Laura K. Fretland/Retired
Former Areas of Practice: Family Law, Divorce, Child Support, Spousal Maintenance, Custody, Antenuptial Agreements
Laura K. Fretland / Biography
Laura Fretland concentrated her practice on family law and represented clients in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and throughout Minnesota. She has provided careful guidance and quality legal representation customized to the unique needs of her clients, whether that meant litigation, negotiated settlement, collaborative law, or mediation. Her goal has been fair and efficient resolutions, but she has been an effective litigator when necessary, working hard to safeguard the rights of her clients. During her 35 years as a family law attorney, she has handled complex family law matters involving child custody, divorce and property division.
Ms. Fretland’s background has enabled her to develop the most beneficial solutions to resolve family law issues based on each family’s specific situation. Her goal has been to provide the legal advice and expertise clients need to make good decisions about their divorce and their future.
Laura is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© for her work in Family Law and Collaborative Law in the Family Law category and was first recognized in 2014. She has been listed as a Minnesota Super Lawyer each year since 2005 and is rated Distinguished™ for high professional achievement by Martindale-Hubbell.
Ms. Fretland has written and lectured for attorneys on topics, including antenuptial agreements, divorce and elder law. She has been an active member and former co-chair of the Hennepin County Bar Association Family Law Section.
Leadership + Activities
- Minnesota State Bar Association (including Hennepin County Bar Association)
Feedback
Amazing Support – I can’t say enough about how helpful Laura was to me during a time of personal trauma and divorce. Her guidance was objective and valuable with a human touch of caring and kindness that is so appreciated. My case was closed in an extremely timely manner, and Laura’s team was responsive and available throughout the process. I highly recommend Laura Fretland without hesitation.
Professional, empathic, effective – Laura helped me navigate one of the more difficult situations with pragmatic guidance and expertise that I needed. And she was extremely helpful in understanding options and paths that fit my goals for resolution. All good things. And frankly found her style and compassion the best part of working with her. I’d highly recommend to anyone but particularly those that want fast, fair, and frank legal counsel.
Laura is a very knowledgeable and caring attorney, who obtains excellent results for her clients.
Published Articles
- “Special Circumstances in Family Law,” Chapter 25, Minnesota Divorce Practice Deskbook with eFormbook, Second Edition, Minnesota CLE, October 2021
- “Marital Issues,” Chapter 7, Elder Law Handbook, Fourth Edition, Minnesota CLE, December 2018
Education
- Concordia College, B.A., summa cum laude, 1980
- University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., 1983
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota, 1983
News + Articles
A Lot to Say About Stays Pending Appeal
A common misconception among non-lawyers is that by filing an appeal, a party can avoid the effect of the trial court’s judgment, at least temporarily. The reality is much more complicated. The Governing Rule Rule 108 of the Minnesota Rules of Civil Appellate...
What to Do When You Receive a Notice of Appeal
It’s a position nobody wants to be in. You are in the midst of celebrating your hard-fought victory when you receive that dreaded filing titled, “Notice of Appeal.” Suddenly, you are in the world of appellate litigation, which can feel unfamiliar and perhaps daunting....
Lommen Abdo Joins Pack at the Park to Help Fight Hunger
On May 16, 2025, a team of Lommen Abdo attorneys, paralegals and staff joined hundreds of other volunteers at Target Field in Minneapolis to take part in Pack at the Park, a mobile meal-packing event hosted by Feed My Starving Children (FMSC). This was Lommen Abdo’s...
Small Business Legacy: Estate Planning Traps to Avoid for Family and Closely-Held Companies
Small business owners have poured your blood, sweat, and maybe even a few tears into building your own business. Pressing questions about supply chain, quality control, and even payroll demand your attention daily. As a business owner, much of your attention and...
Tariffs and the Minnesota Trucking Industry: How Trade Policy Hits Home
When we hear about tariffs, it’s easy to picture distant trade talks and high-stakes negotiations between world leaders. But the reality? The ripple effects of those decisions reach places much closer to home—like right here on Minnesota’s roads, loading docks, and...
Common Divorce Misconceptions: What You Should Know
Separating fact from fiction—and why having the right legal team matters. Divorce is a deeply personal and often emotionally charged experience. Whether you’re exploring your options, currently navigating the process, or simply want to understand more about how...