Maury D. Beaulier, Attorney at Law

Maury D. Beaulier, Attorney at Law Aggressive and affordable representation for family law, restraining orders, and mediation.

**The Alimony Gamble**In Minnesota divorces, spousal maintenance (alimony) is one of the most misunderstood—and most hot...
06/05/2026

**The Alimony Gamble**

In Minnesota divorces, spousal maintenance (alimony) is one of the most misunderstood—and most hotly debated—issues. As of August 1, 2024, the length of the marriage matters more than ever:
• 5–20 year marriages often lead to temporary maintenance
• 20+ year marriages may result in long‑term or even permanent support

Courts also look at income, earning ability, age, health, contributions to the marriage, and the lifestyle the couple built together. Ultimately, the question is: *Can one spouse reasonably support themselves after the divorce?*

Here’s the part most people don’t talk about: **alimony is always a gamble on the future.**

Many paying spouses try to “buy out” maintenance through a larger property settlement or a lump‑sum payment. It offers certainty—no monthly payments, no future modifications, no court battles. But that certainty comes with risk.

Life changes.
Maintenance can end if the recipient remarries or cohabitates. It can be modified if income goes up or down, if someone becomes disabled, inherits money, or faces new expenses. A lump‑sum buyout removes the ability to adjust if circumstances shift later.

So should you agree to a buyout? Maybe. But understand this:

A buyout locks in today’s assumptions about tomorrow. It’s a strategic decision—not just a financial one.

Before choosing a buyout or long‑term support, make sure you understand the risks, the benefits, and the long‑term impact on your future financial stability.

Domestic Partnerships in Minnesota: What They Do—and Don’t—ProvideDomestic partnerships were created to provide legal re...
06/03/2026

Domestic Partnerships in Minnesota: What They Do—and Don’t—Provide

Domestic partnerships were created to provide legal recognition for same-sex couples before marriage equality. While same-sex marriage has been legal in Minnesota since 2013, domestic partnerships still exist—but only as a limited, local alternative for unmarried couples who choose not to marry.

How Domestic Partnerships Work

Minnesota has no statewide registry. Domestic partnerships are created by city ordinance, not state law. Cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, and Edina offer registration.

Most require:
• Both partners are 18+
• Not married or closely related
• Living together
• In a committed relationship

Registration typically involves filing an affidavit and paying a small fee.

What Domestic Partners Do Get

Benefits are limited and vary by city, but may include:
• Hospital visitation
• Basic healthcare decision-making authority
• Employer-provided benefits (if offered)
• Recognition for leases or local administrative purposes

What They Don’t Provide

Many couples are surprised by what’s missing:

❌ No property division laws
There is no divorce process. Property follows title unless a cohabitation agreement exists.

❌ No inheritance rights
Under Minnesota intestacy law, a partner inherits nothing without a will.

❌ No parental rights
Domestic partnership does not establish custody or legal parentage.

❌ No federal recognition
Domestic partners are not spouses under federal law:
• No joint federal tax filing
• No Social Security survivor benefits
• No immigration sponsorship

Protect Yourself

Consider:
• Cohabitation agreements
• Proper property titling
• Wills and trusts
• Healthcare directives and powers of attorney

Ending a Domestic Partnership

Termination is filed with the city. Unlike divorce:
• No structured property division
• No automatic dispute resolution

Disputes may require civil litigation.

Bottom Line

Domestic partnerships in Minnesota provide limited recognition—not full legal protection. If you share property, finances, or children, proactive planning is essential.

June is filled with moments that remind us how courage, innovation, and a little bit of daring can leave a lasting mark ...
06/01/2026

June is filled with moments that remind us how courage, innovation, and a little bit of daring can leave a lasting mark on history. Here are a few milestones we are reflecting on this month:

🚀 June 18, 1983 - Sally Ride became the first American woman in space, launching aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger as a mission specialist. Out of more than 8,000 applicants, she was one of only six women selected for NASA's 1978 astronaut class.

🏀 June 6, 1946 - The Basketball Association of America was founded at a meeting in New York City, setting the stage for what would eventually become the NBA and for basketball to transform from a regional gym sport into a global phenomenon.

🎥 June 20, 1975 - Stephen Spielberg’s classic “Jaws” premiered. Not only did this movie become one of the first big summer blockbusters at movie theaters, but it also gifted us with one of the most iconic movie soundtracks of all time.

These moments continue to inspire conversations about leadership, equality, creativity, and the lasting impact of a single bold step on the world.

Modern Families Are Changing—Minnesota Family Law Is Evolving Too.Today’s families often look very different from the tr...
05/29/2026

Modern Families Are Changing—Minnesota Family Law Is Evolving Too.

Today’s families often look very different from the traditional model reflected in older laws. Minnesota family law now regularly addresses issues involving unmarried parents, blended families, assisted reproduction, and expanding definitions of parenthood.

Courts across Minnesota are seeing more cases involving:

✅ Parentage actions in Minnesota
✅ Unmarried custody disputes
✅ Same-sex parental rights
✅ Surrogacy and assisted reproduction issues
✅ Non-biological parent rights
✅ Grandparent visitation in Minnesota
✅ Multi-parent and blended family disputes

Questions about who qualifies as a legal parent—and who may seek custody or parenting time—have become increasingly complex.

Disputes often arise in cases involving:

• Surrogacy arrangements
• Same-sex parenting
• De facto or non-biological parents seeking recognition
• Grandparents pursuing visitation
• Custody issues involving unmarried co-parents

In many of these cases, Minnesota courts are applying statutes written decades ago to modern family realities lawmakers never envisioned.

One principle remains the same: the best interests of the child remain the focus of every custody and parentage decision.

If you are dealing with issues involving Minnesota custody law, parentage rights, grandparent rights, or modern family law disputes, experienced legal guidance matters.

Maury D. Beaulier helps clients navigate complex Minnesota family law matters involving evolving family structures.

📞 Call (952) 442-7722 to discuss your options.

Think Your Social Media Is Private? Family Court May Disagree.That drunk vacation photo. That photo of your b**g. The g...
05/26/2026

Think Your Social Media Is Private? Family Court May Disagree.

That drunk vacation photo. That photo of your b**g. The group photo flashing gang signs. That Facebook post talking about your serious depression. That “harmless” late-night Instagram story. In a custody case, it may become evidence.

Judges increasingly look at social media to assess judgment, credibility, priorities, and parenting fitness.

📱 Social Media Can Hurt Your Case

“Innocent” Posts Can Be Misread
Party or vacation photos may be used to suggest poor judgment.

Posts That Contradict Your Claims
Claim financial hardship while posting luxury purchases?
Say you lack time for parenting while documenting a busy social life? Credibility suffers.

Negative Posts About Your Ex
Online attacks may be viewed as poor co-parenting—or worse, parental alienation.

Oversharing Is Risky
Posting about your case, children, or co-parent communications can backfire.

Tags Can Hurt Too
Even if you post nothing, others may tag you in damaging content.

⚖️ Social Media Can Also Help

Used carefully, it may support your case:

✔ Evidence of active parenting
✔ Proof of the other parent’s unsafe conduct
✔ Posts reinforcing credibility and character

Smart Rules During a Custody Case

• Post less—ideally not at all
• Review privacy settings
• Assume every post could be seen by a judge
• Avoid online arguments
• Monitor tags and mentions
• Ask your attorney before posting questionable content

Deleted Doesn’t Mean Gone

Deleted posts, private messages, screenshots, and metadata may still be recovered. Digital evidence matters.

FAQ

Can deleted posts be used? Yes.
Can private messages be evidence? Potentially.
What if my ex posts false accusations? Preserve evidence and talk to counsel.

Bottom Line

Your online footprint can help your custody case—
or seriously hurt it.

In family court, what you post after midnight may matter as much as what you say in court.

Post carefully. Litigate wisely.

**The Growing Impact of Remote Work on Custody Decisions**One of the biggest post‑pandemic shifts in family law is the r...
05/22/2026

**The Growing Impact of Remote Work on Custody Decisions**

One of the biggest post‑pandemic shifts in family law is the rise of work‑from‑home and hybrid jobs. Before COVID, courts evaluated custody and parenting time based heavily on each parent’s work schedule and their ability to provide hands‑on care. Now, remote work has complicated that analysis.

Is a parent who is on their computer, in meetings, or handling work deadlines truly *available* to care for young children?
Would the child be better served by attending daycare or preschool for socialization and structured learning?

These are the new questions courts face.

There is no one‑size‑fits‑all answer.
Every job is different.
Every child is different.
And every family environment requires careful, individualized evaluation.

Remote work also impacts relocation requests. If a parent can work from anywhere, judges now look closely at whether the proposed parenting schedule during work hours genuinely serves the *child’s* best interests—or simply the parent’s convenience.

Courts are increasingly examining:
• How work‑from‑home caregiving affects a child’s socialization
• How remote‑work parenting affects a child’s education and routine
• Whether meaningful contact with the other parent can still be maintained

Remote flexibility may make parenting *easier* for some families, but it also raises new legal questions—and Minnesota courts are adapting in real time.

Modifying a parenting plan without court oversight may seem convenient, but it can leave both parties vulnerable to misu...
05/19/2026

Modifying a parenting plan without court oversight may seem convenient, but it can leave both parties vulnerable to misunderstandings and future disputes. Having the court formally approve changes ensures clarity, enforceability, and protection for everyone involved, especially your children. Swipe through to learn more ➡️

If you want to explore your options or need help updating your agreement, please give us a call. We are here to support your family.

With National Senior Fraud Awareness Day on May 15th, we wanted to reach out to go over several common scams making the ...
05/15/2026

With National Senior Fraud Awareness Day on May 15th, we wanted to reach out to go over several common scams making the rounds so you can quickly identify potential scam messages.

✅ Tech Support Scams - Fraudsters impersonate reputable tech support representatives and claim there is a problem with your device. They seek remote access or payment to "fix" issues that don't exist.

✅ Government or Medicare Impersonation - Scammers pose as representatives from Medicare, the Social Security Administration, or other agencies to collect personal information or payments. Real agencies do not solicit such data by unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.

✅ Family Imposter Scams - Criminals pretend to be a loved one in distress and pressure you to send money immediately.

✅ Sweepstakes, Lottery, and Prize Scams - You are told that you have won money but must pay fees to collect your "winnings."

✅ Romance or Investment Scams - Scammers build emotional trust online, then exploit it for financial gain.

We hope these tips are helpful as we all navigate an increasingly online world. As always, if you have questions or need guidance within our area of expertise, do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.

Stepping into the role of a guardian can be an unexpected but deeply important responsibility. One of the core responsib...
05/14/2026

Stepping into the role of a guardian can be an unexpected but deeply important responsibility. One of the core responsibilities is fulfilling what’s known as a fiduciary duty. Swipe through for an overview.

If you’re facing guardianship — or simply want to understand the role more clearly — our team is here to help guide you through each step. Reach out to learn more.

If you’re going through a divorce in Carver County and a family farm is involved, the process is rarely simple. A farm i...
05/11/2026

If you’re going through a divorce in Carver County and a family farm is involved, the process is rarely simple. A farm isn’t just property—it’s a business, a home, and often a legacy. Whether your land sits near Waconia, Chaska, Victoria, or anywhere else in Carver County, the same big question comes up: *What happens to the farm?*

Here’s what you need to know:

• **Minnesota uses equitable distribution**
This means property is divided fairly—not automatically 50/50. Courts look at the length of the marriage, each spouse’s involvement (physical labor, management, or financial support), and their future needs.

• **Is the farm marital or non‑marital?**
Land acquired during the marriage is usually marital. Property owned before the marriage or inherited may be non‑marital—*but* things get complicated if marital funds were used to maintain, improve, or pay down the farm. Discounted family sales can sometimes be treated as non‑marital gifts.

• **Valuing the farm**
A proper valuation includes:
– Land value (which varies widely in Carver County)
– Equipment and machinery
– Livestock
– Stored crops or inventory
Minus any loans or liens.
Local factors—soil quality, development pressure, proximity to the Twin Cities—can significantly impact value.

• **Common solutions in farm divorces**
– One spouse keeps the farm (often the person actively farming)
– Offsetting the farm with other assets
– Selling the farm and dividing proceeds
– Structured buyouts so the farming spouse can continue operations

• **Practical tips for Carver County farm owners**
– Get valuations from professionals familiar with local farmland
– Document your contributions (labor, management, finances)
– Understand tax consequences before agreeing to a buyout or sale
– Consider long‑term goals, especially if keeping the farm in the family matters

Dividing a family farm in Carver County takes thoughtful planning, accurate valuations, and legal guidance from someone who understands farm operations and Minnesota divorce law.

For help, call Attorney Maury D. Beaulier at (952) 442‑7722.

Address

121 Main Street West, Ste. 200
Waconia, MN
55343

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16122408005

Website

http://www.minnesotalawyers.com/, http://divorceprofessionals.com/, http://www.avvo.com/attorney

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