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 a dedicated advocate for child protection reform and keeping children with family whenever possible in foster care cases. She has a strong track record of challenging Child Protective Services (CPS) decisions in court, successfully overturning state agency placements in favor of relatives seeking to adopt or care for children. Mrs. Spears has also served as a Guardian ad Litem in Prairie Island Tribal Court and is a frequent speaker at legal seminars, where she trains other attorneys on how to effectively represent relatives in child welfare and foster care 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