Van Wyhe Law Firm

Van Wyhe Law Firm represents dedicated, compassionate family law representation in southern Minnesota and north central Iowa, having focused exclusively on divorce and family law matters since its founding in 2005. Located in Rochester, Minnesota with an additional office in Owatonna, the firm under the leadership of Amanda Van Wyhe serves families navigating marital dissolution and related legal matters with the kind of personal attention and commitment that specialized practice allows.

Amanda Van Wyhe earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Dakota in 2002, graduating in the Honors Program as a University Scholar with thesis distinction—recognitions indicating both academic excellence and commitment to scholarly work. This strong educational foundation prepared her for law school success and a career dedicated to excellence.

Amanda then attended the University of South Dakota Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 2005. During law school, she demonstrated exceptional performance, serving as Lead Articles Editor for the South Dakota Law Review—a position reserved for top law students demonstrating both legal skill and editorial excellence. This role indicates Amanda's early recognition as an exceptionally talented legal scholar and writer.

Amanda's decision to focus her entire practice exclusively on family law since opening her firm in 2005 reflects her belief that families deserve representation from attorneys with deep, specialized expertise. Rather than dividing her attention among multiple practice areas, Amanda has dedicated twenty years to becoming truly excellent in family law representation.

Amanda's professional recognition reflects her exceptional work. In 2025, she achieved the AV Preeminent peer rating—the highest possible rating from Martindale-Hubbell, signifying that large numbers of her peers rate her at the highest level of professional excellence for legal knowledge, communication skills, and ethical standards. This distinction, combined with her Notable rating recognizing strong ethical standards, reflects genuine professional achievement and peer respect.

Beyond her client work, Amanda's commitment to public service is notable. In 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court formally recognized and commended her for contributing more than 50 hours of pro bono service—volunteer legal work for families unable to afford representation. This recognition reflects Amanda's belief that families in all financial circumstances deserve access to quality legal representation.

Amanda's election to the Judicial Nominating Commission for Judicial Election District 3B in 2014, serving until 2019, further demonstrates the respect her legal community has for her judgment, integrity, and professional standing. Judicial nominating commissions include respected attorneys and judges evaluating candidates for judicial positions—a responsibility entrusted only to lawyers with demonstrated excellence and integrity.

What distinguishes Van Wyhe Law Firm is Amanda's genuine commitment to serving families with both legal expertise and human understanding. She recognizes that divorce and custody matters extend far beyond legal documents and court proceedings. Behind every case file are families—people facing profound life transitions who deserve representation from an attorney who understands both the legal and emotional dimensions of family dissolution.

The firm's practice encompasses the full spectrum of divorce and family law matters. Contested divorces receive thorough representation, with Amanda bringing strategic thinking to property division, spousal maintenance, and related financial issues. Uncontested divorces benefit from her efficient handling of straightforward marital dissolutions. Post-judgment modifications address changed circumstances requiring adjustment of custody, support, or other arrangements.

Child custody and parenting time arrangements receive particularly careful attention. Amanda understands that custody decisions affect parent-child relationships for decades and that effective parenting plans must balance both parents' needs with children's best interests. Whether negotiating reasonable parenting arrangements or litigating contested custody cases, Amanda brings both legal skill and genuine commitment to protecting families.

Child support matters benefit from Amanda's detailed knowledge of Minnesota and Iowa family law and her experience analyzing the unique circumstances different families face. From initial calculations to subsequent modifications based on job changes, income increases, or other changed circumstances, the firm provides thorough representation.

Mediation services represent an important offering. Amanda recognizes that many family law disputes can be resolved more efficiently and with less damage to family relationships through mediation than through contested litigation. When both parties are willing to work toward agreement with neutral assistance, mediation offers significant advantages in cost, timeline, and relationship preservation.

Clients consistently appreciate Amanda's clear communication and realistic assessment of situations. Rather than oversimplifying complex matters or making unrealistic promises, Amanda explains what Minnesota and Iowa law require, what realistic outcomes look like, and what factors might affect particular cases. This transparency empowers clients to make informed decisions about matters profoundly affecting their lives and their children's futures.

Amanda's background as a student volunteer and continuing pro bono work reflects her belief that access to quality legal representation should not depend on wealth. She maintains commitment to serving families throughout the economic spectrum.

The firm's dual office locations in Rochester and Owatonna serve the geographic needs of families in southern Minnesota and north central Iowa. Many families in the region have connections to both states, and Amanda's dual licensure in Minnesota and Iowa allows her to represent clients' interests regardless of which state's law applies.

What makes Amanda Van Wyhe particularly valuable as a family law attorney is the combination of specialized expertise, ethical commitment reflected in professional recognition, and genuine compassion for families facing life transitions. Twenty years of dedicated family law practice means she brings accumulated wisdom and extensive experience to every case.

Judges have praised Amanda's professionalism and preparation. One judge noted that "Amanda has been in front of me perhaps 4 or 5 times. She is always well prepared and professional." This kind of judicial recognition reflects Amanda's consistent demonstration of competence and integrity in her practice.

If you're facing a family law matter in Rochester, Owatonna, or southern Minnesota—whether contemplating divorce, navigating custody disputes, addressing child support concerns, seeking mediation, or addressing post-judgment modifications—Van Wyhe Law Firm welcomes the opportunity to discuss your situation. Call 507-209-2925 or visit https://vwlfdivorcelawyer.com/ to speak with Amanda Van Wyhe, an attorney who has dedicated her career to serving families with both legal excellence and genuine compassion during life's most challenging transitions.