Divorce/Family Law

To see just how successful our approach is, here are some representative results:

K.B. v. L.B.

February, 2026
Charges: OFP, HRO, and Harassment defense - civil setting

Our client was the subject of an Order for Protection ("OFP") action. The opposing party had previously filed two Harassment Restraining Orders ("HRO"), both of which were dismissed. Mr. Kehren immediately recognized that the legal system was being used to harass our client. He filed a frivolous litigant motion and a counter Petition for Harassment Restraining Order. On the day of trial, thanks to Mr. Kehren's strategic advocacy, our client’s HRO was granted, and the OFP matter against them was dismissed in its entirety. After enduring multiple legal actions and the stress of ongoing harassment, our client can now move forward with peace of mind. Another fantastic result for North Star Criminal Defense.

Types of Charge(s): Divorce/Family Law

In re the Marriage of D.W.

November, 2025
Charges: (Aging) Divorce Matter, Allegations of Contempt

Mr. Adkins, in a somewhat rare return to contested Divorce proceedings, wipes the floor… opposing counsel will be fending off his own contempt threat, after the butt-whomping he took… Client is thrilled with the progress of her matter, after four (4!) prior attorneys all failed to secure her long-term spousal support amounts, or successfully achieved proper sanctions pursuant to the contempt order languishing for more than two years, before this hearing. Dan can vindicate you, in nearly any form of litigation—just call, and inquire, and where we can help, you will get results. Try us.

Types of Charge(s): Divorce/Family Law

In re the Divorce of S.K.

September, 2025
Charges: Contested Dissolution, Property Disposition

Mr. Adkins, who has been fighting and winning in Family Court for the better part of his thirty-plus years as a litigator, hit a grand slam… abused husband exits the fraught marriage with all his property, none of the other party’s undischarged debt, and a clear name. Client is over the moon, and Dan has another judge who praised his creativity and perspicacity from the bench and on the record (we print and keep these transcripts!), which never hurts. If you or a loved one is facing any sort of family challenges, don’t hesitate to contact North Star and get in queue for some remedies. We got this!

Types of Charge(s): Divorce/Family Law

C.F. v. M.F.

March, 2025
Charges: Order for Protection

Another trial win for Dan Adkins! Celebrating an impressive streak, Dan has not lost a contested bench or full jury trial since 2013, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his clients and his skill in the courtroom.

In this case, Dan successfully defeated a petition for a full Order for Protection (OFP) brought by a seasoned former prosecutor on behalf of the client’s own son. The Court denied the OFP in full, a critical result for Dan’s client—a licensed carry-permit holder—who faced the potential loss of the ability to defend his own homestead with a firearm. An adverse finding could have triggered severe restrictions, jeopardizing not only his Second Amendment rights but also casting a shadow over his personal and professional life. This outcome ensured those rights remained intact and protected his future from far-reaching consequences.

Types of Charge(s): Divorce/Family Law

In re Marriage: H.B.

September, 2022
Charges: Dissolution

A couple visited North Star, agreed to work cooperatively and amicably, and got fully divorced in roughly six weeks... both parties treated fairly, documents on hand immediately, and the matter closed on time. In the rare instance of such an agreeable need, with or without ample property, children, etc., North Star can get you where you want to be. Our network of compatible and supportive attorney referrals is massive, for those matters that need special attention. If we can't help, we know who will... and more often than not, North Star has what you need.

Types of Charge(s): Divorce/Family Law

In re Welfare of the Child; State v. S.W.

April, 2022
Charges: Combination of child custody and domestic abuse type crimes.

HRO's dismissed, and a mom and her daughter are reunited over strenuous objection from a belligerent father. North Star handles family matters with the same care and attention as the criminal cases, particularly where the two types collide and overlap. Messrs. Adkins and Gempeler worked mightily hard to protect this mom on all fronts, and to advocate for her artfully and well. One of the more meaningful victories, because so many people are affected and lives so strongly improved.

In re: OFP Matter for L.C.

March, 2020

Mr. Gempeler represented the petitioner for an Order for Protection against her sister, who was facing felony assault charges. Despite strong evidence to support these charges - and therefore, the OFP petition - the opposing party opposed the OFP and had legal counsel that she demanded push back at all costs. Thankfully, Mr. Gempeler saw through the bluster and strong tactical approaches from the opposing party and was able to negotiate an agreed-upon OFP with conditions that actually resulted in greater protection for the client than the Court would have imposed had there been a hearing. Avoiding the hearing - which would have required the client to testify - was paramount for a client with troubling medical issues and anxiety in testifying. She could not have been happier to retain Mr. Gempeler and the North Star team to fight on her behalf.

Types of Charge(s): Divorce/Family Law

Order For Protection Matter - Hennepin County

June, 2018
Charges: OFP allegations in the nature of stalking and sexual predation

O.F.P. DENIED, Court considering sanctions on Petitioner. How many lawyers actually contest OFP requests, or DANCO matters, or a Harassment Restraining Order, with any level of success? THESE FELLOWS DO. A litigant with a growing record of abuse of the court system sought to complicate the life of Mr. Adkins' client with an OFP--which would mean no more gun rights, no retention of a high-paying job, etc.--on the basis of outrageous but impactful allegations of misconduct. Mr. Adkins ensured the trier of fact knew the Petitioner's history of falsehoods and manipulation, and after two pointless trips to the courthouse, the judge is now considering the exceptional remedy of actually sanctioning the petitioner financially for her tomfoolery. Justice ACHIEVED.

Types of Charge(s): Divorce/Family Law

In re: OFP Against C.G.

June, 2018
Charges: Order for protection sought against C.G.

Order dismissed with prejudice. This matter, concerning the same fellow below and one day later, concerned a woman claiming maltreatment by a man with an extensive criminal record, who simply refuses to be judged solely thereby. The Court ruled in his favor, dismissing all demands to restrict his conduct, and is now considering our request that the petitioner pay our client back the funds he paid to US. Hired tigers, folks, and you will never wonder if you are being protected, or if your interests are being advanced.

Types of Charge(s): Divorce/Family Law

Confidential Annulment Matter

September, 2017
Charges: Annulment of Marriage

In what appears to be the first successful annulment filing in the State in some time, North Star and Mr. Adkins convinced a Dakota County Judge to not only annul (essentially, erase from ever existing) a marriage notwithstanding cases disfavoring this remedy, but to grant her protection from creditors and other valuable relief. Client is ecstatic, with good reason--her name is utterly restored, and she can leave this troubling timeframe completely behind.

Types of Charge(s): Divorce/Family Law