Rhia Bornmann Spears

Rhia Bornmann Spears is an experienced family law attorney based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She represents clients in all Minnesota counties and tribal courts. With a strong focus on child protection, custody, parenting time, and relative adoption, she is widely recognized for her compassionate advocacy and impactful legal work for families and children.

A graduate of William Mitchell College of Law (now Mitchell Hamline School of Law), Mrs. Spears has built a career centered on the belief that families deserve thoughtful, informed representation—especially in emotionally charged matters like divorce, domestic violence, and child placement. Fluent in English, she frequently represents clients in family law disputes involving unwed parents, legal separation, child support, and orders for protection.

Mrs. Spears is especially passionate about child protection reform and relative placement in foster care cases. She has successfully challenged Child Protective Services (CPS) decisions in court, winning trials that reversed state agency placements in favor of relatives seeking to adopt or care for children. She has also served as a Guardian ad Litem in Prairie Island Tribal Court and frequently speaks at legal seminars to train other attorneys on representing relatives in child welfare cases.

Rhia Bornmann Spears’ leadership and advocacy have played a significant role in legislative reform efforts, including testifying before the Minnesota Legislature and supporting the African American Family Preservation Act (AAFPA). As a trusted legal partner to organizations such as Village Arms and Family Preservation, Inc., Mrs. Spears continues to lead systemic change to reduce racial disparities and keep families together.

Whether through negotiation or litigation, Mrs. Spears combines legal skill with heartfelt commitment to serving the best interests of children and families across Minnesota.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Spears Family Law PLLC
• Former Contract Attorney, Vox Law
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association

Licensed State

• Minnesota

Education

• Mitchell Hamline School of Law
  Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• Minnesota Paralegal Institute
  Paralegal Studies

Awards & Badges