Testimonials

"Winning" and "losing" is sometimes hard to discern in disputes between family members. Those terms may not even be useful in the family law environment. We try to avoid using them. Better goals may be to "try hard" and to "do right." Honoring those simple principles has helped us obtain positive results for many of our clients. In their own words, here is what some of them have to say about us:

S. L., Fargo, ND

I came to Gjesdahl Law Office after 8 months of working with a less-than-motivated mediator. I was stressed because my husband was not only stalling our divorce, but also had stalled child support by not being honest with his paperwork. I was at a loss. When I contacted Gjesdahl Law Office, I was referred to Shannon Johnson, and it was an enormous blessing. She and I hit it off right away. She knew where I was coming from with my frustrations and she was able to help put a realistic outlook as to what might happen if we had to go to trial.

We went to trial for child support and parenting time and it was extremely stressful for me, but Shannon was behind me every step of the way. Mike represented me in the courtroom and was able to be stoic and firm when I felt frazzled and emotional. The three of us were able to help keep a reasonable schedule for my young daughter.

When my husband was still not cooperating with our requests for a divorce settlement, we started to prepare for a hearing. Again, my anxiety levels were rising, but Shannon was always there to help keep me grounded and answer any and all questions, no matter how silly they seemed. When we finally met for a possible mediation/settlement appointment, Mike handled the situation with realism and was able to help me keep the things that were most important to me, and gracefully negotiate on things I felt were flexible.

I couldn't have done any of this without Shannon backing me through the process, and I am extremely grateful for her help all along the way.

S.B., Fargo

I had all but given up hope. Mike worked miracles. My previous attorney failed to make a case to the court after much frustration and nine months to prepare. Gjesdahl Law Office, with only four weeks to prepare, went to court and produced nothing less than a miracle. My son's mother had asked the Court to let her move to another state with my son. With Mike's help, the Court denied her request. I will be forever grateful. I only regret I hadn't been with Mike from the beginning. This is an office of truly caring, competent professionals.

B.M.

Life. I have one again due to the help of Gjesdahl Law Office. My world was turned upside down. Leaving my abusive, alcoholic husband of 10 years was very scary -- and the hardest thing I've ever done. I worked with both Jason and Mike. They were very professional but, at the same time, helped me with the emotional end of things. My case ended up going to trial and, in the court room, things went smoothly. Mike was very organized and had the evidence ready to back me up. I wasn't just "another case" to my lawyers. I was a person...and this was my life. In the end, I got custody of my children and their dad was awarded supervised visitation. Because of this result, my children are happy and feel safe. "Daddy won't hit you any more, mommy." Thank you Mike and thank you Jason...for my life!!!

S.M., Hopkins, MN

As a young single mother, who found herself in a most difficult custody situation, I consulted with countless attorneys looking for someone to guide me through tough legal decisions that would forever change my life. They all had the same thing to say: "The odds are against you. You won't win." I had all but given up hope and resigned myself to the idea that I could not overcome the odds when I found Gjesdahl Law Office and Michael Gjesdahl. He believed in my case, and took a chance on me where others were unwilling. Although the battle ahead would be difficult, often complicated by my past choices, and nearly two years in length, through it all Michael never gave up on me. In the end, I won sole custody of my son. Michael had overcome every obstacle and every naysayer---including the Guardian Ad Litem---to help me keep my child. To say that Michael worked a miracle would be an understatement. Michael and his staff are the finest, most dedicated, and hard working legal professionals in the FM area. They not only remain my legal counsel, but they have become part of my extended family. I would recommend Gjesdahl Law Office to anyone that finds themselves in need of legal advice and support.

T.A.F., Fargo

The last thing in the world anyone wants is to experience a custody battle. If it does happen, you want to know that your life, along with your children's lives, are entrusted to someone who is competent, and furthermore, the best. I was in need of an attorney. I asked several co-workers who they would recommend and was referred to Gjesdahl Law Office because of their high success rate. Hiring an attorney was a daunting task. I thought lawyers are "only in it for the money." I soon learned that nothing was farther from the truth as I watched Mike dedicate himself to my case. I not only saw him as an outstanding lawyer, but also as a person who truly wants the best for families. I was continually impressed with Mike's and his firm's organization and attention to detail. My affidavit came to life, telling my story. Mike handled my case with finesse and expertise; it was well-prepared, well-thought out. His assertiveness was always combined with empathy, giving me the confidence I needed in the courtroom. He truly was an advocate on my behalf. His character and credibility are what make him an outstanding lawyer. I trust Mike to give me sound legal advice concerning what is best for my situation. Gjesdahl Law Office's professionalism created a solid case for me, and we won!

S.M., Moorhead

Going through a divorce is one of the most traumatic things a person can experience, especially when children are involved. Add to that my lack of knowledge and understanding of the legal system, and it was overwhelming. I needed to find an attorney who could help me understand the big picture and yet keep me focused on what I needed to do in order to protect myself and my children. Mike Gjesdahl and his team were able to do that and more. Mike not only listened to me and understood what was important to me regarding the care and custody of my children, but he knew better than I did the things my ex-husband would do in order to avoid his responsibilities to his family, and Mike was ready. Two years after our divorce became final, it was necessary to go back to court. My ex-husband was not paying child support, and this was devastating as I cannot support three children on my salary alone. Mike was very objective and practical in pursuing the matter, and the result was that he was able to recover over nine months worth of child support. If it weren't for Mike and his team, I would still be worrying about how to make ends meet. I know that dealing with my ex-husband in the future will still be difficult and I don't doubt that more court time lies ahead. However, I feel better knowing that Gjesdahl Law Office are on my side.

J.I., Fargo

I consulted with a number of attorneys in the FM area before I found an attorney who I gained enough confidence in to trust with my custody case. I wanted someone who took a personal interest in my case, had a great track record, and wanted the same outcome I had in mind. Throughout my custody case Mr. Gjesdahl and his staff put forth their best effort by preparing extensively and keeping me informed on every detail. In the courtroom it was evident that I made the right choice by putting my trust in Mr. Gjesdahl. He was head and shoulders above the opposing attorney. I was amazed in the difference in not only the preparation, but also from a tactical standpoint during the court proceeding. On paper, I felt my case could have maybe gone either way from a custody investigator's viewpoint. But the difference was in the legal representation. I had alot of confidence in Mr. Gjesdahl and his staff from the beginning, and I was never disappointed with their performance. When a person is faced with a stressful custody situation and they want the best attention into their case, I suggest they find an attorney who actually cares about them and the best outcome for their children. I feel fortunate that I found these qualities in Mr. Gjesdahl and his staff.

K.D., Fargo

The attorneys at Gjesdahl Law Office represented me for over six years after my divorce. In the course of those proceedings, which included complex custody, visitation, child support, and adoption issues in two states, the Gjesdahl attorneys were extremely thorough in their research and always kept me informed of the status of discovery and proceedings. They promptly returned my phone calls to address my questions and concerns, and met with me to discuss my options before proceeding. They were sensitive to the emotional stress the proceedings placed on my children and me, and went out of their way to reassure us that everything was being done to protect our interests. They really cared about us a people, not just as clients. They truly understand that the work they do changes people’s lives. The support staff at Gjesdahl Law Office, the legal assistants and secretaries, were also knowledgeable and supportive throughout my experience. They have a great team. But what really impressed me the most about Gjesdahl Law Office was the collaboration and consultation that went on between the attorneys. It was very reassuring to know that the attorneys who were handling various aspects of my case consulted with each other on a regular basis to make sure I was getting the best possible representation. Every aspect of my case was resolved to my satisfaction.

D.L and M.L., Fargo

Choosing a law firm for any reason can be overwhelming. Will you find someone to work hard for you? Will they be honest? Will they have your best interests in mind? We were lucky when we found Gjesdahl Law Office. We started working with Gjesdahl Law Office about 8 years ago. My husband’s visitation with his little daughter was being frustrated by her mom. We visited with Mike Gjesdahl and he was very helpful and informative. He told us from the beginning what we could expect from the courts and from the other party. Once we had our visitation set up, the other party continued to be uncooperative. Now what do we do? On Mike’s advice, we decided to pursue custody. This was not an easy process, but from the beginning Mike told us what to expect, and he was always right. When problems or questions came up, Mike carefully answered our questions. This was not an inexpensive process, but Mike always pointed out things we could do to help bring down our costs. His office was always there with whatever our case threw our way. Eventually, my husband was granted custody of his daughter. That was about 8 years ago. In those 8 years, little issues have continued to crop up with the other party. The first thing we do is call Mike. Even though our case was over long ago, he still answers our questions and helps us with whatever we need. Today, if we see each other out and about, we still stop to talk and catch up with each other. If you are looking for a lawyer that will work hard for you, and talk to you like a person, instead of talking to you in big lawyer terms that only lawyers understand, Gjesdahl Law Office is the firm for you. I would recommend Gjesdahl Law Office to anyone.

B.S.

I would not hesitate to refer anyone to your office. From the minute I walked in the door, I was comfortable and confident with everyone in the office. Mike talked me through everything and all my options and gave his insight. After talking to him I knew I was in the right place and it would be a success. Seeing Mike's work and drafts compared to the other attorney's made me feel even better and more confident. I ended up getting everything that we asked for. I was very satisfied with the quality and professionalism that Mike showed through the whole process. I know I would not think twice to have Mike on my side again if need be.