What should I expect during my initial consultation?
At Dwire Law Offices, the initial consultation is the first step in the educational process, where we help new clients understand key concepts and terminology so they are better equipped to make decisions as the case moves forward. The consultation is also an opportunity for you to meet our attorney, Todd Dwire, ask questions you bring to the meeting, and for us to learn enough about your situation to gauge the complexity and likely outlook of your case.
What information and documents do you need upfront?
When a new client chooses to move forward with our firm, we provide an electronic questionnaire for you to complete so we can gather essential background information efficiently. We then schedule a meeting to review that questionnaire detail by detail, which allows us to do a deeper dive into your case, explain important terminology, and identify the specific information and documentation—such as financial records, parenting schedules, or prior court orders—that will be needed at the outset.
How does the Minnesota divorce process work, and where does your firm fit in?
In a typical Minnesota divorce, the process begins with either serving and filing a Summons and Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, or, if you have already been served, preparing and filing an Answer and Counterpetition setting out your big-picture legal positions. After filing, the court schedules an Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC), where the parties and the court discuss alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation, with a neutral provider; many cases are resolved through this process. If ADR does not lead to a settlement, the court will set a pretrial (a court‑mandated settlement conference), and, if issues still remain, ultimately a trial where the judge will decide any unresolved disputes. Our firm is involved at every step—drafting and filing documents, guiding you through ADR and settlement discussions, preparing for pretrial, and representing you at trial when necessary.
How will your office communicate with me, and how quickly can I expect responses?
Our firm is known for responsiveness and clear communication. We strive to respond to client emails within a very reasonable and limited time frame, and we copy clients on all correspondence coming into and going out of the office so that you remain fully informed. Throughout your case, we keep you updated on procedural next steps, what issues remain to be resolved, and where things stand in the overall process.
Who on your team will be handling my case day to day?
Dwire Law Offices is a focused practice: attorney Todd Dwire is the only lawyer at the firm, and he handles each case from start to finish. We do have a paralegal who assists with administrative tasks, but anything drafted and sent from the office—and everything received from the court or opposing counsel—is reviewed and handled by our attorney.
What factors could make my case more complex or time‑consuming, and how do you set realistic expectations?
The complexity and length of a family law case usually depend on the specific issues involved and on each party’s behavior and willingness to compromise. Our role is to make sure clients are well‑equipped and educated, that the file is properly prepared, and that we take objectively reasonable positions measured against likely court outcomes, so we can have candid conversations about realistic timelines and possible results.
How do your fees, retainers, and billing practices work, and how can I help manage my legal costs?
Our firm bills for all time spent on a file according to attorney Todd Dwire’s hourly rate, and a retainer is typically required to begin representation. Clients can play a major role in controlling overall legal costs by being organized, responding promptly to our communications, providing requested documentation in a timely way, and being willing to take realistic, well‑grounded positions rather than pursuing arguments that are unlikely to succeed in court.
What do you expect from me as a client so we can work effectively together?
Successful representation depends on clients being open to honest and sometimes challenging feedback, even when it doesn’t align with personal expectations of fairness or outcome. Our firm bases recommendations on reality and likely outcomes, not solely on preconceived ideas of equity. Most clients appreciate this straightforward approach because it helps us resolve cases as efficiently as possible.
How do you handle urgent matters, like temporary orders for custody or support?
Urgent issues—such as the need for temporary custody, parenting time, or support orders—begin with clear communication from the client so we can understand what is happening. We then schedule a meeting to assess the situation and determine the best way to proceed, and when emergency steps are necessary, those matters become a priority and we take prompt action to address them.
What happens after my divorce is finalized, and how can your firm assist with modifications?
Our involvement does not have to end when the divorce decree is entered; Dwire Law Offices remains available as an ongoing resource for post‑decree issues. If questions or problems arise regarding custody, parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance, or property enforcement or modification, clients can contact our office, and we will schedule a meeting to discuss the concerns and outline the options for moving forward.