Shields Legal Services PA

For residents across Minnesota, particularly those in the welcoming community of Edina, navigating legal challenges can often feel like an intricate maze. Whether you're dealing with the deeply personal and often emotional complexities of family changes, seeking justice for a beloved pet, or managing the sensitive process of estate administration, having experienced, compassionate, and competent legal representation is not just a preference, but a vital necessity. This article introduces you to Shields Legal Services PA, a dedicated legal firm serving the Edina area and surrounding regions of Minnesota, committed to guiding clients through their legal journeys with personalized attention and a strong focus on achieving positive outcomes.

Shields Legal Services PA, led by founder Tim Shields, stands as a well-established and highly regarded legal resource for Minnesotans. With over 25 years of experience, their approach is rooted in a profound understanding of Minnesota law and the unique, often sensitive, circumstances that clients frequently encounter. The firm aims to provide clear guidance and steadfast advocacy, striving to demystify complex legal processes and empower clients with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions for themselves and their families, including their cherished animal companions. Their unwavering focus on client-centered service, particularly in the nuanced fields of family, animal, and probate law, aims to alleviate stress and provide a supportive legal environment.

The firm’s commitment extends beyond just legal advice; it’s about building lasting relationships based on trust, understanding, and dedicated advocacy. They understand that every case is unique and requires a tailored strategy that considers not just legal precedents but also the emotional and personal aspects involved. This dedication to individualized solutions and compassionate advocacy is what truly sets Shields Legal Services PA apart as a truly local, client-focused, and effective legal resource for those living in and around Edina. While one review mentions "Terrible service!", another client, speaking to the firm's overall competence, noted, "Nice and easy to work with; very competent," highlighting the firm's dedication to professionalism and results. Tim Shields's 30 years of service on the Board of Directors of Volunteer Lawyers Network, the pro bono arm of the Hennepin County Bar Association, further underscores his commitment to the community and access to justice.

Edina, Minnesota, is a vibrant and picturesque suburb southwest of Minneapolis, celebrated for its beautiful neighborhoods, excellent amenities, and strong community spirit. Shields Legal Services PA is conveniently and strategically located right within this thriving community, making it exceptionally accessible for local residents and those in surrounding Hennepin County and beyond. You can find their office at 7101 York Ave S # 161, Edina, MN 55435, USA.

The office's location is particularly advantageous as it is situated right next door to the Edina Southdale Library and Courthouse. This proximity to a key legal and community hub makes it remarkably easy for clients to access their services, whether they are attending court proceedings or simply need to visit the office. Furthermore, being across from Target Edina and near a Wendy's, and south of the Westin Edina, means the office is in a highly recognizable and easy-to-find area with ample parking typically available. For those who rely on public transportation, the well-developed transit network in the Twin Cities metropolitan area likely provides convenient routes to this central Edina location. This exceptional accessibility underscores their commitment to being a truly local and convenient legal resource for all Minnesotans who need their specialized expertise. When you're dealing with legal matters, convenience and ease of access to your legal counsel can significantly reduce stress, and Shields Legal Services PA's location certainly provides that crucial benefit to their valued clients.

Shields Legal Services PA offers a specialized and comprehensive suite of legal services that are vital for many individuals and families navigating significant life events in Minnesota. Their experienced team is particularly adept at handling sensitive and complex cases, providing clear guidance and strong representation in the following key areas:

Services Offered:

• Divorce & Family Law Practice: This is a cornerstone of Shields Legal Services PA's practice. They deeply understand that family matters are often profoundly personal and emotionally challenging. Their family law attorneys offer comprehensive services designed to help individuals and families navigate challenging transitions with both compassion and expert professional expertise. This includes a range of critical areas such as:
  • Divorce Petitions, Answers, and Counter-Petitions: Guiding clients through the entire process of marital dissolution, from initial filings to final decrees, ensuring their rights and interests are meticulously protected throughout.
  • Child Custody: Advocating fiercely for the best interests of children, helping parents establish fair and workable custody arrangements and parenting time schedules that prioritize the child's well-being and stability.
  • Child Support: Assisting clients in establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders to ensure appropriate financial support for children.
  • Paternity: Handling legal matters related to establishing paternity, which can impact child custody, support, and parental rights.
  • Visitation: Crafting clear and enforceable visitation schedules that work for all parties involved, focusing on consistent interaction between parents and children.
  • Guardian Ad Litem and Guardianship (for minors and incapacitated individuals): Providing legal services for appointing guardians to protect the interests of minors or adults who are unable to make decisions for themselves.
  • Daily Practice Elements: The firm routinely handles trials, hearings, depositions, discovery, and SENE (Social Early Neutral Evaluation) and FENE (Financial Early Neutral Evaluation), indicating a robust litigation practice in family law.
• Animal & Pet Law: Recognizing the deep bond between people and their pets, Shields Legal Services PA provides dedicated legal representation for pet owners, humane societies, and rescue groups. With 25 years of experience in this niche, they handle cases involving:
  • Alleged Dangerous Dogs: Defending pet owners whose animals are accused of being dangerous.
  • City Ownership Limits: Addressing legal issues related to local ordinances on pet ownership.
  • Dog Bites: Representing victims of dog bites or defending owners in such cases.
  • Alleged Cruelty and Neglect: Advocating for animals in cases of alleged abuse or neglect.
  • Federal and State Court Litigation: Mr. Shields has extensive experience litigating pet owner rights in both federal and state courts, protecting owners from overzealous animal control officers.
• Probate Proceedings: Planning for the future and managing estates are crucial. The firm helps clients with all probate court matters, ensuring legacies are protected and wishes are honored:
  • Wills: Drafting legally sound Wills (starting at $250, with special COVID pricing available) that clearly articulate how assets should be distributed and who will care for minor children.
  • Formal and Informal Probate Proceedings: Guiding executors and administrators through the complex process of validating a will, settling a deceased person's estate, and distributing assets to heirs, whether through formal court supervision or a more streamlined informal process.
  • Guardianships and Conservatorships: Assisting in the legal process of appointing guardians and conservators to manage the affairs of individuals who are unable to do so themselves.
  • Small Estate Affidavits: Helping families with simplified procedures for smaller estates.
  • Probate Litigation: Extensive experience litigating probate cases, conducting financial investigations, depositions, hearings, and trials.
• Mediation and Arbitration: Through their subsidiary, Minnesota Mediation and Arbitration, the firm provides full-service alternative dispute resolution.
  • Mediation: Offering court-ordered and private mediation services, with Mr. Shields and other qualified mediators (Rule 114 certified) for civil and probate cases. Walk-ins are welcome for mediation inquiries.
  • Arbitration: Mr. Shields has over 30 years of experience in arbitrations, providing fair, efficient, and speedy recommendations and decisions for disputes, with all arbitrators being fully qualified and rostered neutrals.
• Other Areas of Experience (based on Levelset profile): The firm's attorney, Timothy Shields, also has experience listed in areas such as Criminal, Business/Corporate, Elder Law, Employment & Labor Issues, Estate Planning-Trusts, Intellectual Property, Juvenile – General, Landlord/Tenant, and Real Estate, further showcasing diverse legal knowledge.

Shields Legal Services PA distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore their commitment to client success, specialized expertise, and accessibility for Minnesotans.

Features / Highlights:

• Deep Specialization and Experience: With over 25 years in Animal Law and extensive experience in Family Law and Probate, the firm brings a wealth of specialized knowledge to these often complex and sensitive areas. Mr. Shields’ 43 years of overall legal experience and specific licenses in areas like Family Law and Construction Law (as noted on Levelset) indicate a broad yet deep legal foundation.
• Compassionate and Client-Focused Approach: Reviews, even amidst mixed feedback, often highlight the firm's professionalism and ease of working with them. The focus on deeply personal areas like family and animal law suggests a compassionate approach, understanding the emotional weight of these cases for clients.
• Community Involvement: Founder Tim Shields’ 30 years of service on the Board of Directors of Volunteer Lawyers Network, the pro bono arm of the Hennepin County Bar Association, demonstrates a strong commitment to community service and ensuring access to justice for all.
• Comprehensive Probate and Estate Planning: Beyond just wills, their comprehensive probate services, including formal and informal probate, guardianships, conservatorships, and probate litigation, provide robust support for legacy planning.
• Strong Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Offering: The firm's subsidiary, Minnesota Mediation and Arbitration, highlights a significant commitment to resolving disputes outside of court, offering cost-effective and often less adversarial solutions for clients. Their embrace of walk-ins for mediation indicates accessibility.
• Accessible Edina Location: Being located directly next to the Edina Southdale Library and Courthouse, and across from major retail, makes the firm exceptionally convenient for residents of Edina and surrounding areas in Minnesota. This prime location also offers easy access to legal resources and court facilities.
• Focus on Protection of Rights: Across all their practice areas, there is a clear emphasis on protecting clients' rights, whether it's a pet owner's right to be free from overzealous animal control or a parent's right in a child custody dispute.

As a professional legal service provider, Shields Legal Services PA focuses on delivering exceptional value through their specialized expertise, compassionate service, and dedicated client advocacy, rather than through traditional retail-style promotions. However, they do offer specific benefits that can be considered valuable "offers" for potential clients in Minnesota.

For legal services, value is often found in:

• Accessible Initial Consultations: While specific "free consultation" wording wasn't available, the firm's website mentions "Walk-ins welcome" for mediation, indicating a readiness for direct engagement, and it's common practice for firms to offer initial discussions to assess a case. This allows potential clients to discuss their legal situation, understand their options, and learn about the firm's approach without an immediate financial commitment, helping individuals determine the best path forward.
• Transparent Pricing for Wills: A clear promotion mentioned on their website is "Wills starting at $250.00 (see special Covid pricing above)." This transparent and specific pricing for a foundational estate planning service is a direct and tangible "special offer" for Minnesotans looking to secure their future.
• Mediation and Arbitration Services: Offering full-service mediation and arbitration through their subsidiary, Minnesota Mediation and Arbitration, can be seen as a promotional benefit. These alternative dispute resolution methods can be more cost-effective and less time-consuming than traditional litigation, saving clients money and stress—a significant "offer" of efficiency and alternative solutions.
• Community-Centric Value: Tim Shields's extensive pro bono work with the Volunteer Lawyers Network underscores a commitment to making legal services accessible and providing support to the community, which is an intangible but deeply valuable "offer" of public service.

To learn more about Shields Legal Services PA, or to discuss your specific legal needs in family law, animal law, or probate matters, you can reach out to them directly.

Contact Information:

• Address: 7101 York Ave S # 161, Edina, MN 55435, USA
• Phone: (612) 861-1776
• Mobile Phone: +1 612-861-1776

Calling their office directly is typically the most effective way to schedule a consultation or inquire about their services. Their team will be able to provide the necessary information and guide you on the next steps tailored to your legal situation.

For Minnesotans, especially those residing in the Edina area and surrounding communities, Shields Legal Services PA stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly accessible choice for their legal needs. The firm’s strategic location in Edina, right next to the Southdale Library and Courthouse, ensures unparalleled convenience for local residents. This prime positioning, combined with their deep roots in the community, means they possess an inherent understanding of Minnesota’s legal landscape, including state-specific laws and local court procedures, which is invaluable for effective representation.

The firm’s specialized and comprehensive range of services is a significant advantage for locals. Whether dealing with the emotional complexities of divorce and child custody, advocating for the rights of a beloved pet, or navigating the intricate process of probate and estate planning, Shields Legal Services PA offers targeted expertise. This allows individuals to find specialized legal support for sensitive and personal matters under one roof. The option for mediation and arbitration also provides Minnesotans with flexible, potentially less adversarial, and more cost-effective ways to resolve disputes.

Ultimately, Shields Legal Services PA offers more than just legal services; they provide a blend of experienced advocacy, compassionate support, and local convenience. For anyone in Minnesota seeking dedicated, knowledgeable, and accessible legal assistance in family, animal, or probate law, Shields Legal Services PA is equipped to be a trusted guide, committed to protecting your interests and navigating you through life's legal challenges.