buying a home or investing for income. The paying party avoids the risk of future payment disputes or enforcement actions.That said, lump-sum alimony may require significant available assets or cash. It can also impact taxes differently, so careful financial planning is important before agreeing to this option.
When courts might approve it
Courts in Minnesota may allow a lump-sum payment if it is fair to both parties, meets the recipient’s needs, and reflects the paying party’s financial ability. It is more likely in cases where the paying spouse has the means to provide the full amount upfront or where ongoing payments would be difficult to enforce. Both parties must understand that once the payment is made, there is typically no way to alter the amount later.Lump-sum alimony offers a clean break for some divorcing couples, but it is not the right fit for every situation. Those considering this approach should carefully weigh the long-term financial effects before making a decision.]]>On Behalf of Jensen Law Offices, PLLP<![CDATA[Property division in Minnesota: What you need to know]]>https://www.jmmfamilylaw.com/?p=2551042025-07-10T19:39:50Z2025-07-10T19:39:50ZHow is marital property divided in Minnesota?
Under the state of Minnesota, the division of property is determined by the courts through the equitable distribution model. This principle aims for a fair division of the couple’s marital property, but not necessarily 50/50. Instead, they will evaluate it in a manner that is deemed fair for both sides of the party. The primary factors will include:
Since Minnesota’s divorce laws only divide marital property, this means each spouse will most likely keep their separate property, so long as it does not become commingled (e.g., put into a joint account) with a marital asset.
What assets fall under marital property?
Also known as community property, this is all assets acquired by either spouse during the length of their marriage. Some types of community property include:
Real estate
Earned income from employment
Personal property
Joint bank accounts
Retirement accounts
Business properties
Mortgage payments
Any existing debts or loans
What steps can you take to resolve conflict?
In cases of disagreements over marital asset division, child support or child custody arrangements, divorcing couples can turn to mediation as an alternative dispute resolution process. This method is usually cost-efficient and offers more privacy.
However, in complicated situations where the couple cannot move past their differences, they can try to reach a settlement through trial, also known as litigation.
You are not alone on this journey
Managing your divorce can be an emotionally exhausting and rigorous process to go through alone. By seeking guidance from a dedicated legal counsel, you can protect your rights and achieve a fair division of property.]]>On Behalf of Jensen Law Offices, PLLP<![CDATA[What does it mean to equitably divide the marital estate?]]>https://www.jmmfamilylaw.com/?p=2550562025-06-12T00:26:14Z2025-06-12T00:26:14ZJudges allocate marital property and debts
During equitable distribution proceedings, spouses generally have to disclose their financial circumstances to one another and the courts. They provide an inventory of assets. They have to report not only their marital property but also a separate property that they believe is not subject to division.
They also have to make disclosures regarding separate and shared financial obligations, including student loans and credit card balances. Judges look at the resources shared by the spouses and the financial obligations that they have assumed. They consider information about the relationship, including how long the marriage lasted and the standard of living that the spouses enjoyed.
They look at the circumstances of the individual spouses as well, such as their earning potential and the separate property that they may retain after the divorce. All of those details influence what the judge believes is fair. Fairness is the priority in an equitable distribution scenario. The goal is to make things as just and reasonable as possible.
The judge can order the sale of certain assets and allocate property to one spouse or the other. They can also declare one spouse responsible for certain marital debts. Spouses have no way of knowing exactly how a judge might handle high-value resources and various financial obligations during equitable distribution proceedings. They can request specific terms, but judges ultimately make decisions based on how they perceive the situation.
People who understand the basic rules that guide equitable property distribution may find that it is easier to navigate property division negotiations with their spouses and more easily identify when litigating might be the best option. Reviewing personal priorities and assets can potentially help people prepare for the division of their marital estate during a divorce.]]>On Behalf of Jensen Law Offices, PLLP<![CDATA[Can child support be modified?]]>https://www.jmmfamilylaw.com/?p=2550552025-05-17T00:06:17Z2025-05-17T00:06:17ZYou might find yourself needing to change a child support order in Minnesota due to new circumstances. The state allows changes to child support, but you must follow specific rules.
Modifying child support
You can ask for a child support change when your situation changes significantly. This includes changes in income for you or the other parent, your child's needs, or custody arrangements. Minnesota law requires these changes to be substantial and likely to last.
How to request a modification
To change child support, you must file a request with the court that issued your current order. Include updated financial information and proof of your changed situation. The court reviews your request and decides if a change is fair.
What factors does the court consider?
The court looks at both parents' incomes, the child's needs, health care and education costs, and how much time each parent spends with the child. The court aims to set child support that fits your current reality.
Understanding the process
Changing child support involves paperwork and sometimes a court hearing. You can represent yourself, but knowing the process helps you present your case well. Make sure your documents clearly show the change in circumstances.
Tips for a successful modification request
Keep good records of your income and expenses related to your child. If your income dropped or your child's needs increased, gather documents that prove it. Acting quickly helps ensure the support amount matches your current situation.
Temporary modifications
In some cases, the court can approve temporary changes while reviewing your request. Temporary modifications can help reduce financial strain while the court makes a final decision.Changing child support can feel complex, but knowing the rules and preparing well makes the process smoother.]]>On Behalf of Jensen Law Offices, PLLP<![CDATA[What happens to the family pet during a divorce?]]>https://www.jmmfamilylaw.com/?p=2550542025-05-11T17:42:47Z2025-05-11T17:42:47ZThe courts don't hear pet custody disputes
A judge does not treat household pets like people. While many judges are themselves pet owners, they have to follow state law. Pets are not human and therefore do not require the same consideration as children do.
Instead, they are technically property shared by the spouses. A judge hearing a dispute about household pets usually decides what the pets are worth and then includes the pets in the property division settlement. Spouses typically cannot ask the courts to establish a shared custody order for their animals.
Pets require stability
If the household pet is a dog, then it may be possible for the pet to visit with one spouse or alternate between the spouses’ homes. Most other animals are not as comfortable with regular changes to their surroundings.
Cats, for example, typically take weeks to adjust to a new environment and may act out by urinating or attempting to escape when taken to unfamiliar surroundings. Shared pet custody arrangements can create a lot of stress for the animals and may also create a variety of expenses and practical challenges for the spouses.
Frequently, those preparing for divorce with pets in their homes have to make some challenging decisions about whether or not they can care for the pet. Financial matters and career demands, as well as custody arrangements for children, may influence how spouses address their pets when they divorce.
Learning more about the most emotional aspects of property division can help people as they prepare for divorce. While most people don't view their pets as property, understanding the process of property division can help divorcing spouses avoid unnecessary conflict and last-minute disappointment related to their pets.]]>On Behalf of Jensen Law Offices, PLLP<![CDATA[Tips for communication during divorce and child custody]]>https://www.jmmfamilylaw.com/?p=2550532025-04-18T15:11:54Z2025-04-18T15:11:54ZCommunication is the cornerstone of a healthy marriage. Failing to communicate with each other can lead to trouble in the marriage. In some cases, lack of communication is the cause of a divorce, but communication becomes critical during the divorce.
It can be difficult to have to discuss things with your ex during the divorce, and it will likely be more challenging to keep up with communication if you have to raise children as co-parents. These tips may be beneficial if you’re going through this situation.
Choose the most appropriate form of communication
Not every conversation needs to happen in person or over the phone. Sometimes, written communication—like texts or emails—can help you think through your responses and avoid emotional outbursts. If communication tends to get tense, written messages create a record and give both parties space to reflect before replying.
Keep the focus on the matter at hand
It’s easy to get sidetracked by past grievances or unrelated frustrations, but staying focused is key. Try to center each conversation on a specific topic, such as a parenting schedule change or a school event. This keeps discussions productive and prevents old conflicts from resurfacing.
Remain calm and businesslike
Treat your interactions like a professional exchange. Even if things get heated, resist the urge to match tone or escalate the conflict. Stay calm, use respectful language and avoid sarcasm or personal attacks. The goal is not to “win” the conversation but to make decisions that support a stable environment for your child.
Consider both sides of the matter
It’s important to listen, not just talk. A successful co-parenting relationship means being willing to understand the other person’s perspective, even when you don’t agree. Looking at the issue through both lenses can make it easier to find common ground and build long-term solutions.Working with someone who understands your circumstances may help you to learn options to handle various decisions during the divorce and child custody. The person assisting you may also be able to facilitate communication between you and your ex during the legal process. ]]>On Behalf of Jensen Law Offices, PLLP<![CDATA[What are the grounds for modifying spousal maintenance?]]>https://www.jmmfamilylaw.com/?p=2550522025-03-08T17:28:25Z2025-03-08T17:28:25ZChanges in finances may warrant support adjustments
Generally speaking, any substantial change in economic circumstances may warrant a review and modification of spousal maintenance. If either spouse ceases working, that can have a dramatic impact on financial circumstances.
The paying spouse may no longer be able to afford the amount ordered initially because of their limited resources and income during retirement. The courts may consider modifying spousal maintenance when the paying party no longer maintains full-time gainful employment. However, the courts consider factors such as voluntary unemployment or underemployment when responding to requests to modify or terminate spousal maintenance orders.
Sometimes, improvements in the financial circumstances of the recipient spouse may justify a request to reduce or terminate maintenance payments. A new romantic partner can potentially provide the same kind of support that a spouse previously did. If a spousal maintenance recipient remarries, they may no longer be eligible for maintenance payments. Even cohabitation or moving in with a romantic partner could drastically alter financial circumstances and warrant an adjustment to spousal maintenance.
Health issues can affect maintenance as well. A dependent spouse trying to rebuild their career might have to stop after they have a major medical event. A paying spouse may not be able to continue working full time while they undergo cancer treatment or adjust to life with other major medical challenges.
Those hoping to adjust spousal maintenance may need help reviewing their situation to determine if a modification is possible. Changing spousal maintenance orders can potentially help people to better ensure their financial stability as they rebuild their lives after a divorce.]]>