Law Office of Kevin Jensen - November 2018

Law Office of Kevin Jensen - November 2018

November 2018 480.632.7373 jensenlawaz.com

Meet Brandon Yost! Our Office’s Motivated History Buff and Family Man

I guess I was bound to be a lawyer, because if you ask my mom, I’ve been good at arguing since I was a little kid. I’ve always been analytically minded, and learning the “why” behind things has constantly fascinated me. It’s no surprise that I went on to study history at Brigham Young University (BYU). After my undergraduate tenure, I considered a career in law. Luckily, my sister had married Kevin Jensen. That’s right — the Kevin Jensen of this law firm. So I came to work for Kevin for a year to see if law was something I’d want to pursue as a career. I loved working here, and that helped solidify my decision. If I had to offer one piece of advice to the aspiring lawyer, it would be to not attend law school if you have a pregnant wife and a young daughter at home. I feel like there are gaps in my memory regarding my two eldest children’s early lives — small milestones that I wasn’t present for. But I know I was working to create better lives for all of us. I know I made the right decision, but it’s hard not to feel like I missed out. While I’m glad we’re done with that part of our lives, we still have pleasant

memories of working and persevering as a young family.

I now have a great relationship with my three daughters, ages 12, 5, and 3, and my son, age 9. He was born just as my first semester of law school ended. I remember my wife being in labor at the hospital, and I was religiously checking for my final grades. My wife had to finally remind me that we were at the hospital to welcome a new child into the world, and grades could wait. When we’re not raising a family, my wife and I love to travel. We recently took a trip to Switzerland and made a stop in Bulgaria, where I did my mission work. Touring Europe was amazing, and we soaked up the history like we did when we lived on the East Coast during my law school years. On the days I’m not traveling or learning more about history, I also cheer on my BYU Cougars. Though it’s sometimes heartbreaking, I’ll stick with them until the end. Once I graduated law school, I landed a job with a tax law firm. Tax law is something I always liked, but I wanted to do more litigating.

So I joined Kevin back at his firm, this time as a lawyer with some practice under his belt.

Divorces aren’t the easiest to work with, especially when you’re married. It can be a bit discouraging to see families work through some of the most trying times of their lives, and I often see people right when they are at their lowest. But even after that first hour with them, when I see some of the weight of the world come off their shoulders, I feel proud to know that we have helped them. Being a divorce lawyer motivates me to be a better husband. I already love spending time with my wife, but being a divorce lawyer makes me see how much of a toll divorce can take on people, especially if they don’t have the proper resources. Thank you to all of you who have put your trust in me and our office. It’s why I sacrificed as a young family man and why I keep doing what I do. 1 -Brandon Yost 480.632.7373

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Thanksgiving Prep For the Whole Family

Thanksgiving is more than just a feast; it’s about coming together as a family and being thankful for one another. So why wait to get into the spirit until everyone is seated at the table? Here are a few ways you can make the actual preparation of Thanksgiving dinner fun and engaging for the whole family! Give Everyone a Role No, not those rolls — yet. Making the feast a family project can turn the day from a hectic list of chores into a magical bonding experience. It’s important to match each family member to a job that best fits their abilities. Young children can mash potatoes or rinse ingredients in the sink. Older kids can take on more responsibility, like measuring ingredients, keeping an eye on timers, and setting the table. Teens and young adults can supervise their younger siblings and cousins in

these important tasks and may be called upon to stir what’s on the stove while an adult checks on the football game. Roll Out the Decorations Still not talking about bread. Not everything in Thanksgiving preparation needs to be tied to the kitchen. Creative family members of all ages can work together to bring some seasonal flare to the dining room. Maybe this means picking up some Thanksgiving coloring books, or perhaps the family can venture outdoors to collect autumn trimmings for crafts. It’s a great way to let each family member put their own personal spin on the holiday! Have a ‘Roller Derby’ Finally. While an adult should be the one to put these delicious baked goods in the oven, the and brings to light all the crappy feelings of divorce in one fiction novel. At seven months pregnant, cookbook writer Rachel Samstat learns of her husband’s love for another woman. “Heartburn” follows Rachel’s contradictory positions of still loving her husband and wanting to kill him. Plus, Nora Ephron litters the book with tasty recipes. ‘The Break Up Manual for Men’ by Andrew Ferebee Though not specifically about divorce, Andrew Ferebee’s book highlights and explains the reasons behind your feelings and confusion after losing a partner — all targeted toward men. Even if your relationship ended years ago, Ferebee offers advice, expectations, and strategies for men looking to move on, repair their confidence, and get back to living a fulfilling life. ‘Divorce Is Not the End of the World: Zoe and Evan’s Coping Guide for Kids’ by Zoe and Evan Stern This book is written for kids by kids. As teenagers, Zoe and Evan Stern — with the

whole family can help shape the dough. In fact, Care.com recommends making this a contest. Set aside a time when everyone can vie for the title of Fastest Roll Maker, and you’ll have plenty of warm, flaky, delicious treats come dinnertime. Letting everyone play a part may take a little more planning and add slightly more chaos to your Thanksgiving preparations. But it’s sure to produce a lot of great memories and bonding moments among your loved ones. And by the time you sit down to eat, you’ll all have something to be thankful for right in front of you — Those. Delicious. Rolls.

Reading Through It

help of their mom, Ellen Sue Stern — wrote about their experiences with their parents’ divorce when they were younger. The book features honest, childlike chapters — such as “Why Are You Making Me Go to That Stupid Support Group?” — and includes updates from Zoe and Evan as adults. While your kids are out of school for the holidays, take the opportunity to share this book with them.

Books to Guide YouThrough Divorce

The holidays are already busy without throwing your divorce into the mix. The kids are out of school and splitting time between two homes. Your mom will not stop asking you if you’re “sure” it’s really over. You’re balancing keeping up traditions while managing a new life, and on top of all that, you have to confirm a holiday schedule with your ex.

No matter what stage of divorce you are in, the Law Offices of Kevin Jensen can help. Call 480.632.7373 to find out how.

Take a break from the craziness of the holidays and settle into these books for guidance.

‘Heartburn’ by Nora Ephron The beloved writer who gave the world Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in “Sleepless in Seattle” turns the tables

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Maintaining a Relationship With Your Ex’s Loved Ones After Divorce Family Ties

You’ve made the decision to divorce, but it’s not the only relationship confrontation you need to have. Whether you’re looking to keep your soon-to-be ex-in-laws in your life or you just want a civil relationship, follow these steps to make the process less difficult. 1. Talk. The first step in figuring out where you stand with your in-laws is to talk to the person you are divorcing, and you must respect their wishes on this matter. Maybe you just want to set up grandparent time or you’re hoping to celebrate holidays with them. Either way, your soon-to-be ex must be involved. 2. Talk, again. Now, talk to your in- laws. Be prepared for them to want to distance themselves from you or cut ties completely for a variety of reasons. They may be hurting, or they may feel that their loyalty toward

their loved one will keep them from having a relationship with you. Respect their wishes and offer civility. 3. Set Boundaries. Your spouse’s family may have begun to feel like your own, and it can be hard to set up boundaries with people you’ve grown to love and trust. But you have to define limits to forge ahead in your new relationships. Set up a visitation schedule so your ex’s parents can see their grandchildren, decide how you’ll honor birthdays or celebrate holidays, and make these lines clear, concise, and easy to follow for your kids’ sake. Part of these boundaries should also include a permanent ban on bad-mouthing your ex in their family’s company. 4. Stay connected. If you’re worried about destroying a personal relationship with

your ex-in-laws, stay close via social media. Send them happy-birthday wishes, and share photos of your kiddos for them to see. They’re not the enemy. Your kids still love them, and it’s okay to share a digital connection. 5. Check yourself. Why do you want to maintain this relationship? Is it because you want them to be part of your life and your kids’ lives, or is it because you’re having trouble letting go of your former marriage? Be honest with yourself, and if you need to step back, communicate why you’re doing so and offer a new process. Divorce is never easy, and figuring out what to do can be a minefield. Navigate your divorce with the Law Offices of Kevin Jensen by calling 480.632.7373.

LAUGH BREAK

Spicy, Creamy Sweet Potatoes

ingredients Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but they’re often the blandest thing on the table. Luckily that’s not the case with this recipe, which features Thai spices and coconut milk.

• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

• 5 pounds sweet potatoes • 1 cup canned coconut milk • 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste

480.632.7373 directions 1. Heat oven to 375 F. On a large sheet pan, bake potatoes until very soft, approximately 75 minutes. 2. Let potatoes cool until they are safe to handle, then peel and mash. 3. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine coconut milk and curry paste. Once mixed, add the mixture, salt, half the sugar, and half the butter to potatoes. 4. 30 minutes before serving, heat oven to 425 F. Spread potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. 5. Uncover potatoes and dot with remaining butter and sugar. Broil until brown, crusty, and delicious. Serve hot. 3

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Meet Brandon Yost

Let Kids Play a Role This Thanksgiving

Divorce Books to Help Your Family

Staying Close With Ex-In-Laws

3 Famous Movie Locations You Need to Visit Why Watch the Film When You Can See It With Your Own Eyes?

Movies captivate audiences partially because of their ability to transport you to a different place. The heart yearns to be taken places, and cinema facilitates that journey. But what if you could immerse yourself in those fantastical worlds by visiting the destinations that you’ve seen on the big screen? Here are three places that are worth the trip. The only aspect of “The Lord of the Rings” that is more compelling than the fantastical journey of Frodo is the alluring, untamed countryside and quaint towns that make up Middle Earth. The Green Dragon Inn, Bilbo’s house, and the rolling hills of New Zealand make for a backdrop that will transport you straight into the life of Middle Earth’s smallest people — HOBBITON

is one spot at the top of almost every fan’s list. Hogwarts is a magic castle in J.K. Rowling’s books, but in real life, its film location is a functioning cathedral in Oxford. Take one step onto the grounds of Christ Church Cathedral, and you might begin to wonder when the next Quidditch match will begin. When George Lucas witnessed a poster of this famous archeological site, he didn’t see an ancient culture — he saw Yavin IV, the perfect location for the Massassi Outpost, a rebel haven found in the first film of Star Wars. Though the movie paints a futuristic look at the region, walk through Tikal National Park, and you’ll experience it as a trip through history. TIKAL NATIONAL PARK

only these houses aren’t small at all. And you don’t need large, hairy feet to enjoy them.

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

Harry Potter captured the imagination of the world. There are multiple sites across the United Kingdom where you can get lost in the adventure that shaped a generation, but there

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