FAQs

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes, I offer courtesy consultations up to 1 hour. Consultations can be in person, by phone or via Zoom.

Do you require retainers, and, if so, what is the amount?

Yes, a retainer payment is required for all cases at Baer Family Law. The amount varies depending on the nature of your case. It is important to remember that retainers are not earned upon receipt. They are pre-payments toward future legal fees and costs to carry on your case. Retainers are not necessarily indicative of what your total case costs may be. Retainers and overall costs are discussed during your initial free consultation.

Do you offer remote mediations?

Yes. Although I prefer in-person mediations, I can accommodate mediations via Zoom for those who desire this option due to health and safety concerns, distance or any other reason that may make Zoom the best option for your case.

How should I dress for court?

Court is a formal process to be taken very seriously. While you do not need to dress as formally as your lawyer may, my suggestion to clients is that they dress “business casual”. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and be clean and put together as much as possible.

What is “family law”?

Family law is an umbrella term that includes all areas of domestic relations and family law. Most commonly, this includes legal issues such as divorce, custody, paternity, child support and adoption.

Does family law include estate planning?

Some attorneys include estate planning as part of family law. However, domestic relations and estate planning/probate fall under different statutes and laws and so the legal practices of each are separate in many ways.

At Baer Family Law, PLLC, my philosophy is that clients are best served by hiring an attorney who is an expert in their legal issue. I have established myself as an expert in family and domestic relations law.

How long have you been an attorney?

Since 2007.

Have you always practiced family law?

Yes, divorce and family law has been my exclusive practice my entire career.

Do you represent clients who do not reside in the Twin Cities?

Yes, I have extensive experience representing clients who do not reside where their case and attorney are located. If your case is located in Minnesota and you do not reside in Minnesota, you will need to hire an attorney who is licensed where your case is located. Throughout my career, I have represented clients who reside in out-state Minnesota, outside of Minnesota and even outside of the United States. Thanks to modern-day technology, I have found that representing clients without meeting face-to-face can be a very similar experience to representing a client who is local. I take every step possible to ensure my clients rights are protected no matter where they are located.

What is the difference between child support and spousal maintenance?

Most simply put, child support is financial support a parent pays (usually to the other parent) for the support of a joint child. Spousal maintenance is financial support a former spouse pays to their former spouse for his/her support separate and irrelevant of any child support or joint children. Child support must be addressed in every divorce case including children and every custody and parenting time case where the parents never married. Though child support is not paid directly to the child, it is the right of the child to receive child support. Spousal maintenance is also an issue to be addressed in every divorce case, even if the result is that no spousal maintenance is paid.

Can child support be waived?

No, for public policy reasons, child support cannot be waived. However, parties may reach creative agreements with respect to child support if these agreements are in the best interests of the child and ensure the child’s financial needs are met.

``I OFFER FREE CONSULTATIONS FOR NEW CLIENTS. CONTACT ME TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT.``

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Here’s what Rebecca’s clients are saying…

“Rebecca is professional, sharp and always made me feel as though she truly was on my side and cared about doing right by my children and I. I can't imagine going through the process without her by my side and would highly recommend her to anyone who is seeking counsel on family matters.”
-Julia, client
“Rebecca helped me through my child custody case. This was hands down the hardest time in my life. She was kind, caring and professional. She got me what I wanted and we were able to make compromises without going to trial.”
-Erin, client
“I hired Rebecca for my Divorce. She heard and understood my Challenges for the Divorce and took effective measures to deescalate and resolve it amicably…. Rebecca was professional, compassionate, and knowledgeable.”
-Sam, client
“Rebecca did a great job during my difficult Divorce Process. She did an excellent job with all the challenges that occurred. She was always available in person or on the phone for questions or concerns I had. I would highly recommend to use Rebecca.”
-Annette, client
“[Rebecca’s] knowledge of divorce law is excellent, and also her interpersonal skills are off the charts! During the negotiations my former wife's attorney withdrew from the case and Rebecca continued with dealings between us…. I feel that it was mostly due to her personal skills that helped us settle out of court! Thank you so much!!”
-Penn, client
“Rebecca Baer is an honest and trustworthy lawyer who I would recommend to family, friends and even strangers…. Rebecca gained my trust and respect quickly after meeting her. I asked questions (lots of questions), she answered. Divorce is never easy, and gets even more complicated when large assets, trusts and children are involved. Rebecca understood my situation and provided clear guidance and reasonable expectation every step of the divorce process. She took time to know me as a person, as a parent, and my children’s best interests. Rebecca is compassionate yet tough, and gets the job done. My divorce was settled within a few months, which would have never been possible without her. Thank you Rebecca, I really appreciate you!”
-Kristina, client
“Rebecca and her staff handled our adoption proceeding. We were worried that the process would be highly stressful, complicated and expensive. After meeting with Rebecca, all of our questions and concerns were addressed and our fears faded away. Our case was handled efficiently. The paperwork was completed immediately. Both the time line and cost were in keeping with the original estimate. We received regular communications about status on our proceeding and anytime we reached out to her we received responses right away. We honestly had a great experience, have no complaints and got the outcome we hoped for. We would absolutely recommend her services and would use her again if ever needed.”
- Amy, client