Bellevue Family Law Blog: Divorce, Child Custody, Domestic Violence & Mediation

Bellevue Child Support Lawyer: Document Your Payments

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Earlier in May, we discussed the importance of documentation during child custody cases – how every conversation and incident can become important when fighting for your child or children. However, documentation shouldn’t end after your Washington child custody case is over, regardless of what the outcome was.

If you making child support payments…

Make sure that you document everything that you pay to your ex-partner and everything that you give your children directly. Never make payments in cash. Unfortunately, bitter or vindictive exes may claim that they haven’t received enough payments or that they haven’t received payments at all. They may also claim that you are not meeting other financial obligations, such as providing healthcare coverage or continuing to make payments into a college fund. If you document everything carefully and keep records, you are protecting yourself and your relationship with your children.

If you are receiving child support payments…

It is also important that you require documentation and keep records. If you accept a cash payment from time to time, your ex could claim in the future that he paid you in cash and that you are lying. It is also a good idea to keep track of the day-to-day costs of raising your child and related expenses, especially if you plan on trying to change your child support payments in the future.

Washington child support attorney

Child custody and child support are complex and emotional issues. If you need the assistance of a Belleview child support lawyer, call us at (425) 460-0550. We are here to help you through this difficult process.

Divorce Study: Child’s Cancer Diagnosis Doesn’t Spell Divorce

Sat, 05 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A recent divorce study found that when a woman is diagnosed with a serious illness, her chances of divorce increase. The same study found that when a man is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, his chances of divorce decrease. But, what happens to the divorce rate when a couple’s child is diagnosed with cancer?

Relationship aren’t affected by kid cancer diagnoses

While some studies have shown the parents of multiples or the parents of autistic children have a higher chance of divorce, a new Danish study has found that the parents of children with cancer are not more or less likely to divorce or separate than other couples.

According to the study, which was published in the journal Pediatrics, there is no correlation between child cancer and parental divorce. The study analyzed 47,000 Danish families over two decades – both families affected by cancer and families not affected by cancer – to reach their results. While they did research why divorce and separation were not more likely among families battling cancer, one researcher said that although a child’s cancer diagnosis is traumatic, many families are able to cope.

Seattle divorce attorney Molly B. Kenny

With law offices in Bellevue, Washington, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny are qualified to help you with a number of family law issues, including divorce, property division, child custody, and domestic violence. To learn more about your own case, or to schedule a private appointment with a Washington divorce attorney, call us today at (425) 460-0550.

Seattle Child Custody Lawyer: Long-Distance Co-Parenting Tips

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

You’ve divorced your spouse and one of you has moved away from town. If you didn’t have kids, you might not speak to each other at all. Since you do, you need to keep your relationship intact on some level. How can you successfully co-parent long-distance?

Communicate regularly. This might be painful, especially soon after your divorce, but it is necessary to be a great co-parent. If you don’t do well on the phone, try sending regular email updates. Some parents find success with regularly scheduled weekly meetings.
Don’t use your child as a messenger. Your child should simply not be part of the co-parenting process! If you have something to say or discuss, call your co-parent. Just as when you were married, never drag your child into an argument or disagreement.
Stay kid focused. This isn’t about either of you; it’s about raising a healthy, happy, confident, and successful kid. Put your own issues aside. Put your anger aside. Stay positive and do it for your children.
Give parenting a business tone. Speak to your co-parent as if he or she were a colleague – with respect, professionalism, and a little distance if necessary. Again, this is not the time or place for your emotions to get worked up.

Co-parenting can be especially difficult if one of you still harbors anger about the divorce. That’s natural. Don’t hesitate to acknowledge the sadness and hurt together before turning to your kid-focused conversation.

If you have a Washington State family law issue that requires the assistance of an attorney, Molly Kenny may be able to help. Call a Seattle child custody lawyer today for more information.

Seattle Divorce Attorney: Is Your Courthouse Safe?

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A recent assault in the Grays Harbor County Courthouse has many pondering the issue of courthouse violence in Washington State, especially when it comes to family law cases like divorce, child custody, and domestic violence.

After these most recent attacks, some judges have said that the security at the courthouse was extremely lacking – while others say that Washington State law should address the issue of courthouse security by requiring security check points, metal detectors, and security cameras.

Two examples of why Washington courts need security

On Friday, 34-year-old Steven Daniel Kravetz allegedly entered the Grays Harbor County Superior Court, stabbed a judge, and shot a Sheriff’s deputy with his own handgun. The man, who had a history of domestic violence charges, was difficult to find after the incident due to the court’s lack of security measures.

In 1994, Timothy Craig Blackwell shot his pregnant wife and two of her friends as they sat on a courtroom bench in King County during a break in the couple’s divorce proceeding. His wife, Susana Remerata Blackwell, was eight months pregnant at the time of the murder. The man faced three counts of first-degree murder and one count of manslaughter. The day after the murders, the King County courthouse added security screenings to every entrance of the building.

Seattle divorce attorney

Molly B. Kenny is an experienced and knowledgeable Washington State family law attorney who assists clients with divorce cases, child custody cases, domestic violence cases, and the division of property. To learn more about her services, or to speak with a Seattle divorce attorney contact her office today at (435) 460-0550.

Seattle Divorce Lawyer: “Divorce” Internet Searches Spike in Spring

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

What are the most popular legal terms searched for on the web? Starting in early February and continuing into March, the most commonly entered search terms on legal websites are “divorce,” “family law” and “child custody.” In fact, the number of people entering these terms jumped by 50 percent in February, and “divorce” was the number one search term for legal sites in February 2010.

Spring’s Divorce Surge has a Number of Explanations

While divorce experts can’t be sure why divorce rates spike in the first months of the year and peak in February and March, many agree that several factors are probably at work. Some spouses may decide to divorce after a particularly stressful holiday season – filled with money issues, too much time at home, or time with in-laws. Others may make it their New Year’s resolution to start fresh and get to work on the process after the busy holidays. Still others, experts believe, are motivated to divorce after a stressful tax season.

Seattle Divorce Lawyer

The bottom line is that everyone knows when divorce is right for them – no matter the time of year. If you have made the decision to divorce and need an attorney, the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny are here to help. Our Seattle divorce lawyers can help you navigate this difficult time and make certain that your divorce is as fair and fast as possible. Call us today at (425) 460-0550 for more information.

Seattle Child Support Lawyer: Connect with Your Kids with Technology

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Recently we’ve been discussing how difficult it can be to parent and to co-parent when your kids live far away from you – it can be difficult to get face-to-face time, it feels harder to “be there” for your kids, and it can be prove hard to feel included in the family.

Below, we’ve shared five ways you can connect with your kids using technology – new ways to reach out that weren’t possible even five or ten years ago.

Social networking. Your kids are doing it, and you can too. “Friend” your kids on Facebook and share your daily thoughts, pictures, and even silly links with your kids. Just be sure to give older kids their privacy and don’t use the website to spy!
Miss your kids? There’s an app for that. Smartphone games and online games allow people to connect through playing games over long distances. Popular online games allow you to do everything from share a virtual aquarium with your younger kids or play word games with your older children.
Skype for some face-to-face time. There are free programs available that use your computer’s microphone and web cam to connect with friends and family. It’s surprising how much closer it feels than talking on the phone.
Connect on photo sharing sites. Websites like Instagram allow users to upload photos that they snap with their phone throughout the day – and let photographers add captions and filters to their pictures. Now your children can see what you are up to during the day (i.e. a hike, a trip to the movies), and you can encourage them to share their adventures with you.

Even though you might not be able to see your kids as often as you like, iPads, smartphones, and computers have given us new ways to connect and communicate. Get creative!

Do you have a question about child custody or long-distance child visitation? Call Seattle child support lawyer Molly Kenny today to learn more about your case.

Seattle Domestic Violence Attorney: What to Do if You Witness Abuse

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Domestic violence is different than other types of violence because it often involves family members and intimate relationships. While people don’t think twice when offering assistance to a stranger being assaulted in the street, many will pause before intervening on a domestic violence incident.

What should you do if you see or hear domestic violence?

Protect yourself and those around you. Abusers can often be violent and irrational – especially those who are willing to attack in a public place. If you step between an abuser and his or her victim, the violent person may turn on you. Before you do anything, make sure that you and your loved ones are safe from harm.
Call the police. If an actual assault is taking place – or seems likely to take place – call 911. Seattle police are trained to respond to these situations and have the skills and power to deal with the incident correctly. Don’t threaten to call the police – just do it.
De-escalate the situation. While escalating the situation by jumping into the middle of it could be dangerous to you and others, you may consider de-escalation by calling attention away from the victim or distracting the abuser. Only take this step if you are in a public place and if you feel comfortable doing so.

It is important to note that the vast majority of domestic abuse incidents do not take place in public – they occur in the home where the abuser has privacy and control.

If you need legal assistance with a Washington domestic abuse case, call Seattle domestic violence attorney Molly Kenny today at 425-460-0550.

Seattle Child Custody Attorney: Supervised Visits & Custodial Parents

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

It’s clear that Washington state supervised visitations are tough on the non-custodial parent – someone who would most likely rather see their children privately and more often. However, supervised visitations can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and sadness for the custodial parent. Below, we’ve listed eight tips on how custodial parents can make the most of supervised visits.

Be on time and do not cancel unless there is an emergency. These visits are important to your child’s parent.
Put your feelings about your child’s parent aside for the sake of your kids.
Be positive about the visits, even if you don’t feel that way.
Prepare your children for the visits, and help your children look forward to the dates.
Do not ask your children to tell you in detail about the visits. Instead, let them share what they are comfortable with.
Don’t say negative things about the other parent or the scheduled visitation.
If you are having difficulty accepting the visits, discuss your feelings with someone other than your children.
Ask your children if they want to bring games, school projects, or other activities to the visits. Encourage them to share their interests and make the most of their time.

Do you have a question about Washington supervised visitations? A Seattle child custody attorney may be able to help. Contact Molly Kenny today at 425-460-0550 for more information.

Seattle Child Custody Lawyer: Tips for Supervised Visits

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Supervised visits may be in the best interests of your child, but they can often be hard on the visiting parent – someone who most likely wishes to be trusted to visit with their kid alone and in their own home. However, it is key to make the best of supervised visits, both for the sake of your kid and for the sake of your future relationship.

Here are eight quick tips on how to make the most of your Washington State supervised visitations:

Arrive on time and cancel visits only in emergencies. Your child comes first.
Have a plan on what you’d like to do with your child, but also be sure to ask your child what he or she would like to spend time on (if they are old enough).
Ask your child questions about their week, their likes, and their school. Talk about what they are excited to talk about.
Share your own life with your child – including what you’ve been doing and your interests.
Do not ask your child or the supervisor about your child’s custodial parent.
Do not make negative comments about supervised visitations or the supervisor.
While there is a supervisor present, realize that your focus should be on your child, no matter who is in the room.
Have fun and enjoy your time.

Do need the assistance of a Seattle child custody lawyer? Contact the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny today at 425-460-0550 to set up a private consultation.

Seattle's Female Superhero Fights Against Domestic Violence

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Over the past few months, local superhero Phoenix Jones has made headlines for his attempts to stop violence in the streets of Seattle. Now, his wife, who goes by Purple Reign, is putting on her superhero costume to raise awareness about domestic violence.

Last month, Purple Reign launched “The Purple Reign Campaign” to provide strength and resources to people experiencing domestic violence. As part of the campaign, a variety of events have been scheduled, including the Healing Reign Music Benefit and Auction in April, to raise funds for victims of domestic violence.

All proceeds of “The Purple Reign Campaign” go to Northwest Family Life, a local non-profit that provides education programs, advocacy, and counseling for people impacted by domestic violence.

Purple Reign is a survivor of domestic violence herself. Her story and details of her campaign are available at www.purplereigncampaign.com.

If you have been the victim of domestic violence in Washington State, there are a number of resources in the area to assist you with all aspects of the issue. If you require legal help regarding a domestic violence incident, contact a Bellevue family law attorney today!

Do We Need Family Law Attorneys? Six Ways A Bellevue Divorce Attorney Can Help Your Case!

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Are divorce lawyers necessary? This question is currently being raised by the Texas Supreme Court as it discusses whether or not to provide fill-in-the-blank forms so that people can handle their divorce matters without a family law attorney.

Thirty-six states, including Washington, already offer self-help forms and information for family law matters. King County even provides a seminar for people who are working to develop a parenting plan without the help of an attorney.

But while many people have been successful at handling their own divorce or custody matter by utilizing the court information and forms, it is often beneficial to hire a family law attorney:

o It often helps to have someone involved in your family law matter that does not have the emotional attachment to the situation. A family law attorney can present options to you in an objective and practical matter.

o Attorneys are knowledgeable about the legal rules and statutes that are applicable to your family law case. It is important to have someone on your side who can wade through all of the logistics and ensure that all procedures involved in family law matters are completed accurately. Making mistakes can be very costly.

o A divorce attorney can assist you in negotiating and making decisions regarding the division of your assets.

o Hiring a divorce attorney in custody matters is often beneficial because he or she has a strong understanding of the formulas for appropriately determining child custody payments and can assist you in laying out a realistic parenting plan.

o In hearings or trial, it is beneficial to have an attorney who can represent you in court. A family law attorney is familiar with the court setting and will be ready to advocate for you before the judge or commissioner.

o Although directions and forms are available through the Washington State courts, the court websites state that court clerks cannot help a person fill out legal forms, set a hearing date, or give legal advice. These questions must be directed to an attorney or a court facilitator.

If you are ready to speak with a family law attorney about your divorce or custody matter, we encourage you to contact The Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny for a private consultation.

Seattle Divorce Lawyer: Heidi Klum & Seal “Grew Apart” Before Divorce

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Some divorce announcements are predictable, and others seem to come out of the blue. When German supermodel Heidi Klum and singing sensation Seal announced their separation last month, many fans were shocked that such a seemingly stable and long-standing celebrity couple had decided to end their marriage.

For the past seven years, since their marriage in Mexico in 2005, Klum and Seal have shared their love story with the world – from interviews with Oprah about their happy relationship to duet love songs, to renewing their vows every year on their anniversary. Now, however, the couple has released a joint statement letting their fans and the world know that although they still love each other, they have grown apart and will officially separate.

Although we might think that we have nothing in common with celebrities like these, many people may be able to identify with their reason for divorce – even though they still have admiration for each other, they simply no longer have the same life goals or feelings for each other. While they are still committed to raising their four children together and giving them the best life possible, they no longer wish to be committed to each other.

Do you need the assistance of a lawyer regarding your Washington State divorce? Contact the Seattle divorce lawyers at Molly B. Kenny today to get your questions answered and get you on the path to a new beginning.

February: Divorce Is In The Air

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

February is often considered to be the month of romance, but to the surprise of many, attorneys report that it is also the month in which the highest number of divorces are filed. Molly Kenny says she files more divorce cases in the first two to three weeks of February than at any other time of the year. Tune into Molly's radio interview with Elisa Jaffe and Mark Christopher on KVI AM 570 to hear Molly's insight as to why February is such a popular month for divorce filings and her tips on navigating the divorce process.

If you are ready to file for divorce, contact The Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny for a private consultation.

Seattle Divorce Attorney: No Prenuptial Agreement in Kobe Bryant Divorce

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This week, the details of the divorce settlement between basketball star Kobe Bryant and wife Vanessa were reported. Of the couple’s estimated $150 million in assets, Vanessa will receive $75 million in addition to ownership of the couple’s three Newport Beach homes. The NBA power couple was married for ten years. They have two daughters and a joint custody parenting plan. Vanessa listed “irreconcilable differences” when she filed for divorce in December.

According to reports from family members, the couple did not sign a prenuptial agreement when they wed in 2001 after knowing each other for two years. That fact, paired with a ten-year marriage, likely entitles Vanessa to half of the family’s fortune under divorce law. The length of the marriage and a lack of prenuptial agreement may also mean ongoing spousal support payments and part of Kobe Bryant’s retirement funds.

Legal experts believe that a prenuptial agreement would have saved Kobe Bryant much of his earnings, as the top-paid professional basketball player in the world. According to Vanessa’s cousin Laila Laine, Kobe “loved her too much” for one.

Whether or not you have a prenuptial agreement, a Seattle divorce attorney can help you navigate your divorce and make certain that your outcome is as fair as possible under the law. To learn more during an informational consultation, call the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny today.

When it Comes to Divorce Proceedings, Guilt May Be a Good Thing

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study regarding guilt and divorce has made a surprising discovery about the usually-negative emotion: feeling guilty can actually boost cooperation and problem-solving when it comes to divorce proceedings and settlements.
A new article in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that guilt more than any other emotions helped divorcing parties accommodate each other, act in a less intimidating manner, and be less forceful during negotiations. These changes resulted in shorted, less acrimonious and less expensive divorces.
The study, which was conducted by Ann Wietzker of Ghent University, followed over 450 divorcing couples, most of whom had children and most of whom had been married for over a decade.
The study also found that the emotion of shame had the opposite effect on cooperation and compromise during divorce – because it is associated with feelings of worthlessness and incompetence, those who feel shame are more likely to turn inward than those who only feel guilt. Guilt – the feeling that you have hurt another person – leads to more social actions related to healing that hurt.
Are you going through a Washington State divorce and need the assistance of a Bellevue divorce lawyer? The attorneys at the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny are here to help. Call us today at 425.460.0550 to learn more about how we can help you with a fast and fair divorce.

Taking Charge of Your Personal Story Can Help You Heal from Divorce

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Perhaps the most difficult aspect of divorce is dealing with the depression and emotional turmoil that often accompanies the breakup of a long-term relationship. Many divorcees have trouble escaping from negative thoughts, self-blame, feelings of failure, and regret. Even though they know that divorce was the right choice for them, their mental well-being is damaged for months and even years after the end of their marriage.
A new study, however, offers newly divorced men and women a novel way of dealing with the negative emotions that come with the process of starting over. The research, which followed about 50 patients through 14 weeks of therapy, found that writing down your own narrative of events and feelings can significantly increase your sense of self, clarify your understanding of the event, and improve your overall mental health.
Why do personal storytelling and journaling help divorced and struggling people get back on the right track of self-confidence and self-worth? While researchers can presently only guess, many believe that writing down thoughts and feelings lends a person organization and understanding – two important aspects of regaining control over your life.
Are you in search of a Seattle divorce attorney to assist you with the divorce process? Contact the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny today at 425.460.0550 to learn more about our Washington State family law services and to schedule a free initial consultation.

Study: Borrowing Some Eastern Philosophies Could Lower Divorce Rate

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

As researchers continue to examine what causes divorce in the United States and how we can reduce the overall divorce rate, some are turning to Eastern cultures to study what makes marriages work in different parts of the world.
Kim Halford, a researcher studying Chinese marriages, relationships, and divorce, discovered that the Asian country has a surprisingly low divorce rate in comparison with similar countries. To learn more, she studied a number of Chinese and mixed-race couples in her own area to better understand their philosophies regarding marriage and long-term relationships.
Halford found that while Western couples tended to focus on emotional attachment, romance, and affection, Chinese couples were more likely to view their marriage as a partnership or team with goals to accomplish. While Westerners believed that marriage should be a combination of physical love and mental contentment, Chinese couples were more likely to see marriage as a commitment that would involve hard work and occasional rough times.
The researchers who conducted the study stressed that neither view of marriage was right or wrong – and that there were positive and negative aspects to each approach. However, there is a lot to learn from the information gathered during the study, and couples can benefit from learning about both cultures and philosophies.
Do you need legal assistance with your Washington State divorce? Contact the Bellevue divorce attorneys at the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny at 425.460.0550 to speak with an experienced lawyer today.

Could Divorce Be as Deadly as Smoking?

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

There have been a number of divorce studies in recent years that examine the connection between relationships and health – all with a variety of findings and theories. The newest of these studies, conducted by professors at the University of Arizona, found that there is a correlation between divorce and early death.

Researchers examined the results of 30 different studies related to divorce and longevity – covering over six million people around the world over 27 years. They found that divorced men and women raised their risk of dying young by 23 percent – about the same amount as smoking cigarettes, drinking heavily, not exercising, or being overweight.

Researchers were quick to point out, however, that divorce is not always bad for your health and that the studies don’t prove causation; that is, divorce does not necessarily raise your risk for early death. It may be that people who are divorced are also engaging in the dangerous behaviors mentioned above.

The important take-away from this study is to be aware of your health and wellbeing if you are going through a divorce. Eating right, exercising, and visiting the doctor regularly are all proven to improve both the quality and duration of your life.

Need a Seattle divorce attorney? Call Molly Kenny today to speak with a knowledgeable Washington State family lawyer about your case.

Three Ways Facebook Use Can Lead to Divorce

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This week, a new divorce survey found that Facebook is involved in more divorces than ever. According to website Divorce Online, one out of three people cited the social networking giant as a factor in their divorce, as compared to 20 percent citing Facebook just two years ago.

What were the three most common ways in which Facebook activity led to breakups and divorce?

Spouses sending inappropriate messages to other users
Separated spouses posting inappropriate messages about their partner on their walls
Facebook friends reporting inappropriate behavior by a spouse

It is important to note that relationship experts do not believe that Facebook is actually causing divorce; rather, Facebook is simply now a very popular way of communicating with friends and loved ones – and a very popular way of sharing one’s feelings. Because so many people use the social networking site on a regular basis, it follows that the website plays a role in divorce.

What can we learn from this study? While reconnecting with old friends can be rewarding, it can also lead to inappropriate behavior. At the same time, it is important to understand that if you are separated, posting private information or posting while angry can have serious consequences even if you think your spouse can’t see what you are writing.

Do you need the assistance of a Bellevue divorce attorney? Contact the Law Offices of Molly Kenny today at 425.460.0550 to set up an appointment with an experienced, understanding family lawyer.

Four Financial Tips for Women Facing Divorce

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Andrea Travillian, founder of personal finance education company, Smart Step, Inc., provides four suggestions for women contemplating or facing divorce on her blog:

Know what is going on during the marriage
Many of our female clients have allowed their husbands to make all of the financial decisions in the marriage. As a result, they do not know anything about their financial situation as they prepare for divorce. Travillian says its important that women take the time to discuss and review investments, bills, and insurances with their husbands. If you are considering divorce and have not played a role in financial decisions, take the time to gain some knowledge about your financial situation.

Take the emotions out
Many women let their emotions get the best of them and focus solely on getting the divorce over with and moving on. They rush through the settlement process in hopes that the divorce will be final quicker. Travillian says it is important for women to remove the emotion and focus on getting a fair settlement and leaving the marriage with some financial stability.

Get a good attorney
Hiring an attorney who has experience and your financial security in mind is imperative when you are facing divorce. A bad divorce settlement is very hard to undo. Travillian suggests getting recommendations to find a competent attorney who will focus on getting you a fair settlement.

Change your lifestyle
Although it may be difficult to change up your lifestyle, especially if you have children whom you are trying to shelter, it is important to realize that you will probably not be able to maintain the same lifestyle post-divorce. Living beyond your means will only make things more difficult.

To read more about Andrea's financial suggestions, visit takeasmartstep.com.