Jim has significant trial and settlement experience in complex marital dissolution matters, including the division of marital and nonmarital assets, the division of closely held businesses, spousal maintenance, child support, and custody issues. He brings a compassionate approach to difficult family law cases in both alternative dispute resolution forums and litigation.

Jim has substantial experience in settling and trying complex marital dissolution cases. He regularly advises in the areas of:

  • Antenuptial and postnuptial agreements
  • Business valuation litigation
  • Complex litigation and settlement of marital and nonmarital assets
  • Complex nonmarital tracing
  • Spousal maintenance and child support
  • Custody settlement and litigation
  • Settlement negotiations
  • Appeals

Jim has worked with children in numerous contexts over the years and is sensitive to the emotional challenges presented by difficult family situations. He works diligently to minimize these potentially stressful situations and produce favorable results for his clients.

Prior to joining Moss & Barnett, Jim clerked for Hennepin County District Court Judge Mary DuFresne. In addition to participating in landmark family law cases in Minnesota, he contributes articles on family law topics to professional journals and lectures on a multitude of family law issues.

Jim also serves on Moss & Barnett’s board of directors.

Representative/Reported Cases

  • In re Marriage of Li-Kuehne v. Kuehne, A17-1462 (Minn. Ct. App. 2018) 
  • Hermer v. Cisek, A16-0482 (Minn. Ct. App. 2017) 
  • Coleal v. Coleal, A16-1502 (Minn. Ct. App. 2017)
  • Winer v. Winer, A15-0339 (Minn. Ct. App. 2016)  
  • In re Marriage of Li-Kuehne, A07-807 (Minn. Ct. App. 2007) 
  • Grimes v. Grimes, A06-1047 (Minn. Ct. App. 2007)
  • Murra v. Murra, A05-2547 (Minn. Ct. App. 2006)
  • Fruehling v. Fruehling, A04-302 (Minn. Ct. App. 2004) 
  • In re Benshoof, CO-02-525 (Minn. Ct. App. 2002) 
  • Geske v. Marcolina, 642 N.W. 2d 62 (Minn. App. 2002)

Credentials

Education

Hamline University School of Law, J.D.

University of Minnesota Twin Cities, B.A.

Classes / Seminars Taught

  • Adjunct professor for Family Law Lab, Hamline University School of Law
  • “Presumptions in Family Law: What Is Being Presumed?” Minnesota Family Law Institute (March 2013)
  • “Procedural & Substance Fairness in Antenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements,” Minnesota State Bar Association (November 2009)
  • “Antenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements for the High-Net-Worth Client,” Minnesota Family Law Institute (March 2009)
  • “Financial Issues in Antenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements,” Minnesota Family Law Financial Deskbook CLE (May 2008)

Admissions

  • Minnesota

Honors & Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America, “Lawyer of the Year,” Family Law, Minneapolis (2023)

The Best Lawyers in America (2015-present)

Top 100 list, Minnesota Super Lawyers (2015-present)

Minnesota Super Lawyers (2012-present)

Minnesota Rising Stars (2004-2011)

Excellence for the Future Award, Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI) – Legal Advocacy (1999)

CALI Excellence for the Future Award – Professional Responsibility (1999)

News & Insights

News

Speaking Engagements

Publications

Multimedia

Affiliations

Professional Associations

  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Hennepin County Bar Association (former member, Family Law Executive Committee)
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Fellow and member, Board of Managers
  • Minnesota Chapter of American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, President (2023-Present); President Elect (2021-2023)

Board Memberships

  • Board member, Courage Kenny Foundation
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