Lake Harriet Law Welcomes New Student Attorneys
Lake Harriet Law proudly welcomes student attorneys Brianna Attamante, Brooke Meister and Abi Rud.
Brianna is a second-year law student at the University of Minnesota Law School. Before attending law school, she graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts in History. At Minnesota Law, Brianna is an active member of the Minnesota Justice Foundation. She is also currently enrolled in the Family Law Clinic. In her spare time, Brianna enjoys cooking and reading.
Brooke is a second-year law student at the University of Minnesota Law School, completing her Juris Doctor degree. Before law school, Brooke earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, minoring in Music and Reconciliation Studies. After undergrad, she spent time working as a case manager at a local nonprofit helping individuals transitioning out of homelessness. At the University of Minnesota, Brooke is involved in Employment Law Clinic, Journal of International Law, and serves on several committees. Brooke is passionate about client communication and satisfaction and enjoys working with clients to achieve the best possible outcome for their family law needs. Outside of law, Brooke enjoys going for walks, embroidery, reading and spending time with friends.
Abi is a third-year law student at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis completing her Juris Doctor Degree. Before attending law school, she graduated from Bethel University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Political Science. At the University of St. Thomas School of Law, Abi is the Ritual Chair of Delta Theta Phi and a member of the First-Generation Law Students group and Family Law Society. Abi has a background advocating for individuals who have disabilities as well as their families; she is committed to supporting clients as they navigate family law issues and is passionate about achieving the best outcomes for clients. Outside of the law, Abi enjoys heading out for a walk around the many Minneapolis lakes, or in the winter going for a quick ski. Abi also loves exploring the local food scene and attempting to re-create delicious foods at home.
Financial Abuse During Marriage and Divorce
Domestic abuse is very common in intimate relationships—in Minnesota, approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men report experiencing intimate partner violence or stalking during their lifetimes, and real numbers are likely much higher. Domestic abuse statistics are often underreported, partly because victims and survivors of abuse may decline to define their negative intimate experiences as “abuse.” Often, when we think of domestic abuse, we think of physical abuse, but domestic abuse encompasses a wide range of behaviors by which one partner exerts power and control over the other.
An extremely common, but often overlooked, form of domestic abuse is financial abuse. Financial abuse occurs in approximately 99% of abusive relationships and is commonly seen in conjunction with other forms of domestic abuse. There are many forms of financial abuse, but some examples include:
- Your partner expects you to deposit your paychecks into a joint account, but doesn’t allow you to access the account, view the balance, or withdraw funds
- Your partner gives you a spending allowance or closely tracks your spending
- Your partner refuses to work or otherwise contribute to joint household expenses
- Your partner opens financial accounts in your name without your permission
- Your partner prevents you from working, limits your work hours, or sabotages your job
Abusers manipulate finances as a form of coercive control: by controlling their partner’s money or ability to work, an abuser aims to ensure their partner lacks the financial security to leave the relationship. It is extremely difficult to leave an abusive relationship, and victims of financial abuse often experience additional obstacles because they lack the resources—whether assets, credit history, or work history—to support themselves independently of their abuser.
Minimizing Family Law Challenges
Going through a divorce or family law matter can take a toll on your mental health. You may face feelings of guilt, and your spouse may intentionally cause anxiety, making a complex process even harder. In addition, parents have the added stress of taking care of children alone or attempting to co-parent through a custody battle. As a result, your mental health could take a beating. Here’s how to stay mentally healthy through a divorce.
Create a Daily Self-Care Routine
Whether you’re just busier than you used to be or feeling unworthy of the extra attention, it’s essential to take care of yourself. Now more than ever, you should set time aside to take a bath, take yourself out to breakfast, read a book, see a movie, or even take a nap. Whatever you feel you need to do to rest and recharge your batteries, be sure to make it part of your routine.
Reconnect with Your Friends
It’s easy to forget about your friends as you become focused on your divorce. However, they can be great supporters through the process. Whether you need a shoulder to cry on or a distraction from a challenging discussion, your friends are there for you, so don’t forget them. If you are struggling, ask your friends to help you out.
Remember to Laugh Often
Laughter increases the amount of oxygen and reduces the amount of stress chemicals in your brain. So, go to a comedy show, put on a stand-up comedy, go to a karaoke bar with friends even though you can’t sing, but do something to encourage laughter. Do it often, and it will positively impact your mental health.
Expert Family Law Representation
At Lake Harriet Law, we work diligently for our clients, to help them receive the best terms in their divorce, including a fair and equitable financial settlement. If you are considering a divorce, contact our team to begin designing a legal strategy to protect your future.
Randall A. Smith – Managing Attorney 612-750-4843
Brianna Attamante – Student Attorney 612-223-8925
Brooke Meister – Student Attorney 612-223-8925
Abi Rud – Student Attorney 612-223-8925