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

  • Handled the division of multimillion dollar marital estates in contested divorces.
  • Successfully argued non-marital property claims in contested divorces.
  • Represented business owners in contested divorces.
  • Obtained sole custody for clients who were primary caregivers of children.
  • Obtained joint custody for clients in contested custody disputes when the opposing party petitioned for sole custody.
  • Obtained favorable settlement for clients in mediation in divorces and custody matters.
  • Successfully obtained emergency custody relief in numerous cases.
  • Obtained a custody award for a client living in Europe with the opposing party living in Minnesota.
  • Experienced handling complex trials with numerous factual and expert witnesses.
  • Obtained a spousal maintenance award for clients.
  • Successfully litigated high conflict interstate custody and parenting time disputes.
  • Obtained a dismissal in an order for protection petition involving children based upon false claims.
  • Obtained favorable child support and spousal maintenance awards for clients which saved them each tens of thousands of dollars.
  • Petitioned and obtained custody for custody of client’s grandchildren.
  • Guided clients through custody and guardian ad litem investigations.
  • Prepared clients for “SENE” and “FENE” evaluations and successfully negotiated on their behalf.
  • Deposed opposing parties and other witnesses.
  • Drafted qualified domestic relation orders (QDROs).
  • Drafted and negotiated prenuptial agreements, including for clients who own family farms.

Affiliations:

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

COMMUNITY:

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

HONORS & AWARDS:

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

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

ASSISTANT