Overview
Payton Yahn is a family law attorney who has been recognized for her academic achievements in law school. Graduating magna cum laude from University of St. Thomas School of Law, Payton has consistently demonstrated a dedication to excellence and a genuine passion for family law. During her academic work, Payton’s writing earned publication in the St. Thomas Journal of Law and Public Policy, reflecting her analysis and understanding of complex legal issues relating to will contests. In her family law role, Payton applies a combination of academic rigor and practical experience to her practice. She exhibits compassion in her practice and applies her extensive work as a judicial law clerk to help her clients understand how judges make decisions in family law cases. Her strategic approach to legal challenges reflects a commitment to providing clients with tailored and effective representation. Payton assists clients with the following issues in her family law practice:
Divorce and Legal Separation: Initiating and navigating divorce proceedings. Negotiating terms of separation, including asset division and spousal support.
Child Custody and Visitation: Establishing and modifying custody arrangements. Resolving disputes related to visitation rights.
Child and Spousal Support: Determining child support payments. Addressing issues related to spousal support.
Property Division: Assisting in the fair division of marital assets and debts.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: Drafting and reviewing agreements that outline financial arrangements before or after marriage.
Domestic Violence Issues: Securing restraining orders to protect clients from domestic violence.
Providing legal support for victims of domestic abuse.
Paternity Matters: Determining and establishing paternity rights and responsibilities.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: Facilitating negotiations and settlements outside of court.
Post-Judgment Modifications: Modifying court orders related to custody, support, or visitation.
Grandparents’ Rights: Advocating for visitation or custody rights for grandparents.
Practices
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Family law cases, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, prenuptial agreements and adoption, can be extremely complex and emotionally charged. The decisions you make in your family law case can affect you for the rest of your life. An experienced family law attorney can make this difficult process much easier to bear, helping you make sound, informed decisions about these critical legal matters.
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The litigation attorneys at DMSHB handle large and small disputes for individuals and for commercial clients of varying sizes. Our litigation attorneys have been successful in obtaining favorable results for clients at both the trial and appellate levels.
Credentials
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University of St. Thomas School of Law, Minneapolis, Minnesota
J.D.
Honors: Magna cum laude
Awards: Dean’s Awards in Evidence, Criminal Law, Catholic Law, and Federal Income Taxation
Activities: Journal of Law & Public Policy; Research Assistant; Director of Events
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Minnesota
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Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Terri Yellowhammer: January 2023 - Present Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Laura Moehrle: August 2022- January 2023
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Conspiracy Theory Belief and the Case for Abolishing the Insane Delusion Doctrine, 16 U. ST. THOMAS J.L. & PUB. POL’Y 516 (2023).
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Minnesota State Bar Association, Member of Family Law Section
Dakota County Bar Association, Member
First Judicial District Bar Association, Member
Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce