Child Visitation Attorney in Minneapolis

Hennepin County Parenting Time Cases, From First Schedule to Court

Visitation rights, referred to as parenting time under Minnesota law, determine how much time a child spends with each parent and under what conditions. Whether you’re establishing an initial schedule, enforcing an order that isn’t being followed, or seeking a modification because circumstances have changed, we can help. At RWI Law, we handle parenting time cases throughout Minneapolis and Hennepin County, in both negotiation and litigation environments.

If you have questions about a parenting time or visitation matter, contact RWI Law today at (320) 408-2614. We’re available to discuss your situation and can explain your options.

Minnesota’s New 50% Parenting Time Presumption

Minnesota parenting time law changed materially on August 1, 2026. SF 4343 amended Minnesota Statute 518.175 to establish a rebuttable presumption that each parent receives at least 50% of parenting time, raising the prior floor from 25%. The change applies to proceedings beginning on or after that date.

The presumption isn’t absolute. A court may depart from equal time based on the best interests of the child standard under Minnesota Statute 518.17, weighing factors such as domestic abuse, the child’s developmental needs, and each parent’s ability to provide care. Under the new standard, a parent seeking less than 50% time for the other parent carries a heavier burden than before. Knowing how to frame that argument, or how to defend against one, requires familiarity with the specific factors courts consider.

Visitation Cases We Handle in Minneapolis

Parents come to us at different stages of a parenting time dispute. We work with clients on initial schedule establishment, enforcement of existing orders, modifications, and supervised visitation matters.

• Initial parenting time establishment: Negotiating or litigating a schedule when parents are separating or divorcing and no order is yet in place
• Enforcement of an existing order: When a parent isn’t following the court-ordered schedule, options include a contempt of court motion or the appointment of a Parenting Time Expeditor (PTE), a neutral professional under Minnesota law who can issue binding decisions to resolve conflicts without a new court hearing
• Modification of parenting time: A court may modify an existing order when there has been a substantial change in circumstances since it was entered, such as a parent’s relocation, a shift in the child’s needs, or a documented safety concern
• Supervised visitation matters: Under Minnesota Statute 518.175, if a court finds that parenting time with a parent is likely to endanger the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health or safety, it may restrict visits, including by requiring supervision, or in serious cases deny parenting time entirely

One note worth knowing: under Minnesota law, a parent’s failure to pay child support due to an inability to pay isn’t sufficient grounds for denying parenting time. The two issues are handled separately.

How Hennepin County Family Court Handles Parenting Time

Parenting time matters for Minneapolis residents move through the Hennepin County Family Justice Center, the central courthouse for family law in the county. Our attorneys know how local judges and court staff approach these cases, including typical timelines for case management conferences and hearings.

When parents can’t agree on a schedule, Hennepin County Family Court commonly orders a Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE), a confidential alternative dispute resolution process in which a male-and-female evaluator team gives a frank prediction of how a judge would likely rule on the parenting time issues. That assessment often helps parents reach agreement without a full trial. The court may also recommend or require the Parents Forever educational program to build co-parenting skills, and can appoint a guardian ad litem or order a child custody evaluation when additional information about the child’s situation is needed.

Every Minnesota county runs its own procedures. Working with attorneys who know Hennepin County’s specific expectations can provide a practical advantage from day one.

Why Minneapolis Parents Choose RWI Law

No two parenting time cases look the same, and a generic approach rarely serves anyone well. We build personalized legal strategies around each client’s circumstances, keep clients informed at every stage, and make ourselves available to answer questions as a case develops. We pursue negotiated resolutions where possible and are fully prepared to advocate in court when that’s what the situation requires.

We serve parents across the Twin Cities metro and throughout Hennepin County, with services available in both English and Spanish. Client reviews describe our attorneys as professional, responsive, and strategic. Those qualities matter when you’re navigating a process with real consequences for your relationship with your child.

Schedule a Consultation with a Minneapolis Visitation Lawyer

Whether you need to establish a new schedule, enforce an existing order, or understand how the new 50% presumption affects your case, we’re ready to help you understand where you stand and what comes next. You can reach us by phone or through our online contact us form.

Call RWI Law at (320) 408-2614 to schedule your consultation.