Eileen Krenner

I work closely with clients to help them navigate challenging transitions while protecting their interests and long-term goals. I understand that family law matters can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life, and I am committed to providing thoughtful counsel tailored to each client’s circumstances.

Mediation focuses on cooperation, privacy, and cost control. Litigation involves court filings, formal discovery, and potentially a judge making decisions. Many couples in Minnesota resolve issues more efficiently and at a lower cost through mediation.

Uncontested divorces can finalize in 6–12 weeks. Contested cases may take 6–18 months or longer depending on complexity and court scheduling. Mediation often helps shorten the overall timeline.

Every divorce must address:

• Division of marital property and debts

• Child custody and parenting time (if applicable)

• Child support

• Spousal maintenance (alimony), when appropriate

Minnesota uses equitable distribution, meaning property is divided fairly — not necessarily equally. The distinction between “marital” and “nonmarital” property is often more important than whose name appears on the title.

Minnesota recognizes legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives). Parenting time schedules are based on the child’s best interests rather than a fixed formula.

Minnesota uses the income-shares model, which considers both parents’ incomes, parenting time, and certain expenses. Mediation can help parents create practical agreements that fit their schedules and their children’s needs.

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but legal guidance can help avoid mistakes and ensure that agreements are properly documented and filed with the court.

I can’t narrow it down to just one case. While many matters involve similar legal issues, each one presents a different set of facts, circumstances, and challenges. It’s those differences from case to case that continue to make the work interesting and rewarding.

One of the most challenging aspects of Family Law is the emotional component involved in every matter. The issues we work through together are often among the most important in our clients’ lives. Clients naturally want to protect as much as they can, and at times they may look to the divorce process and their attorney to help resolve the hurt and frustration that developed during the marriage, even though the legal process is not typically equipped to address those emotional concerns.