Jonathan R. Engel

Attorney at Law

“I am passionate about helping families find solutions to the challenges family court brings through my care and attention.”

Jonathan R. Engel

Attorney at Law

“I am passionate about helping families find solutions to the challenges family court brings through my care and attention.”

Jonathan R. Engel

Jonathan Engel brings years of experience in family court litigation which includes divorce, custody, and other related matters. Jonathan is a child-centric attorney who is passionate about children and helping families find solutions.

Prior to joining Hellmuth & Johnson, Jonathan worked as a clerk for a judge and gained insight on how the court decides cases. He then was an attorney for a nationally recognized nonprofit with a role focused on highly litigated family court matters. This position gave Jonathan unparalleled first chair trial experience early in his career. This nonprofit includes an alumnus of numerous judicial officers on the Minnesota family court bench.

Jonathan’s extensive trial experience aids his clients in understanding their case if it was to go to trial and what type of settlement is appropriate. Jonathan empowers clients to make the best decisions with his practical advice. He is experienced handling complex financial and custody matters, including issues of spousal maintenance, domestic abuse and of high-net-worth property division.

Aside from practicing law, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his children and wife, pickup basketball, golf, and summer BBQs.

EXPERIENCE

Property Awards in Divorces
  • Handled the division of multimillion dollar marital estates in contested divorces.
  • Divided retirement assets through Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs).
  • Represented business owners in contested divorces involving disputed business valuations.
  • Represented clients with compensation packages involving Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and stock options.
Custody
  • Obtained sole custody for clients who were primary caregivers.
  • Secured joint custody in contested disputes where the opposing party sought sole custody.
  • Successfully obtained emergency custody orders in numerous cases.
Trial Experience
  • Experienced in handling complex trials with extensive factual and expert testimony.
  • Successfully obtained Orders for Protection for victims of domestic abuse, including cases involving child victims.
  • Achieved favorable child support and spousal maintenance outcomes for clients.
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
  • Obtained and defended against spousal maintenance claims.
  • Collaborated with CPA experts to determine accurate post tax cash flow and budgets.
  • Prepared and presented detailed cash flow schedules for both seeking and defending spousal maintenance.
Uncontested Settlements in Divorces
  • Experienced in obtaining settlement agreements in uncontested or minimally contested matters through productive negotiations.
  • Exchanged informal discovery to facilitate efficient, non contested resolutions.
Business Owners in Divorces
  • Represented business owners in retaining their businesses in divorces.
  • Extensive experience with physicians, dentists, and other professionals in presenting “personal goodwill” arguments in business valuations.
  • Worked with business valuation experts for both businessowner spouses and non owner spouses.
  • Prepared clients for the valuation process, including developing and presenting personal goodwill arguments to neutral experts.
  • Litigated spousal maintenance issues unique to business owners, including treatment of necessary business expenses.
Third Party (Grandparent) Custody
  • Obtained custody for grandparents in contested matters.
  • Represented grandparents seeking to establish de facto custodian status.
International Divorces
  • Secured custody for clients residing outside the United States, including clients living in Europe.
  • Litigated divorce matters involving international assets and real estate.
Non Marital Property
  • Achieved favorable outcomes in cases involving non marital property, including inheritances, premarital assets, and antenuptial agreements.
  • Worked with experts to trace and verify non marital claims.
Interstate Divorces
  • Successfully litigated high conflict interstate custody and parenting time disputes.
  • Obtained sole custody for clients residing outside Minnesota.
  • Developed interstate travel schedules and parenting plans through mediation.
Custody Evaluations & Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Investigations
  • Prepared clients for custody evaluations to achieve favorable outcomes.
  • Successfully cross examined custody evaluators at trial, resulting in client victories.
  • Guided clients through GAL investigations with positive results.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
  • Achieved favorable settlements for clients in mediation involving divorce and custody matters.
  • Prepared expert reports for mediation and other ADR processes.
  • Prepared and represented clients in SENE and FENE evaluations and negotiated successful outcomes.
Discovery in Divorces and Custody Matters
  • Deposed parties and experts to prepare for trial and strengthen settlement leverage.
  • Obtained critical evidence through third party subpoenas.
  • Managed electronically stored information (ESI) and worked with cell phone forensic experts.
  • Successfully brought motions to compel when opposing parties failed to cooperate in discovery.

Affiliations

  • Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Member, Ramsey County Bar Association
  • Member, Section of Litigation, Section of Family Law, American Bar Association

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America – Family Law, 2025-2026
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers Rising Star® – 2024, 2025

COMMUNITY

  • Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS), Volunteer Attorney

EDUCATION

  • University of St. Thomas, J.D., 2015

  • Winona State University, B.A., 2012

ADMISSIONS

  • Minnesota State Courts

CONTACT INFORMATION

Direct: 952-460-9215

PRACTICE AREAS

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