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I graduated magna cum laude from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN in 1990. In 1994 I received a Doctorate of Law (JD) degree from the University of Minnesota. Following that, I spent the next two years as a judicial clerk for the distinguished Honorable Lois J. Lang, Judge of District Court, with a workload that primarily involved the drafting of divorce decrees, orders, and legal memoranda on a host of issues pertaining to divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, spousal maintenance, distribution of marital and non-marital property, valuation of property, domestic abuse and harassment, and the like. It was through this position that I attained a ready wealth of knowledge in the field of family law.
I opened my practice in 1996, and I practice family law exclusively, with particular focus on divorce and child custody matters, including post-decree modification of custody. I have successfully handled hundreds of cases of divorce (both contested and uncontested), child custody, visitation (a/k/a parenting time), out-of-state moves, domestic abuse, harassment, child support, spousal maintenance, and other miscellaneous family law matters, both in and out of court. Clients have often expressed their appreciation of my promptness in communication, honesty and candor, and exceptional ability.
Characteristic of my practice is a high level of individual client attention and communication, and the highest standard of professionalism and competence.
With a practice that is concentrated solely on family law, my clients have the advantage of a subject familiarity that many lawyers who practice in more than one field of law are never able to attain.
I do not charge for an initial consultation of up to 30 minutes (telephone only).
I am a respected member of the Family Law sections of both the Hennepin County Bar Association and the Minnesota State Bar Association, and am admitted to all courts in the State of Minnesota, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Practice Areas
32 years | 300 cases
32 years | 300 cases
32 years | 300 cases
32 years | 300 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Other places you can find Eric online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 25 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Robert | January 5, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Mr. Nelson provided exceptional legal representation during my divorce. As an executive in corporate finance, I really value attention to detail and problem-solving skills. His expertise, guidance, and dedication surpassed my expectations. I faced a challenging situation with an ex-wife seeking ...
Posted by anonymous | March 27, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Eric was my counsel for a long drawn out divorce in which the other side worked a strategy based on lower cost, delay, and lack of cooperation. The attorney for the other side was eventually replaced, and we were awarded a $15,000 judgement for those tactics. Eric's approached of getting strong and...
Posted by Lisa | August 17, 2018 | Consulted Attorney
After a court order that was not in my favor, I consulted with Eric about my options. He listened intently and with compassion, and offered straightforward, honest feedback that demonstrated a deep knowledge of the Minnesota court system and of family law. He was extremely generous with his time and ...
Posted by Tim | June 11, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This is my first review I have written for anything and my review of Eric is long overdue!!! I regretfully asked Eric to “withdraw” from being my attorney. He did such a great job, he is no longer needed. I kept Eric onboard for 10+ years. He was needed for the first 5 years because of my Ex’s inabil...
Posted by Chris | August 12, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Eric was very forthright and professional during the entire process. He was able to answer every question I had. At the end of the day I was granted everything I wanted in terms of custody of my children.
"I endorse this lawyer. I have been practicing law for almost 20 years and Mr. Nelson is the MOST dependable and honest lawyer I have ever met. I have referred many friends to him for his services and I have no doubt that I will do so many more times in the years ahead. Thank you. Robert A. Bodeau"
"I endorse this lawyer.I have found Eric Nelson to be reliable, honest and diligent in his representation of private clients. I would not hesitate to recommend my clients to Eric for all family law matters."
"I heartily endorse this lawyer. I have been practicing law for 25 years. I have known Mr. Eric Nelson, Esq., for 18 years. He is an excellent lawyer. He is very diligent, very even tempered, and obtains excellent results. These qualities are very important for a family law practitioner. He is also a very good person."
"Eric is the most dedicated family law attorney. I have known him for more than 15 years and have had the pleasure of referring clients to him. He is passionate about the practice of law; his client's interest and very knowledgeable about the the law. I heartily endorse Eric and highly recommend him"
"I endorse this lawyer. I was opposing counsel with Mr. Nelson on a matter that was a highly contested custody/parenting time matter. Mr. Nelson was a gentlemen even though he had a very difficult client."
"I have referred multiple clients and friends to Eric Nelson over the years when they needed a Mpls/St. Paul Metro area family law attorney and they have all been grateful. They have universally praised his knowledge, professionalism and advocacy, and never have any expressed regret over their choice. I do not hesitate to recommend Mr. Nelson to those seeking a good family law attorney in Minneapolis."
"I endorse this lawyer. Eric is a zealous advocate for his clients. He is very knowledgeable in family law matters and uses that knowledge to achieve excellent results for his clients. He is honest and ethical and does what he says he will do in a timely and efficient manner."
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2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2005
Lead Counsel, LawInfo.com
1990
Phi Beta Kappa, Macalester College
1996 - Present
Owner, Eric C. Nelson, Attorney
1994 - 1996
Judicial Law Clerk, Minnesota District Court
1993 - 1994
Law Clerk, Hanley & Dejoras, P.A.
1992 - 1992
Law Clerk, United States Dept. of Justice
2000 - Present
United States Supreme Court BarMember
1996 - Present
Minnesota State Bar AssociationMember
1996 - Present
Hennepin County Bar AssociationMember
2000 - 2001
Condominium BoardMember
Victory (OFP was upheld on appeal).
Victory (COLA reversed on appeal).
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Legal Answers
Legal Guides
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