Michael L. Gjesdahl

Michael L. Gjesdahl is the senior shareholder and founder of Gjesdahl Law, P.C., a firm he established in 1989 to serve the complex needs of families. With decades of experience, he focuses exclusively on family law, handling everything from custody disputes to high-net-worth divorces with professionalism and precision.

Michael earned his Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1985. He also holds a B.S. in Public Administration from the University of North Dakota and is a graduate of Fargo North High School. His education laid the groundwork for a distinguished legal career devoted to resolving family transitions with skill and compassion.

A significant portion of Michael’s practice centers on high-asset divorces involving estates valued in the tens or hundreds of millions. These cases often include complex elements such as family businesses, commercial real estate, farm operations, trusts, inherited wealth, and asset concealment. His clientele includes business leaders, medical professionals, public figures, and executives across North Dakota and Minnesota.

Licensed to practice in North Dakota, Minnesota, and multiple federal courts including the U.S. Supreme Court, Michael is one of the region’s few attorneys focusing on assisted reproduction and gestational carrier law. He regularly drafts and negotiates prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and prioritizes resolving family law disputes through mediation and collaborative negotiation whenever possible.

Known for his balanced approach—strategic yet solution-oriented—Michael L. Gjesdahl remains committed to guiding families through some of life’s most challenging transitions. His leadership at Gjesdahl Law reflects a mission rooted in delivering exceptional legal service with empathy and integrity.

Law Office Affiliations

• Senior Shareholder and Founder, Gjesdahl Law, P.C.
• Member, North Dakota Bar Association
• Member, Minnesota Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Cass County Bar Association
• Member, Clay County Bar Association
• Member, National Association of Counsel for Children
• Member, International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
• Member, Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota
• Member, North Dakota Collaborative Law Group
• Member, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky
• Member, U.S. District Court, North Dakota
• Member, U.S. Supreme Court

Licensed State

• North Dakota
• Minnesota

Education

• University of North Dakota School of Law
  Juris Doctor (J.D)
• University of North Dakota
  BS in Public Administration

Awards & Badges