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
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...
If My Spouse Does Not Agree to a Divorce, Can We Still Get Divorced?
Divorce is rarely easy—but it becomes even more complicated when one spouse doesn't want it. If you're asking, “Can I get a divorce even if my spouse won’t agree?”—the answer is yes. In Minnesota and Wisconsin, you can still get divorced even if your spouse disagrees....
Christopher Scott Named to National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 for a Second Year
We’re proud to share that Christopher Scott has once again been recognized by the National Black Lawyers Association’s Top 40 Under 40 for Minnesota. Christopher’s thoughtful approach to advocacy and commitment to making a difference for his clients and community...
Fresh Start, Fresh Plan: Estate Planning After Divorce
Divorce marks a significant turning point, a time for rebuilding and redefining your future. While you're navigating the emotional and logistical aspects of this transition, one critical area demands your immediate attention: estate planning. Failing to update your...