Atty. Melissa J. Nilsson
“I believe that attorneys should treat their clients with dignity and respect, in the same way they would want one of their own family members treated while going through this difficult process.” I am the calm eye of the storm providing clients with empathy and unwavering confidence to navigate this overwhelming time in their lives. It sounds basic, yet it’s true—helping people is the most rewarding part of my job.
Profile Summary
About Melissa J. Nilsson at a glance
Melissa J. Nilsson is a family law attorney based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, practicing at Henson Efron. Admitted to practice in Minnesota, Minnesota. Educated at University of North Dakota (J.D., 2000) and University of North Dakota (B.A., 1997). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Minnesota Super Lawyers, (2026). Serands clients in Minneapolis, MN and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
“I believe that attorneys should treat their clients with dignity and respect, in the same way they would want one of their own family members treated while going through this difficult process.”
I am the calm eye of the storm providing clients with empathy and unwavering confidence to navigate this overwhelming time in their lives.
It sounds basic, yet it’s true—helping people is the most rewarding part of my job. I enjoy talking with people and finding common ground to build great relationships. By their own admission, clients are often not the best version of themselves during this time, so bringing them supportive peace and calm is important to me.
With over 15 years of family law experience, I help spouses, parents, and grandparents with disputes involving:
- Spousal Maintenance / Alimony
- Business and Property Valuation and Division
- Analysis of Tax Issues
- Analysis and Preservation of Nonmarital Interests
- Analysis of Executive Compensation
- Retirement Benefits Valuation and Division
- Child Custody
- Parenting Time / Visitation
- Child Support
- Separate Maintenance and Legal Separation
- Paternity
- Third Party Custody
- Third Party Visitation
- Grandparent Visitation
- Post Decree Proceedings
- Family Law Appeals
Clients turn to me because they are concerned about their future and confused about the complicated process. Clients are able to ask me any question without the fear of feeling foolish because of the relationship that has been created. Although I am empathetic and supportive of clients, I am also a realist: I explain in layman’s terms the process and potential issues, and set reasonable expectations about the outcome.
Being a lawyer and a parent, I am a multitasker and master organizer, which enables me to prepare my clients well. I am always thinking one step ahead in order to avoid surprise. Family law litigation is an emotional and stressful time. My clients need me to be their rock and my unflappable personality allows me to do so.
See my full bio here.
Practice Areas Explained
Melissa J. Nilsson's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Melissa J. Nilsson handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
Melissa J. Nilsson is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Minnesota →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Minnesota
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 andnue, 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.
Looking for additional Minnesota attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Minneapolis or all attorneys in Minnesota.
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