Christopher Matthew Banas

Christopher Matthew Banas

also known as Chris Banas

4.4
Rating: 7.2

Licensed for 24 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Saint Paul, MN
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Support, Child Custody, Marriage & Prenuptials

991 Sibley Memorial Highway Suite 200, Saint Paul, MN

About Christopher

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 70%

Banas Family Law, P.A. provides family law and divorce representation to St. Paul, Minneapolis and the greater Twin Cities region. View our website for more information and helpful articles.

26 years

70%
Child Support 20%

Banas Family Law, P.A. provides family law and divorce representation to St. Paul, Minneapolis and the greater Twin Cities region. View our website for more information and helpful articles.

26 years

20%
Child Custody 9%

Banas Family Law, P.A. provides family law and divorce representation to St. Paul, Minneapolis and the greater Twin Cities region. View our website for more information and helpful articles.

26 years

9%
Marriage and Prenuptials 1%

Banas Family Law, P.A. provides family law and divorce representation to St. Paul, Minneapolis and the greater Twin Cities region. View our website for more information and helpful articles.

26 years

1%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Minnesota for 24 years

State: Minnesota

Acquired: 2001

Authorized to Practice

No misconduct found

Location

Banas Family Law

991 Sibley Memorial Highway Suite 200, Saint Paul, MN, 55118

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Christopher Matthew Banas's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.4 /5.0

21 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (21) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | February 11, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Chris and his staff are very professional definitely recommend.

Chris and his team are great! With my specific case the results that I wanted seemed like an impossible task.. after spending years and countless hours trying to devise a plan of attack in court, Chris ultimately was able to get me full custody of my child. I couldn’t be any happier with the results ...that once seemed like a pipe dream... Chris and his staff are very responsive to any questions or concerns you may have. Despite having a lot of clients they make you feel like family and that you aren’t just “another client”. I would HIGHLY recommend Banas family law with any sort of family legal work. Thank you guys for everything!!

Posted by anonymous | October 04, 2011 | Child Support

One of the best decisions I ever made . . .

Going through a divorce was the most painful experience of my life, probably because it wasn't what I wanted. All the things that were important to me were up in the air. I didn't know what would happen to my kids--that was the worst of it. But there was more. I worked all my life to buy a nice h...ouse, put away some savings and a college fund, establish good credit. I was beside myself with anxiety. At first I tried to represent myself, but it didn't take long to see I was out of my league. I knew I had to get a lawyer. After a great experience, one of my closest friends recommended Banas Family Law--Chris had negotiated joint custody and the kids were really thriving. They got to spend time with both parents, and nobody was being bankrupted by child support debts. It's hard for me to overstate the difference Chris made in my life. I have a physical disability and I was worried that a judge might not understand that it has no bearing on my relationship with my kids. Chris was able to convey to everyone--including the judge and the other lawyer--that my disability doesn't define me. He met me early for hearings--he always made sure getting inside and through court security was a non-issue--and then that I had a good place to sit in the courtroom, where I could see and hear everything. He was never condescending to me, and as someone who has traveled through this world with a disability, I can tell you that is unusual. If anything, he has a terrific sense of humor, which defused some difficult situations and bitter feelings. During the first part of the proceedings, it looked like we were going to have to go to trial. My ex was being incredibly unreasonable, insisting on exclusive custody of the kids, excessive child support, etc. Chris chipped away at this over time. He regularly contacted the other attorney and began to negotiate--I could see he didn't have any difficulty working with the other side, or even standing up to the judge when he had to. I got to read all the legal papers he drew up, and they seemed intelligent and well-written, and there were lots of references to cases and laws--which he explained to me, because I'm no lawyer! At the same time, he prepared for trial. We went through the whole nightmare together--pretrials, depositions, mediation, you name it. Chris was always calm and reassuring when I was a wreck. He was very knowledgeable about the law and explained everything to me in a way that I could understand. I always felt fully informed about everything--not just the case, but also the way I was being billed. In the end, we went to the courthouse on trial day, and Chris was able to settle the rest of the case without actually going to trial. I know Chris was ready for trial, but he did what was best for me. We were able to work out a fair settlement, and I never thought that would happen. Are my kids having to adjust to their new life? Sure. But they are also doing great because they get to spend so much time with both of their parents. The financial settlement was definitely a compromise--I got some of what I wanted, and I had to give in on some points. I admit it stung a bit, but it was also fair. Chris isn't the type to toot his own horn, so I will do it for him. If you're looking for a courteous, knowledgeable, professional lawyer who isn't a cold-hearted shark, he's your man. If you're looking for a lawyer who isn't always watching the clock and waiting for the next client, but actually cares about you AND your kids, hire Chris. If you want a lawyer who won't put you in the poorhouse with exorbitant bills, call Chris. If you want someone who can try your case OR settle it, contact Chris. If you want a lawyer who knows the law, understands his way around a courtroom, and isn't afraid of anyone--hire Chris. You won't be sorry.

Christopher Banas

Replied last February 09, 2012

Thank you for taking the time to tell your story. Banas Family Law, P.A. works hard to earn the trust of our clients. We strive to establish this relationship with all our clients. Thank you again for such a glowing review.

Posted by Renee | February 23, 2011 | Divorce & Separation

The Best Family Advocate Team

The decision to divorce is one of the most difficult and disruptive events a couple must face. Once the decision has been made, the overwhelming emotions, pain, and stress begin. This law team has helped me overcome all of these issues, They explained what issues could be resolved, how the process ...begins and how it proceeds, what happens in court, and most importantly what is the best interest for the children involved. I could not have asked for a better support system to help guide me through the process of divorce with children. I was so impressed with their knowledge on childrens needs and the emotional turmoil divorce can bring. I had a unique situation with a very unhealthy emotional parent. I was so impressed with this teams psychological wisdom on dealing with this complicated isssue. This law office always communicated regularly with me and always kept me current with my case issues. This team communicated very effectively. They kept my insterest and needs first, I could reach them any time. The lawyer gave me his cell number. I felt comfortable to call at any time with any need. He was never intimidating. He understood my feelings. And best of all you could laugh and have some fun inbetween, I would highly suggest for you to call this team and have your goals and expectations met.

Posted by Breanna | February 23, 2011 | Family

Effective, Professional, Honorable

Chris represented me over several years in a family court matter, and did so successfully with knowledge, skill and professionalism. I found Chris to be an honorable person who really cared about my case and listened to my concerns. Being a litigant in family court can be an emotional and frustra...ting experience. Chris listened to me when I felt like I just needed a kind ear while effectively handling the legal matters in my case.

See All Client Reviews

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Experience

Rating:  7.2 (Very Good)

Honors

2011

Consumer Approved, RatePoint

2011

Business Excellence, RatePoint

2010

Featured Contributor, EzineArticles.com

2010

Contributor, Going Legal

2010

Contributor, ArticleBase

2010

Featured Author, HG.org

2009

Expert Author, ExpertHub

2008

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2007

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Partner, Banas Family Law

2003 - 2008

Attorney, Hellmuth & Johnson, PLLC

Associations

The Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota

Member

Lavender Bar Association

Member

American Bar Association

Member

The Hennepin County Bar Association

Member

Education

2000

Hamline University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2007

Television Interview

Changes to Minnesota Child Support Laws

2007

Conference

Child Support Laws

2005

Minnesota CLE

Order For Protection Hearings: Rules of Evidence

2002

10th Judicial District

Immigration: The Impact on Divorcing Couples

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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