Ed Shaw Law

06/11/2026

Money and Divorce: When relationships end, financial questions are often the hardest. Our latest blog breaks down how assets are typically divided, what counts as non-marital property, and practical steps to protect your interests. Read more: https://wix.to/2JrSI3b

Have questions after reading? Reach out — we’re here to help.

When divorces are tough there are usually issues with money. The rules on dividing assets, money, real estate, vehicles, anything of value, are simple, it is generally divided equally, regardless of who earned it, or, whose name is on it. The exception is something that was owned before the marriage...

06/03/2026

New on the blog: The Wheels of Justice Grind Slowly — a brief look at how legal-system portrayals on TV stack up against reality. If you’re curious about what’s accurate and what’s dramatic, this quick read is for you.

Read more: https://wix.to/8wKMlNF

I watch very little TV, but, the shows that I have seen about the legal system vary in how accurate they are, some are almost completely fantasy, others were clearly put together by people who have worked in the legal system, and, are pretty accurate.

05/27/2026

Do police always have to read you your rights when you’re arrested? Short answer: not always. Many people believe Miranda warnings must be read at the moment of arrest — but the rule applies in specific situations involving custodial interrogation. Learn when your rights must be read and what it means for your case in our quick explainer.

Read more: https://wix.to/tAkvUiG

Police shows for decades have shown people being arrested and read the Miranda warning, 'their rights', you have the right to remain silent, etc. Many people assume, understandably, that the police have to read those rights when they arrest you, and, if they do not, you may be able to get the case t...

05/25/2026

As we reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day, we're grateful for the heroes who gave their lives for our freedom. Thank you to all who have served and sacrificed.

Our office will be closed Monday, May 25th and back open Tuesday, May 26th.

Wishing our community a safe and heartfelt holiday.

— The Team at Ed Shaw Law

05/21/2026

What does an expert witness actually do? 🔍 They don’t just report facts — they offer professional opinions to explain complex evidence like DNA, business practices, or trauma. Whether hired by the defense or prosecution, expert testimony can make or break a case. Read more from Ed Shaw Law: https://wix.to/TybL60U

Most people outside of the legal system have never heard of expert witnesses, a critical part of the legal system. Unlike regular witnesses, who can testify about what they observed, or heard, experts can offer opinions. Experts are used to explain a variety of complex and scientific issues, from DN...

10/21/2025

Bankruptcy options exist for various financial situations.

Learning about Chapter 7 and its options.

08/20/2025

Choose the path that can provide a financial fresh start.

Separating fact from fiction.

08/18/2025

Child support is a messy issue at the best of times. It combines dealing with ex spouses or partners, and money, both are tough issues, at the same time. Support can be determined by the judge, or by an agreement. If the judge decides a formula sent by the state it is usually followed based on the incomes of both parents, and, the schedule of time the kids spend with each parent. Parents can always agree on support, if they agree the judge will generally follow the agreement, but, there are two things you need to know about support agreements.

1. if one of the parents receives public assistance of any kind, including medical assistance the county is a party, and, they can require that support be paid, even if the parents agree that it not be paid.

2. Any agreement on support is not permanent, meaning you and the other parent can agree on an amount of support, or, to not have any support payments, but, that can be changed by either parent at any time. I have often had people come to me when they agreed to not have child support, but, after their agreement the other parent decided to go after them for support. When this happens support will be set up, even if they agreed not to have it. I have seen this happen when one parent agreed to not ask for support, as long as the other parent let them get more out of the divorce, such as all of the house, or, other property, in exchange for agreeing to not go after them for support. Unfortunately, when the other parent goes back on the agreement there is usually nothing that can be done about it and they are able to set up support. What this means for you, be very careful when making agreements about support, do not bargain something else away in exchange for the other side reducing or eliminating your support, they are able to go back on that agreement.

-Ed Shaw

07/14/2025

Our bankruptcy attorneys understand that many causes of debt are outside of your control.

MN bankruptcy attorneys.

06/27/2025

Why do different states have different laws?

I get asked the question all of the time, "why are the laws different in each state, and, why do people need to get different lawyers when they have legal issues in other states?"
The answer goes back to the founding of our country, we have always had a federal system, meaning that individual states make most of their own laws, and, to a large extent govern themselves. Our country was formed not as a single entity, but, as a union of states which existed as colonies decades, in some cases more than a century before the United States became independent. Virginia and Massachusetts were founded over a hundred and fifty years before the U.S. Constitution was signed, at the time of signing they and the other 11 states were largely self governing, and wanted to keep it that way.
While state laws have much in common, with murder and theft being illegal everywhere and you can get divorced in any state, each state sets it's own penalties for crimes, and, it's own procedures for divorce, eviction, civil disputes, and other cases. I have practiced law for 30 years here in Minnesota, I have a pretty good idea of how criminal law, divorce, eviction, civil disputes are handled, but, I do not dare to try to give people in different states advice, first, because it is against the rules of my profession, and, second, I will not know what I am talking about because I do not know the rules of that state.

Bottom line, if you have a legal issue in a state, get advice from a lawyer in that state, and, avoid online sources that may be from a different state than the one you need help in.

Ed