MinnLawyer Blog

The folks that returned from four days at Divorce Camp on Sunday came home a little tired, a little wet and a little cold, but also with a sense of accomplishment.

The event, which attracts family law lawyers, custody evaluators, psychologists and others involved in family law matters, was held Oct. 1-4 at Breezy Point Resort.

According to Maplewood family law attorney Thomas Tuft, one of the organizers of the annual event, in the months leading up to the camp, at least 60 people participated in drafting proposed changes to the Rules of Family Court Procedure, which are part of the General Rules of Practice for District Court. At camp, the group of about 200 managed to debate and solidify the proposed changes, some of which are just technical in nature and others that are more substantial. Tuft, Debra Yerigan and Susan Rhode are now working on a formal petition requesting the proposed changes, which will be submitted to the Minnesota Supreme Court for consideration.

Other highlights of the four-day event included an opening address from Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Magnuson, an update on the appellate family law mediation program from Court of Appeals Chief Judge Edward Toussaint, and a look at the early neutral evaluation program from Hennepin County District Court Judge Tanja Manrique. Unfortunately for attendees the weather didn’t cooperate, however.

“It was rainy and cold; it was terrible,” said Tuft.

But there were enough indoor events to keep the crowd busy. The annual golf tournament turned into a poker tournament, although the diehard golfers did manage to get out and play for a while. The Minnesota Gophers/Wisconsin Badgers game was a big hit, as was “Knitting with Nancy” — an annual activity at the camp led by family law attorney Nancy Berg.

In large part, Tuft said, Divorce Camp is a “chance to connect and socialize and talk to experts, and talk to judges.” 

Plans for next year’s camp are already underway.