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Eric Carlisle Nelson
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About Eric
Biography
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.
Eric C. Nelson, Attorney has been a trusted local divorce and family law attorney since 1996.
Eric C. Nelson, Attorney has been a trusted local divorce and family law attorney since 1996.
Eric C. Nelson, Attorney has been a trusted local divorce and family law attorney since 1996.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Child Custody
20%
32 years | 300 cases
Child Support
20%
32 years | 300 cases
Divorce and Separation
20%
32 years | 300 cases
Domestic Violence
20%
32 years | 300 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Minnesota for 31 years
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Eric online.
Eric Carlisle Nelson's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
25 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Family
Posted by Lisa | August 17, 2018 | Family
Compassionate, informative, straightforward
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 Chris | August 12, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family
Divorce/Child Custody
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.
Posted by Nate | September 02, 2014 | Family
Great attorney!
I had a harassment case brought against me and to complicate matters it was involved with a family law case. This case was a high conflict case. Mr. Nelson did a great job getting everything together and when the time came he presented a good case. We won the case and he was the first lawyer to a...
Posted by Gary | May 27, 2012 | Family
the best--
Eric is not only a consumate professional but also has a talent for setting people at ease and listening sympathetically to his clients' concerns. As my wife and I talked, Eric quickly saw the merits and challenges facing us as we struggled to gain visitation rights with our young grandchildren. ...
Posted by Mark | March 16, 2011 | Family
Integrity, Prompt, Competent
Eric handled my case of contested child custody. My situation was horrendous. I will spare you the details, but the key point is that "the other side" was liberally paying bribes. The family law system is extremely corrupt, filled with some of society's lowest level people. I know how much was pa...
Eric Carlisle Nelson's Lawyer Endorsements
"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 endorse this lawyer. Eric is very professional and does a good job for his clients."
"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."
"I endorse Eric. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"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 endorse this lawyer. Eric is a well known and respected Minnesota attorney"
"Very knowledgeable and helpful. I highly recommend Eric for child support issues."
"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."
"Eric Nelson is a hard working, disciplined attorney with a good attitude."
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Experience
Honors
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
Work Experience
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
Associations
2000 - Present
United States Supreme Court BarMember
1996 - Present
Minnesota State Bar AssociationMember
1996 - Present
Hennepin County Bar AssociationMember
2000 - 2001
Condominium BoardMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Olson v. Olson
Victory (OFP was upheld on appeal).
Johnson v. Iber
Victory (COLA reversed on appeal).
Education
1994
University of Minnesota Law School
Juris Doctor
1990
Macalester College
Bachelor of Arts
1986
Buffalo Senior High School
Publications
2014
Bench & Bar of Minnesota
Divorce and Tax Refunds
2014
Bench & Bar of Minnesota
Divorce & Minnesota Residency
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
May I Contest the Divorce Itself?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Do I Get Credit for a Non-Marital Interest in an Upside Down House?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Am I Entitled to My Child's Records if I Don't Have Custody?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Are Verbal Agreements to Change Support Enforceable?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
At What Age May My Child Decide Where He Wants to Live?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Can a New Spouse's Income Be Considered for Support?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
May I Close Joint Credit Card Accounts
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Does Minnesota Have a Divorce Waiting Period?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
How Do I Prepare for Imminent Divorce?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
How Do I Protect Myself Against False Abuse Allegations?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
How Do I Prove My Spouse is Crazy?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
How Important is the Physical Custody Label?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
How Much Compromise is Reasonable?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
How Will Mental Illness Affect My Minnesota Child Custody Case?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Is There Bias Against Fathers or In Favor of Mothers?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
May I Kick My Spouse out of the House and Change the Locks?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
May I Record Phone Telephone Conversations?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Should I Discuss the Case with the Children?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Should I Empty the Joint Bank Account?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Should I Get a New Lawyer?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Should I Litigate or Mediate?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Should I Move Out, And If So, How?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
What Can I Do to Keep Costs Down?
2011
Minnesota Divorce.com
What is the Best Approach to a Social Early Neutral Evaluation?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Who Gets to Pick The Children's School?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Who Gets the Dog?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Who Gets the Engagement Ring?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Who Gets the Kids While We Wait to Go to Court?
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Stepparent Visitation in Minnesota
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Property & Debt Allocation in Minnesota Divorce
2011
2011
DivorceSource.com
Dirty Tricks in Minnesota Divorce, and How to Avoid Them
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Domestic Abuse Orders for Protection in Minnesota
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Social Early Neutral Evaluations in Minnesota
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Out of State Moves
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Grandparent Visitation
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Modification of Physical Custody
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Determining Physical Custody in Minnesota
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Appeals in Minnesota Divorce and Other Family Law Cases
2011
MinnesotDivorce.com
Child Support in Minnesota
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Adultery in Minnesota Divorce Cases
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Annulments in Minnesota
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Child Custody Evaluations in Minnesota Divorce and Custody Cases
2011
2011
MInnesotaDivorce.com
Legal Custody in Minnesota
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Temporary Child Custody in Minnesota
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Financial Early Neutral Evaluations in Minnesota Divorce
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Harassment Restraining Orders in Minnesota
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Legal Separation in Minnesota
2011
MInnesotaDivorce.com
Mediation in Minnesota Divorce Cases
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Custody of Children Born Out of Wedlock in Minnesota
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Parenting Consultants in Minnesota Divorce & Custody Cases
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Parenting Time in Minnesota
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Paternity Cases in Minnesota
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Post-Nuptial Agreements in Minnesota
2011
MinnesotaDivorce.com
Spousal Maintenance in Minnesota Divorce
2001
DivorceHQ.com
Custody of Children Born Out of Wedlock in Minnesota
2001
DivorceNet.com
When Does My Paycheck Stop Being Joint?
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
If you were not married can I get Child Support from the father. We have two kids he pays me nothing
03 Jan 2026
Q&A
Can a previous custody case be reinstated if my ex isn’t taking his increased parenting time? (MN)
28 Nov 2025
Q&A
If a husband owns a home in joint tenancy with his sister that was purchased during the marriage, how is the home divided?
01 Nov 2025
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Tax Issues in Minnesota Divorce
04 Oct 2011
Legal Guide
Deadbeat Spouses and Property Apportionment in Minnesota Divorce
20 Mar 2011
Legal Guide
General Treatment of Real Estate in Minnesota Divorce Cases
20 Mar 2011