Current Employment Position(s)

Partner

Lawyer Overview

I practice in several different areas and enjoy the challenge of meeting new people with new legal problems each week. Most of my legal work revolves around family law (including divorce, custody, child support, guardianships, and adoption), estate planning, probate, elder law, and taxes. These practice areas regularly bring me into the courtroom.

Family law issues are always challenging. I have experience appearing before local judges but whenever possible, I try to find a way for the parties to work together and avoid legal courtroom confrontations. It's important to try to preserve a relationship so people can co-exist as they interact for the rest of their lives. I treat clients with respect, and I work to ensure that they are treated fairly in the court system.

I thoroughly enjoy my work with the elderly. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than to work with a family to take the fear and confusion out of planning for nursing home care or the transfer of assets from one generation to the next.

My husband, Chad, is a teacher in the Breckenridge, Minnesota, school system. We have three children, Katie, Carley and Carter. Between school activities, my legal work and our family, there isn't time for too much else. We enjoy the outdoors and the lake country. Chad and I are both from this area and we plan on staying "home" for the rest of our lives.

West Practice Categories

Creditors' Rights, Garnishment, Collections, Criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Drug Violations, Juvenile Crimes, Misdemeanor, Parole & Probation, Sex Offenses, Traffic Violations, Estate Planning, Elder Law, Guardianships & Conservatorships, Trusts, Wills, Family Law, Adoption, Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Childrens' Rights, Custody & Visitation, Divorce, Domestic Violence & Neglect, Juvenile Law, Paternity, Medicare & Medicaid, Probate & Estate Administration

Bar Admissions

• North Dakota, 1995
• U.S. District Court District of North Dakota, 1996
• U.S. Tax Court, 1997
• Minnesota, 2005

Professional Associations and Memberships

• North Dakota and Minnesota Bar Associations (Member)
• American Bar Association (Member)
• Southeast Judicial Bar Association (Member)
• Richland County Bar Association (Member)
• North Dakota Inquiry Committee, 2007 - Present (Member)
• Three Rivers Crisis Center (Board of Directors)
• Red River Human Services (Chair, Human Rights Committee)
• Breckenridge 846 Education Foundation Board (Member)

Education

• University of North Dakota School of Law, Grand Forks, North Dakota, 1994
  J.D.
• Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, 1991
  B.S.B.A.
  Honors: cum laude

Address

PO Box 38
321 Dakota Ave
Wahpeton, ND 58074

Phones

(701) 642-2668

Faxes

(701) 642-4729

Emails

Contact Us

Websites

http://www.smithstrege.com