Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.9 /5.0
27 Client Reviews
PRO
Valerie Ann Downing Arnold
also known as Valerie Arnold
Virtual Consultation Available
About Valerie
Biography
Valerie Arnold is a founding partner of Arnold & Cain, PA. Ms. Arnold practices in all areas of family law including divorce, child custody, property division, spousal maintenance, antenuptial agreements, child support as well as interstate and international divorce and child custody. Ms. Arnold is experienced in representing clients in divorce and child custody proceedings, Hague Convention parental child abductions, non-Hague parental child abductions, parental child abduction prevention, third-party custody and visitation, mediations, and in family law appeals. Ms. Arnold is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) and has published numerous articles on interstate and international family law including authoring the "Interstate and International Jurisdiction and Custody Issues" chapter for the Minnesota State Bar Association's Minnesota Custody and Child Support Deskbook. Ms. Arnold has lectured locally, nationally, and internationally on family law issues and has been named a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyers Magazine. Ms. Arnold served on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Chapter of AFCC, serves on the Committee on Hague Conventions for the USA Chapter of the IAFL, and volunteers for the Tubman LAW Program and the Ramsey County Pro Se Clinic. Ms. Arnold is fluent in French.
Child-focused advocacy and solutions. Call Now! 612-293-6209
Experienced and strategic family law advocacy and counsel. Call Now! 612-293-6209
Experienced and strategic family law advocacy and counsel. Call Now! 612-293-6209
Experienced and strategic family law advocacy and counsel. Call Now! 612-293-6209
Providing highly skilled appellate legal services in all areas of family law. Call Now! 612-293-6209
Experienced and strategic family law advocacy and counsel. Call Now! 612-293-6209
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
35%
Child Custody
25%
Appeals
15%
27 years
Family
15%
27 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Minnesota for 28 years
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
Arnold & Cain, PA
(952) 955-8009
Fax
1422 W Lake Street Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN, 55408
minneapolisdivorceattorneys.us/Gallery
Valerie Ann Downing Arnold's Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 6 - 10 of 10 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by José Manuel | June 25, 2012 | Child Custody
Very professional and friendly
My name is Jose Manuel and I am living in Spain. Miss Valerie has shown great ability to understand and carry out the necessary actions that require an international case. Miss Valerie and her team at all times kept me informed and I have always been advised to the best of intentions. Miss Valerie...
Posted by Michelle | July 21, 2011 | Divorce & Separation
Excellent Attorney
I most highly recommend Ms. Valerie Arnold and her law firm. Ms. Arnold co-counseled a very complex international divorce and custody case for me and won. Ms. Arnold used her skills in; Minnesota family law, international matrimonial law, connections in the international law community, and second l...
Posted by Andrew | February 09, 2011 | Child Custody
Amazing
I was involved in a complicated custody case. I was a single father at the time and it seemed I was fighting an uphill battle. Valerie, with her incredible knowledge and work ethic, helped me regain custody of my son. Valerie always made time for me and my concerns. She was quick to respond and...
Posted by Gianfranco | January 26, 2011 | Child Custody
International Child Abduction according to the Hague Convention
I am an Italian citizen and in 2007 I needed legal assistance in order to have my daughter, wrongfully retained in Minnesota, returning to her habitual place of residence in Rome. I selected Ms. Arnold through internet reviewing and phone interview. She had since the beginning a full comprehension of...
Posted by anonymous | April 24, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Disappointing representation
Mercenary motives.Did not help despite obvious flaws in other party. I retained her after reading reviews here and regret it. Failed to educate me about the law.
Valerie Ann Downing Arnold's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is sensitive to her clients needs and very experienced and hard working to serve her clients in family law and divorce."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I worked with Ms. Arnold on a very difficult case. We were able to settle the matter just prior to what would have been an expensive and emotionally challenging trial. Ms. Arnold was thorough and prepared. She advocated for her client effectively while maintaining the highest level of professionalism."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ms. Arnold and I worked together at Tuft & Arnold, and I continue to refer international divorce and custory cases to her. She is highly knowledgeable about the law, a true advocate for her client, and respectful and empathetic in often difficult circumstances."
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2018
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Client's Choice, Avvo
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2008
"Rising Star" Attorney, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2008
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2006
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2006
"Rising Star" Attorney, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2004
"Rising Star" Attorney, Minnesota Law and Leading Attorneys
2004
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2003
"Rising Star" Attorney, Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine
2003
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Partner, Arnold & Cain, PA
2005 - 2010
Partner, Tuft & Arnold, PLLC
2001 - 2011
Adjunct Professor, University Of Minnesota
2001 - 2001
Curriculum Developer, University Of Minneosta
1999 - 2004
Associate, Thomas Tuft Law Offices
1998 - 1999
Judicial Law Clerk, Honorable Gerald J. Wolf, Chief Judge, Third Judicial District
1998 - 1998
Lecturer, University Of Minnesota
1997 - 1997
Student Attorney, University Of Minnesota Law School Housing Clinic
1996 - 1996
Judicial Extern, Honorable Gary Larson, District Court Judge, Fourth Judicial District
1996 - 1996
Law Clerk, Goldstein Law Office
1996 - 1996
Legal Intern, Cabinet Jacques Bret
1995 - 1995
Legal Intern, Moroccan Human Rights Organization
1995 - 1995
Teaching Assistant, University Of Minnesota Law School
1995 - 1995
Teaching Assistant, University Of Minnesota Law School
1995 - 1995
Research Assistant, University Of Minnesota Law School
Associations
2010 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
International Academy of Family LawyersFellow
1997 - Present
Minnesota Women Lawyers
1997 - Present
Ramsey County Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
2009 - 2013
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts - MN ChapterBoard Member
2002 - 2006
Ramsey County Bar Association, CLE Oversight CommitteeCo-chair
2000 - 2014
Warren E. Burger Inn of Court
Education
1997
University of Minnesota Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
University of Minnesota
MA - Masters
1990
Universite de Savoie, France
Maitrise de Lettres Modernes: certificat en linguistique
1988
University of Minnesota
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
Family Law Institute
Interstate and International Parental Child Abduction
2017
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) 54th Annual Conference
Parenting Plans in International Cases
2016
Ramsey County Bar Association, Family Law Section CLE
International Divorce and Child Custody
2016
Family Law Series
Interstate and International Custody
2016
Family Law Institute, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education
Interstate and International Issues
2015
Minnesota Continuing Legal Education
The Complete Family Lawyer: Interstate and International Issues
2015
Interstate Custody and Visitation Issues
Interstate Custody and Visitation Issues: UCCJEA and PKPA
2015
Family Law Section CLE
Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
2015
American Bar Association, International Law and Practice Section
International Family Mediator Training: Agreement Drafting and Enforcement
2015
American Bar Association, International Law and Practice Section
International Family Mediator Training: Language Barriers
2015
Advanced Issues in Divorce
Advanced Issues In Divorce: Trouble Shooting Marriage Dissolution Issues
2014
Minnesota Continuing Legal Education
Advanced Family Law 2014: Hot Topics in Interstate and International Family Law: Relocation, Abduction, and the Enforcement of Support Orders and Property Division
2014
Family Law Institute
Five Unresolved Issues for Same Sex Families
2014
A Paralegals Guide To Divorce
Discovery Guidelines
2014
A Paralegals Guide To Divorce
Initial Interviews and Pleadings
2013
Tubman
The Intersections of Family Law and Immigration Law
2013
National Webcast
Child Custody Procedures: Form By Form; Discovery, Pre-Trial & Trial
2013
Family Law Series
Motions, Appeals, and Interstate and International Issues
2013
Family Law Institute
Family Law 50: Interstate and International
2012
National Webcast
Complex Child Custody and Support Issues in Divorce: UCCJEA and UIFSA
2012
National Webcast
Legal Guide to Interstate Divorce Proceedings
2012
National Teleconference
Complex Child Custody and Support Issues In Divorce
2012
Hague Symposium
Role of the Lawyer: Representing the Left-Behind Parent
2012
Family Law Series
Interstate and International Jurisdiction and Custody Issues
2012
Family Law 50
Interstate and International
2011
National Webcast
Child Custody Jurisdiction under the UCCJEA: Navigating the Complexities
2011
National Teleconference
Child Custody and Support in Interstate Divorce: UCCJEA and UIFSA
2011
National Teleconference
Evidence Tactics in Divorce: Witness Testimony
2011
Minnesota CLE
Interstate and International Jurisdiction and Custody Issues
2010
Tubman Family Alliance - LSC Training
Interstate Child Custody and the UCCJEA
2010
National Teleconference
Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction
2010
IAML AGM Conference Queenstown, New Zealand
Defenses to Hague Convention Cases in the United States: Current Trends
2010
Anoka County Bar Association CLE
The UCCJEA: Navigating Family Law Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Issues
2009
International Leadership Visitor Program
International Parental Child Abduction
2009
Family Law Institute
Interstate and International Parental Child Abduction
2009
Dakota County Law Library CLE
International Divorce and Child Custody
2008
Minnesota State Bar Association
Interstate and International Relocation
2007
Washington County Bar Association, CLE
Third Party Custody
2006
Minnesota CLE
Interstate and International Jurisdiction and Custody Issues
2005
University of Minnesota Department of Translating and Interpreting
American Law for Interpreters
2005
Ramsey County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education
Third-Party Custody and Visitation
2002
Lorman Education Services
Custody Issues: An Overview of Child Custody Law in Minnesota
2000
Ramsey County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education
Taming the Beast: The Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
2000
Ramsey County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education
Interstate Enforcement of Child Support and Child Custody Orders
2000
Lorman Education Services
Children's Records Law in Minnesota: Medical and Mental Health Records
1998
University of Minnesota Institute of International Studies
Topics in European Studies: An Introduction to Human Rights
Publications
2015
Minnesota CLE
Chapter 11: The Complete Family Lawyer: Interstate and International Issues
2014
Minnesota CLE
Advanced Family Law 2014: Hot Topics in Interstate and International Family Law: Relocation, Abduction, and the Enforcement of Support Orders and Property Division
2013
National Business Institute Seminar
Child Custody Procedures: Form By Form; Discovery, Pre-Trial & Trial
2012
National Business Institute Seminar
Legal Guide to Interstate Divorce Proceedings
2012
Minnesota CLE
Family Law 50: Interstate and International
2012
National Business Institute Seminar
Complex Child Custody and Support Issues in Divorce: UCCJEA and UIFSA
2011
National Business Institute Seminar
Evidence Tactics in Divorce: Witness Testimony
2011
Minnesota State Bar Association
Interstate and International Jurisdiction and Custody Issues
2011
National Business Institute Seminar
Child Custody and Support in Interstate Divorce: UCCJEA and UIFSA
2011
Minnesota State Bar Association, Family Law Forum
Innovations in Resolving International Family Law Cases in Tough Economic Times
2010
National Business Institute Seminar
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction
2008
Minnesota State Bar Association, Family Law Forum
Interstate & International Civil and Criminal Remedies to Parents of Children Who Have Been Kidnapped
2006
Minnesota Child Custody and Support Deskbook
Interstate and International Jurisdiction and Custody Issues
2004
Bench & Bar of Minnesota
International Parental Child Abduction
2003
Ramsey County Bar Association Barrister
Interpreting and the Law
2002
Minnesota State Bar Association Family Law Forum
International Custody Jurisdiction: The Hague Convention
2002
Minnesota State Bar Association, Family Law Forum
Preventing Parental Kidnapping: Jurisdictional and Enforcement Issues
1999
MILE Seminar
Parental Kidnapping and Child Safety: Current Case Law Trends
1999
Bench & Bar of Minnesota
Determing Child Custody Across Jurisdictions
Languages
French
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I seek sole custody of kids from an ex who is verbally and emotionally abusive?
03 Jun 2018
Q&A
Change parenting time without changing custody?
03 Jun 2018
Q&A
Can i move my daughter from Louisiana to Minnesota ?
26 May 2018