Vija L. Brookshire

About Vija

When facing the uncertainty of divorce or other family issues, Vija provides her clients with peace of mind. Vija's advocacy is set apart by a confidence and compassion that seeks practical solutions to issues that keep her clients up at night. With years of experience and wins from Minnesota's trial courts to its Supreme Court, Vija's clients know she has what it takes to protect them and what they value most. Vija recognizes that, for clients going through a divorce or other family law matter, the process is often a very personal one. Her clients span all income levels and circumstances. Vija helps her clients through all stages of the process by resolving cases through mediation and negotiation or through litigation and trial when a settlement cannot be reached. Vija tailors the process to fit each client's unique circumstances. Some cases can be resolved without ever needing to appear in court. Others require litigation and court involvement. Vija's advocacy for her clients has shaped family law in Minnesota, as is evidenced by her success at the Minnesota Supreme Court. Vija received her B.A. from Stanford University and her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School. A native of Minneapolis and a graduate of Washburn High School, she is active throughout the legal and professional communities, including the Douglas Amdahl American Inn of Court, the Hennepin County Bar Association, Minnesota Women Lawyers, and TeamWomenMN. She speaks to community and other groups about family law issues, has presented to hundreds of attorneys at Minnesota's premier Family Law Institute, and has taught web-based continuing legal education classes, including authoring the Minnesota CLE Formbook Dissolution of Marriage and Civil Contempt. She is an avid bicycle and motorcycle rider, resides in Minneapolis, and aspires to become fluent in Spanish and French.

Practice Areas

Family Law Insights

9 min read

Is a Spousal Support Attorney Worth It in California?

Spousal support in California turns on Family Code Section 4320, a discretionary statute with no fixed formula — which means the order often reflects how well your case is presented, not just the underlying facts. This guide breaks down when hiring an attorney is worth it, what one costs, and how to decide.

Education

• Stanford University, B.A.
• University of Minnesota, J.D.

Bar Admissions

• Minnesota, 1999

Languages