Law Office of Kevin Jensen - December 2018

Law Office of Kevin Jensen - December 2018

December 2018 480.632.7373 jensenlawaz.com

Looking Back on 2018 Celebrating Our Successes and Planning Ahead

I n divorce law, there are a lot of what I forward. The clients are the ones in the emotional trenches, pushing their way through some of their most trying times under our guidance. While I’m passionate about helping every client I take on, there are some that stick out more than others and make my routine more unique. This year, we wrapped up a case that started back in 2017, and it’s one that strikes me as special. I had a client who was in the middle of a divorce when the state removed his child from the home. Most of the time, the state is completely justified “You don’t make it nearly two decades without learning something, and I always want to share my expertise. ” would call “routine actions,” at least from a lawyer’s perspective. We file this and that, and we advise our clients on the best steps

in taking a child out of a home, but in this case, we felt the state was in the wrong. My client was a good dad, someone who was trying to provide the best life he could for his child. As a dad, it broke my heart to see another parent crying in my office as we fought to get his child back. It was a tough divorce with some events that left both my client and I confused, but I could see the passion this father had for his kid. Eventually, the court agreed and awarded the dad full custody of his son. The couple’s divorce was finalized in 2018, and I’m proud to see that the state ultimately made the right decision regarding this family. Family court and juvenile cases are always tough. As a lawyer, I’ve been trained to look at each case objectively. While I’m motivated to fight for my clients, I do so with a neutral head. When talking to clients who are parents, I often level with them. I let them know that I’m talking to them as a dad and I understand some of what they are going through. It’s a delicate balance that you have to master as a divorce attorney, but it’s one I’m happy to do.

and lawyer, Ben Hutchinson, who readers can learn more about in January, and who celebrated one year of having passed the bar exam. As I write this, we’re on pace to exceed the number of clients we had last year, and while we’re not saying we’re thrilled about divorce, we’re just happy to see clients trust us enough to recommend us. As we look ahead, we have a few goals we want to nail down and accomplish. With 18 years of lawyering under my belt, I’m hoping to begin writing books to guide clients and readers through their divorces. You don’t make it nearly two decades without learning something, and I always want to share my expertise. Whether it’s helping a dad get his son back or one of our more routine cases, we’re happy to keep helping people find

peace during a difficult time. If you want help, don’t be afraid to ask for it in 2019. We’re here to fight for you.

With regard to the rest of 2018, I’m proud of the work our team has put in. We hired a new paralegal

-Kevin Jensen

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Ugly Sweater Parties A Fun Trend You Can Easily Follow!

It’s speculated that the first ugly sweater party took place in Vancouver, Canada, back in 2001. Since then, the trend has become one of the most popular holiday party themes. Come Thanksgiving, you’ll start to see racks in all types of clothing stores lined with hideous sweaters. If you’re ready to jump on the ugly-sweater-party bandwagon this Christmas season, here are a few things to keep in mind. Your Very Own Ugly Sweater

However, if you have a sweater that’s been cozied up for years in the back of your closet or a drawer, now’s your chance to give it new life. Arm yourself with a hot glue gun, thread, and needle, and patch Santa, Rudolph, or Frosty on it. And let it be known that an ugly sweater isn’t complete without sparkles, beads, and sequins galore. What Exactly Is an Ugly Sweater Party?

have a top-tier party. A few ugly-sweater- themed games that should be on the agenda include an ugly gift exchange, which is similar to the white elephant exchange, except with the gaudiest gifts you can find; an ugly photo booth, complete with terrible, tacky props; and, of course, an ugly sweater contest. This is the only time of year when slipping into a lurid red sweater with a stuffed Santa sewn on the front is considered trendy. So adorn yourself in the frumpiest, tackiest sweater you can find, and have some fun this December! might be tight, and there are plenty of thrifty ways to create new traditions. Start a snowman building contest. Have a movie night with hot chocolate. Propose a potluck-style dinner for friends and family. Make do with what you have, use your wit, and surround yourself with people who will make your memories rich. No matter the time of year, the Law Office of Kevin Jensen can help you through your divorce. Learn more by calling 480.632.7373.

It’s rather simple — slip on your favorite Christmas sweater, gather all your friends and family members, make sure there are plenty of

Ugly sweaters come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. You can head to H&M or a local thrift store to pick one up.

refreshments and games, and you’re guaranteed to

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — so why aren’t you feeling wonderful? It can be difficult to look forward to celebrating the holidays when a divorce has slashed the traditions you’ve become accustomed to. Don’t spend the holidays fretting; start new traditions with these tips. Find Your People Maybe you know other parents who have gone through a divorce or perhaps your family has been your rock during your divorce proceedings. Invite your favorite coworker to come see the holiday lights with you or enjoy a Christmas Eve brunch with your siblings. Whoever it is, find the people who make you feel good and connect with them this holiday season. Don’t avoid people because your Establishing New Traditions How to Make New Holiday Memories

traditions are changing. Soon, this year’s plans will become traditions, and the holidays will be easier. Include Your Kids Divorce is never easy when kids are in the mix, and the holidays are no cakewalk, even without a spousal separation or children. Your kids are likely also struggling with managing the holidays, so make it easier by being open to traditions they want to continue or start. Find a common interest, like sports or music, and incorporate that into your traditions. Order pizza on Christmas Eve or make a big feast together. Host a dance party with kiddie cocktails for New Year’s Eve or start a movie marathon. You may have to spend a few holidays without your kids, but if you find traditions that are flexible and make them your own, you can create some stability and happy memories. Don’t Break the Bank Don’t feel obligated to buy your children the latest devices or clear the grocery store shelves for holiday dinners this season. It’s okay that your finances

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Hiding From Your Feelings?

How to Heal After a Divorce

A wide spectrum of emotions can overcome you once you finalize a divorce. Some are jubilant and ready to move on with their lives, while others are bawling and unsure of their next move. Feeling either of these extremes or being somewhere in the middle is perfectly normal, and a common denominator among these emotions is anger. Most people have no problem expressing their anger during a divorce, but many don’t realize their anger is usually a symptom of something more complex: grief. Even if you want a divorce from your spouse, the reason behind your grief is simple. Most clients know their lives will change after divorce. But many people forget to view their divorce from the perspective that it’s a loss

of life, which causes some confusion about why they feel the way they do. Think about it: You’ll no longer be married to the person you originally chose to spend the rest of your life with. You won’t share in successes and losses together or, sometimes, even see their family again. It’s a complete overhaul of a life you’ve become accustomed to, no matter how unhealthy it may have been. It’s natural to feel angry, sad, confused, and hopeless as you begin coming to terms with your divorce. It can be overwhelming for anyone, and that’s why it’s okay for you to actively grieve after a divorce. The worst thing you can do is ignore your pain and loss, because those emotions can build up to cause even more stress for you.

The best way to confront these feelings is to work through them. First , allow yourself to feel your natural emotions. Don’t hide from your tears, and feel free to scream into a pillow if you’re frustrated. Next , find someone to talk to. Therapists are good sounding boards for expressing your emotions, but a trusted neighbor, friend, or relative is also a great — and free — option. Lastly , actively work to heal. Don’t wallow in sorrow or let your anger consume you. Lean on that support system you’ve built, and find the courage to move on. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. If you’re struggling to work through your divorce, learn more about how the Law Office of Kevin Jensen can help you by calling 480.632.7373.

LAUGH BREAK

Holiday Roast Prime Rib

Looking for an easy holiday roast that still feels elegant enough for the occasion? Look no further than this delicious prime rib flavored with garlic, thyme, and red wine.

ingredients

• 1 bone-in prime rib (6–7 pounds) • 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

• 2 cups red wine • 4 cups beef stock

480.632.7373 4. Place a rack inside a roasting pan and roast prime rib for 2 hours, until medium-rare. 5. To make au jus, place roasting pan with drippings from roast over 2 burners on high. Add wine and scrape pan as liquid reduces. Add beef stock and cook until reduced by half. Finally, sprinkle in thyme. 6. Slice roast and serve topped with au jus. 3 directions 1. 30 minutes before cooking, remove roast from fridge and let sit until it reaches room temperature. 2. Heat oven to 350 F. 3. Make small slits in prime rib and stuff with slices of garlic. Liberally season with salt and pepper.

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Merry Christmas!

Recapping the Year

Everything You’ll Need for an Ugly Sweater Christmas

Creating Memories This Season

Grieving After a Divorce

Christmas Tours Get Away and Be Festive This Holiday Season

Ranch Christmas in Jackson, Wyoming

There’s nothing quite like the magical lights of the holiday season, and some destinations in the U.S. have perfected the craft of holiday decoration. If you’re looking to get away this December and still engage in seasonal festivities, add one of these places to your must-visit list.

tiny Midwestern town in January, June, or even October. Embracing its unique name, the town boasts a museum, holiday shopping center, and a Christmas theme park. In a moving tribute, the town’s residents also write responses to children’s letters to Kris Kringle himself. It’s impossible to avoid holiday cheer in this town. What better place to celebrate the most magical time of the year than in the most magical place on Earth? Walt Disney World’s halls are decked to the max with a parade, gingerbread homes, strings of lights, and festive parties. Plus, costs to visit Disney World can be cheaper during the Christmas season, so keep an eye out for a vacation steal. Disney World’s Christmas Magic

Jackson, Wyoming, takes its frontier culture to the next level during the Christmas season. All year, the city proudly displays four elk antler arches, but around the holidays, they are lit up with white string lights and flanked by snow. The Christmas decorations and lights surrounding the archway make for a Western-themed holiday pulled right out of a John Wayne classic. For holiday admirers looking for a unique spin, Jackson has you covered.

New York City’s Rockefeller Center New York City is an iconic location for

Christmastime. The scene is like a Hallmark card: Ice-skating lovers whiz past miles of twinkling lights underneath an exceptionally tall and amply decorated tree. The tree is specially selected by Rockefeller Center’s landscaping crews, who scout out trees years in advance. It remains lit from November to early January, so you have plenty of time to check it out.

Yearly Yuletide in Santa Claus, Indiana

This one’s for the Christmas lover. If you can’t make it out to Santa Claus, Indiana, this holiday season, you can still celebrate Christmas in this

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