Atty. Gary A. Debele
Gary Debele is a 1987 graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School and since 1991 has focused his practice on a uniquely broad and all encompassing conception of family law. Through his membership in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the International Academy of Family Law Attorneys, and the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, he has built relationships with professionals in his areas of family law expertise across the United States and across the globe.
Family Law Attorney · Serving Minneapolis, MN · 39+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Gary A. Debele at a Glance
Gary A. Debele is a family law attorney based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, practicing at Messerli Kramer. They have 39+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1987. Admitted to practice in Minnesota (1987) and Wisconsin (2005). Educated at University of Minnesota (J.D., 1987) and Saint Olaf College (B.A.). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Adoption (2026). Serves clients in Minneapolis, MN and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Gary A. Debele
- Gary Debele is a 1987 graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School and since 1991 has focused his practice on a uniquely broad and all encompassing conception of family law
- Through his membership in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the International Academy of Family Law Attorneys, and the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, he has built relationships with professionals in his areas of family law expertise across the United States and across the globe
- In addition to managing his practice, Gary also serves as the Chair of the Family Law group
- His family law practice includes not only the usual areas of divorce, custody, and parentage, but also several specialized areas that many family law practitioners avoid
- He has represented clients with large and complex closely held family businesses, often with accompanying sophisticated estate planning vehicles
- He has been involved with divorces and custody disputes with interstate and international aspects
- With particular expertise in the interplay of juvenile and family court, he is also experienced in juvenile court practice and can address child protection issues that might spill into anyone’s family court proceeding
- In addition to assisting with family and relationship breakdowns, he has a sophisticated family formation practice which has him working in all aspects of adoption—from the simplest stepparent adoption to complex interstate and international adoptions, and even contested adoptions and adoptions that are dissolving
- Gary works with all aspects of assisted reproduction and surrogacy, drafting donor contracts for all varieties of genetic material, gestational carrier and traditional surrogate contracts
- and works to establish parentage in all of those situations, whether within the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin, across the country or internationally
- Gary assists clients with appeals at all levels of state and federal courts
- He is also a certified mediator and member of the Collaborative Law Institute, assisting clients who wish to avoid litigation
- Gary is experienced with estate planning for small to moderate sized estate, guardianship provisions for children, and prenuptial, postnuptial, or cohabitation agreements
- He also handles matters in tribal court including those associated with the Indian Child Welfare Act
Practice Areas Explained
Gary A. Debele's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Gary A. Debele handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Minneapolis.
Family Law in Minneapolis
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
Gary A. Debele is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Minnesota →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Minneapolis
Practicing law in Minnesota. Legal matters in Minnesota are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Minneapolis are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Minnesota state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Minnesota brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Minnesota courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Minneapolis Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Minneapolis-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Minnesota attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Minneapolis or all attorneys in Minnesota.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Minneapolis Choose Gary A. Debele
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Gary A. Debele's practice in the field of family law.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Gary A. Debele brings 39+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Gary A. Debele can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Focused Family Law Practice
Concentrating on family law means Gary A. Debele's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Minneapolis
A Minneapolis-based practice means Gary A. Debele attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Gary A. Debele Handles in Minneapolis
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Gary A. Debele has experience with under Minnesota law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Gary A. Debele directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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Gary A. Debele's Practice Areas & Specializations
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