Christine J. Cassellius
Shareholder | Treasurer
Overview
Christine J. Cassellius is a shareholder and the firm’s treasurer. A highly regarded family law attorney and municipal prosecutor, Christine was named to the 2026 list of the Top 50 Women Minnesota Super Lawyers. She has been selected to the Minnesota Super Lawyers list each year since 2015, following seven consecutive selections to the Rising Stars list from 2008 through 2014.
Christine has lived in Dakota County with her family since 2003. Her family law practice includes marriage dissolutions, child custody and parenting-time disputes, child support, spousal maintenance, property division, paternity matters, and adoptions. She has extensive experience handling complex and high-conflict custody and parenting-time cases and works closely with clients to identify practical solutions while protecting their interests throughout the legal process.
Christine also serves as a City Attorney for the City of Apple Valley, where she works extensively in criminal prosecution. She regularly appears in court on behalf of the City, has tried numerous cases to juries, and has substantial appellate experience, including preparing briefs and presenting oral arguments before the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
Practices
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Family law cases, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, prenuptial agreements and adoption, can be extremely complex and emotionally charged. The decisions you make in your family law case can affect you for the rest of your life. An experienced family law attorney can make this difficult process much easier to bear, helping you make sound, informed decisions about these critical legal matters.
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Navigating the complexities of divorce can profoundly impact your life, which is why having a skilled attorney is crucial. Our firm guides clients through both uncontested and high-conflict divorces. We focus on protecting your rights and ensuring a stable, financially secure future. Whether negotiating amicable resolutions or advocating in court, our team is committed to providing strategic legal guidance and aggressive representation.
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Our experienced child custody lawyers are manage both physical and legal custody matters, guided by the "best interests of the child" standard. Whether establishing initial custody arrangements or navigating modifications due to changes like relocation or the evolving needs of your child, we are committed to providing strategic and compassionate legal support.
Learn More About Our Child Custody and Child Support Practices
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In the wake of a divorce, the financial transition from one household to two can be challenging, especially for a spouse who wasn't the primary wage earner. Our attorneys handle all aspects of spousal maintenance (alimony), including permanent, temporary, lump sum, and non-modifiable agreements. We provide knowledgeable legal guidance and strong advocacy to ensure your rights are protected and your financial future is secured, whether you're establishing, modifying, or contesting spousal maintenance.
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Establishing paternity is a critical step in securing the rights and responsibilities of parents not married at the time of a child’s birth. Our attorneys assist in all aspects of paternity law. We offer comprehensive legal support to help clients establish, challenge, or enforce paternity, ensuring that parental rights and obligations are clearly defined. Whether you seek to confirm paternity for custody arrangements, support obligations, or inheritance rights, our firm provides the guidance and advocacy needed to protect your and your child’s legal interests.
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Several of our attorneys provide representation to municipalities throughout the South Metro area of the Twin Cities. For more information, please visit our municipal law page.
Credentials
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William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota
J.D.
University of Minnesota-Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota
B.A. – 1996
Major: Criminology
Major: Sociology
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Top 50 Women: 2026 Minnesota Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers List, 2015-2026
Rising Stars List, 2008-2014
Named 2011 Up and Coming Attorney by Minnesota Lawyer
Recognized by MN Supreme Court as exemplary Pro Bono Attorney
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Minnesota
U.S. District Court, Minnesota
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Hon. Harry Crump, Fourth Judicial District
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Volunteer Attorney Legal Assistance Dakota County, 2009 to Present
Board of Directors Legal Assistance Dakota County, 2011 to 2014
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Minnesota State Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association Assembly, Member 2010 - 2012
Minnesota State Bar Association, Voting Delegate, 2010 - 2012
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H.S. Booster Club, President, 2019 – Present
Elementary School PTO, President, 2012-2014
Eagan Foundation, Board of Directors, 2005 – 2007
Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce
Member of Local Catholic Church
Representative Cases and Appeals
State v. Brooks, Minn. App. Unpub. LEXIS 615, 2010, Minn. Ct. App.
State v. Ford, Minn. App. Unpub. LEXIS 325, 2010, Minn. Ct. App.
Kerr v. Kerr, 770 N.W. 2d 567, 2009, Minn. Ct. App.
Wisness v. Wisness, 2009 Minn. App. Unpub. LEXIS 234, 2009, Minn. App.
Tweeton v. State, 2007 Minn. App. Unpub. LEXIS 593, review denied 2007 Minn. LEXIS 490, 2007, Minn. App.
State v. Demars, 2005 Minn. App. LEXIS 23, 2005, Minn. App.