Tuft Lach Jerabek & O'Connell PLLC

Tuft, Lach, Jerabek & O'Connell PLLC stands as one of Minnesota's most respected family law firms, having committed itself exclusively to divorce and family law excellence since its establishment in 1994. Based in Maplewood, Minnesota at 2109 County Road D E, the firm brings three decades of focused expertise to families and individuals navigating marital dissolution and related legal matters.

The partnership of Thomas W. Tuft, Susan M. Lach, John M. Jerabek, and Dan O'Connell creates a firm where individual excellence combines into institutional strength. Each partner brings particular areas of emphasis and expertise, allowing the firm to serve clients' diverse needs with both breadth of experience and depth of specialization.

Thomas W. Tuft, a shareholder in the firm, has dedicated his practice to family law since the firm's founding in 1994. His expertise spans the full range of family law matters: complex divorce, child support, paternity, and child custody. His recognition as a Super Lawyer since 2002—a designation given to only the top 5% of attorneys in Minnesota—reflects nearly three decades of exceptional legal work. His selection to Best Lawyers in America since 2007 further demonstrates peer recognition of his excellence.

Thomas's long-standing selection to these prestigious lists reflects genuine professional achievement. Super Lawyers selection requires evaluation by peers and legal professionals who assess candidates' legal skills, professional conduct, and peer recognition. Being selected for more than two decades straight indicates continuous excellence that has earned the respect of judges, opposing counsel, and peers throughout his career.

Dan O'Connell brings distinctive achievements to the partnership. He was named Minneapolis Area Family Law "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in America in 2015, 2018, and 2021—extraordinary recognition given that this award can only be given to one lawyer in each practice area each year. Additionally, he was recognized as Minneapolis Area Family Law Mediation "Lawyer of the Year" in 2016, 2018, and 2021. These multiple recognitions reflect exceptional skill in both traditional family law litigation and mediation.

Dan's particular excellence in mediation is noteworthy. Mediation represents an increasingly important tool for helping families resolve disputes outside contested litigation. Being recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" in this specialized area three separate times reflects extraordinary skill and effectiveness in helping families reach agreements they both support.

John M. Jerabek earned his Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law in 1994—the same year the firm was founded—demonstrating early legal expertise. He earned his undergraduate degree from St. John's University in 1990. His focus within the firm emphasizes advocacy in intricate grandparent custody and third-party custody proceedings, as well as juvenile court contested adoption matters. John also represents clients in family court appeals and juvenile court appeals, areas where specialized expertise in appellate procedure and family law combine.

John's role as Adjunct Professor of Family Law at William Mitchell College of Law reflects his commitment to legal education extending beyond his client work. Teaching law students demonstrates professional contribution beyond individual client representation and indicates deep knowledge of family law doctrine and practice.

Susan M. Lach rounds out the partnership, bringing her own substantial family law expertise. While the firm's materials emphasize John Jerabek and Dan O'Connell's specialized areas, Susan's presence as a named partner reflects significant contribution to the firm's practice and clients' representation.

What distinguishes Tuft, Lach, Jerabek & O'Connell is the firm's commitment to "skillful, effective, creative, and ethical family law litigation and alternative dispute resolution." These four terms encapsulate the firm's philosophy: skill and competence in legal work; effectiveness in achieving client objectives; creativity in developing solutions that work; and ethical conduct reflecting legal profession values.

The firm's expertise in complex divorce cases is particularly notable. While many divorce cases involve relatively straightforward financial divisions, complex divorces might involve business interests, sophisticated financial instruments, significant asset holdings, or contested custody arrangements requiring specialized knowledge. The firm's experience with complex cases means attorneys bring the specialized expertise these matters demand.

Child custody and support matters receive equally thorough attention. The firm understands that custody decisions affect family relationships for decades and that support arrangements must adapt as families' circumstances change. Whether negotiating parenting plans, litigating contested custody cases, or addressing subsequent modifications, the firm provides experienced advocacy.

John Jerabek's specialization in grandparent custody and third-party custody reflects the firm's recognition that custody matters extend beyond two parents. Increasingly, grandparents and other family members seek custody recognition and parenting time. John's experience in these complex family arrangements means the firm can serve diverse family configurations.

Appellate work represents another area of distinction. When family law cases are appealed, specialized expertise in appellate procedure and family law doctrine becomes necessary. John Jerabek's experience in family court appeals and juvenile court appeals means the firm can serve clients needing appellate advocacy.

Probate and estate planning services complement the family law practice. Many clients going through divorce need to address wills, trusts, and related estate documents. The firm's estate planning capabilities allow comprehensive legal service without requiring clients to coordinate multiple firms.

Clients consistently appreciate the firm's clear communication and thorough preparation. Rather than oversimplifying complex matters or making unrealistic promises, the attorneys explain what Minnesota law requires, what realistic outcomes look like, and what factors might affect particular cases.

The firm's commitment to alternative dispute resolution—reflected in Dan O'Connell's multiple "Lawyer of the Year" awards for mediation—demonstrates recognition that families often achieve better outcomes through negotiated agreement than contested litigation. Yet the firm's litigation readiness means clients' interests are fully protected regardless of whether resolution occurs through negotiation or trial.

If you're facing a family law matter in Minnesota—whether contemplating divorce, navigating custody disputes, addressing child support concerns, or seeking mediation services—Tuft, Lach, Jerabek & O'Connell welcomes the opportunity to discuss your situation. Contact the firm through https://www.tuftlaw.com/ or call (651) 771-0050 to speak with attorneys who combine three decades of family law expertise with commitment to skillful, effective, creative, and ethical representation.