Cynthia J. Brown

Cynthia Brown is a founding shareholder with the Brown Law Offices, P.A., a northwest Twin Cities divorce and family law firm. She is an honors graduate of the University of South Dakota and William Mitchell College of Law. Cynthia's practice focuses almost exclusively on divorce and family law issues. She publishes a monthly family law column for the Minnesota Lawyer newspaper, and has contributed to Divorce Magazine and The Family Law Forum. Cynthia also serves as a panel attorney for the Anoka County Family Law Clinic.

Firm/Organization: Brown Law Offices, P.A.

Blogs: Minnesota Family Law Blog

Latest Articles

Minnesota Family Law Blog

What Is a Guardian Ad Litem? What Is Their Purpose?

By Cynthia J. Brown

November 7, 2019

An alarming number of Minnesota children face neglect or abuse. Unable to advocate for themselves, these children may be forced to suffer in silence. The Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Program aims to address this problem by ensuring that the best interests of vulnerable children are represented in court. Keep reading to learn more about this influential program — and its impact on child custody and parenting time. Guardian ad Litem: The Basics The term ‘Guardian…

Minnesota Family Law Blog

Information About Minnesota Jury Service

By Cynthia J. Brown

October 9, 2019

The right to a trial by a jury of our peers is one of the foundations of the American judicial system. More than 50,000 people will serve on juries in the U.S. each year. But how are jurors selected? It varies by state, but in Minnesota, the judicial branch obtains a yearly list of licensed drivers, registered voters, and state ID holders. From these lists, a computer randomly selects people for jury duty. If you…

Minnesota Family Law Blog

Financial Projects to Tackle ASAP Once You’ve Decided to Get a Divorce

By Cynthia J. Brown

September 18, 2019

Child custody and visitation aside, divorce is primarily a financial affair. How you proceed in the first few weeks after filing could determine whether you emerge from the process in one piece — or with a whole lot of stress and not so much money. As you move forward with your divorce, set aside a little time for these key financial projects: Gather Financial Records The more financial information you can obtain, the better. Your…

Minnesota Family Law Blog

Ways Technology Can Make Divorce And Custody Simpler

By Cynthia J. Brown

August 7, 2019

Minnesota courts typically aim to help the children of divorce maintain strong relationships with both parents. In the long-term, this approach is of greatest benefit to children impacted by divorce — but in the short-term, it can cause major headaches for their parents. Even if parents enjoy a largely amicable relationship, they may struggle to maintain complicated schedules and routines. Thankfully, technology is available to ease the burden, as highlighted below: Timesharing Apps Timesharing apps…

Minnesota Family Law Blog

Resources for Newly Single Moms in Minnesota

By Cynthia J. Brown

July 3, 2019

Single motherhood can be a lonely experience. Many Minnesota moms lack the resources or connected community they need to thrive. Thankfully, a variety of programs are designed specifically to meet the needs of single moms. As you adjust to life as a new parent, don’t hesitate to check out these programs: Jeremiah Program Minnesota’s Jeremiah Program helps local families “two generations at a time” by following a holistic approach that includes housing, early childhood education,…

Minnesota Family Law Blog

What You Need to Know About Terminations of Parental Rights

By Cynthia J. Brown

June 13, 2019

Most Minnesota parents want the best for their children and do everything in their power to keep their children safe, healthy, and happy. A small subset, however, participates in neglect or abuse severe enough to warrant the termination of their rights as parents. In such situations, the termination of that parent’s rights may be warranted or even urgently required. Read on to learn more about this option and the role it plays in the lives…

Minnesota Family Law Blog

Minnesota’s Safe Place For Newborn Law

By Cynthia J. Brown

June 6, 2019

Childbirth is a highly anticipated occasion for most Minnesota parents, but not all children are joyously welcomed into the world. Some newborns are promptly abandoned — and at this vulnerable stage of life, even brief abandonment can prove deadly. Thankfully, the state of Minnesota has enacted a program designed to address this issue. Known as Safe Place for Newborns, this option involves an anonymous alternative for mothers in need. How Does Safe Place for Newborns…

Minnesota Family Law Blog

Tips For Helping Your Family Law Attorney Help You

By Cynthia J. Brown

May 16, 2019

The right family law attorney can make all the difference as you pursue divorce, adoption, or other sensitive legal matters. Your role in the process doesn’t end when you select an attorney, however. This is a two-way street, in which your efforts can either help or hinder your attorney. Keep the following suggestions in mind as you play your part: Arrive Prepared The more documentation you can furnish, the better. Provide copies of any documents…

Minnesota Family Law Blog

Going Through a Divorce And an Illness at the Same Time: Tips to Get Through It

By Cynthia J. Brown

May 2, 2019

Traumatic situations always seem to converge at the worst times. This is certainly your reality if you are simultaneously dealing with divorce and health issues. Both are tough to handle in the best of circumstances; together, they can make you feel hopeless about your future. No matter how terrible you feel at the moment, however, you canget through this. Read on to learn how: Seek New Sources of Emotional Support At one time, you turned…

Minnesota Family Law Blog

What Is Parental Alienation — And How Do You Combat It?

By Cynthia J. Brown

April 25, 2019

Is your relationship with your child suddenly tense? Do you suspect that your ex may have played a role in your parenting struggles? Your current emotional turmoil may best be explained by parental alienation. A common, yet under-discussed phenomenon, parental alienation (PA) occurs when one parent psychologically manipulates his or her children into demonstrating an unwarranted hostility towards — or fear of — the other parent. Deeply traumatic for both affected parents and their children,…

Cynthia J. Brown

What Is a Guardian Ad Litem? What Is Their Purpose?

Information About Minnesota Jury Service

Financial Projects to Tackle ASAP Once You’ve Decided to Get a Divorce

Ways Technology Can Make Divorce And Custody Simpler

Resources for Newly Single Moms in Minnesota

What You Need to Know About Terminations of Parental Rights

Minnesota’s Safe Place For Newborn Law

Tips For Helping Your Family Law Attorney Help You

Going Through a Divorce And an Illness at the Same Time: Tips to Get Through It

What Is Parental Alienation — And How Do You Combat It?

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