Practical Legal Counsel
Across Southwest North Dakota

When a dispute cannot be resolved on its own, Attorney Jennifer M. Gooss provides prepared, steady courtroom advocacy for clients across southwest and south central North Dakota.

Litigation is the process of resolving a dispute through the courts, from the first filing through discovery, motions, negotiation, and, when needed, trial. Many cases settle before trial, but meticulous preparation from the start protects your position at every stage, whether the case resolves by agreement or is decided by a judge or jury.

Common Litigation Matters

Family law matters are deeply personal. Gooss Law helps North Dakota parents and spouses through divorce, custody, and support matters with clear guidance and steady advocacy.

North Dakota law addresses what many people call custody as residential responsibility and decision-making responsibility, and courts decide those questions based on the best interests of the child. In a divorce, the court divides the marital estate equitably, which does not always mean equally. Whether your case resolves by agreement or requires a hearing, understanding your options early makes a meaningful difference.

Common Family Law Matters

Clear agreements prevent costly disputes. Gooss Law helps individuals and businesses draft, review, and negotiate contracts, and represents them when disagreements arise.

A well-drafted contract sets expectations, allocates risk, and provides a clear path forward if something goes wrong. When a contract is breached or another civil dispute develops, early advice helps you understand your rights, preserve important records, and weigh your options, from negotiation to litigation.

Common Contract and Civil Matters

Local governments need responsive, knowledgeable counsel. Attorney Gooss brings firsthand experience as a city attorney to local government clients across North Dakota.

Municipal law covers the legal work of running a city or other local government, including ordinances, council and commission meetings, contracts, land use and zoning, open records and open meetings, and code enforcement. Experienced counsel helps local officials make decisions with confidence and in compliance with North Dakota law.

Common Municipal Law Matters

A thoughtful estate plan protects the people you love. Gooss Law helps individuals and families put clear, comprehensive plans in place.

Estate planning is deciding, in advance, how your property will be managed and distributed and who will make decisions for you if you cannot. A comprehensive plan may include a will, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives, and it should be reviewed as your life changes. When a loved one passes, North Dakota’s probate process, based on the Uniform Probate Code, guides how the estate is administered.

Common Estate Planning Matters

Real estate is often one of the most significant investments a person, family, or business makes. Gooss Law helps clients protect those interests across southwest and south central North Dakota.

Real estate law covers the purchase, sale, lease, and use of land and buildings, including contracts, deeds, title questions, easements, and disputes between owners, neighbors, landlords, and tenants. In rural North Dakota, that often includes farm and ranch land, access, and boundary questions. Careful review before you sign can prevent costly problems later.

Common Real Estate Matters

Employment decisions carry legal risk for employers and real consequences for employees. Attorney Gooss brings both legal training and a senior human resources certification to these matters.

North Dakota is generally an at-will employment state, but employers must still comply with state and federal laws on wages, discrimination, leave, and workplace policies. Sound policies, clear documentation, and early advice help employers prevent disputes and help employees understand their rights.

Common Employment and HR Matters

Whether you are facing a criminal charge or recovering from an injury someone else caused, you deserve a prepared, determined advocate.

In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove each element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, and you have important constitutional rights at every stage, from questioning through trial. In a personal injury case, you may be entitled to compensation when another party’s negligence causes harm. Strict deadlines apply to many claims, so it is wise to seek advice promptly.

Common Criminal and Injury Matters