Law Office of Teena Johnson Law Office of Teena Johnson 2026-05-27T21:14:44Z https://www.teenajohnson.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1404802/2025/08/cropped-favicon-teena-johnson-x-1-32x32.jpg by Law Office of Teena Johnson <![CDATA[Dealing with emotions during divorce]]> https://www.teenajohnson.com/?p=47102 2025-02-12T23:16:44Z 2025-02-12T23:13:10Z During a divorce, many of my clients have numerous emotions that arise, and it can often be challenging for them to sort out what is going on emotionally. Many spouses experience feelings of overwhelm, hurt, and anger. For some, divorce is a time of hope and acceptance. For others, it may be a confusing and heartbreaking time. It is important to remember that these reactions, and sometimes intense feelings, are normal and to be expected at such a time of loss and change. It is normal to have some feelings of grief over the ending of a marriage. Whatever may have brought spouses to the point of divorce, at one time, there were likely more positive feelings toward the other spouse. For many, letting go of the relationship may feel like a significant loss. It can be helpful to lean on close friends or engage the emotional support of a therapist at this time.  Basic self-care is essential – try to eat well, prioritize sleep, and make time for some physical activity. It helps to be patient with yourself, and to remember that these emotions are usually only temporary. If you are experiencing challenging emotions, share your thoughts with your divorce attorney, so that they will be better able to assist you.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Teena Johnson <![CDATA[Is collaborative divorce right for marriages affected by addiction?]]> https://www.teenajohnson.com/?p=47091 2024-06-14T19:57:09Z 2024-06-01T04:47:43Z Collaborative divorce is more amicable The stress of an acrimonious divorce could potentially worsen an already debilitating substance abuse disorder. Someone struggling to control their use of alcohol or drugs may find it even more difficult to regulate their behavior during the emotional turmoil of divorce. Collaborative divorce does not eliminate the stressors that arise during divorce, but it can reduce the conflict between the spouses. Less conflict means less stress, and potentially fewer triggers for someone to over-consume their substance of choice.

Collaborative divorce is private

It may be necessary to discuss someone's substance abuse matters during divorce negotiations to ensure that custody arrangements properly protect children and to account for possibly wasteful spending on drugs or alcohol during property division proceedings. During a collaborative divorce, meetings are conducted outside of court and people can better preserve their privacy. Only the final proposals submitted to the court for approval become part of the public record. The custody arrangements and property division settlements spouses negotiate do not necessarily need to include any details about substance abuse challenges. Suggesting a collaborative divorce can be a way to reduce the challenges of ending a marriage when a spouse has an issue with substance abuse. Collaborative divorce can help both spouses navigate the stress of divorcing when one or both has an addiction issue, and provide a more private, amicable result.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Teena Johnson <![CDATA[3 concerns to keep in mind during property division]]> https://www.teenajohnson.com/?p=47089 2025-08-23T00:15:33Z 2024-05-09T16:48:10Z Set a realistic budget Setting a budget after divorce is one of the most important financial steps a person should take when a marriage is ending. The budget should be based solely on the person’s income. Even if child support or spousal support are part of the divorce, it may be a good idea to leave that out of the budget. Once the budget is set, the person can determine what assets they can actually afford. While this might be a challenging realization, it’s one that’s critical to make.

Debts must be included in the division

Debts must be divided along with the assets. In some cases, people who are going through a divorce will liquidate some assets to pay off debts. This gives both parties a fresh financial start after the marriage legally ends. When assets can’t be liquidated to pay off debts, the debts will be divided. Creditors don’t have to abide by the the property division order, so this means that they can still hold both parties liable for joint debts. This means it’s often best to try to have all debts transferred to individual accounts so the other person won’t be held responsible for those debts if they aren’t paid properly.

Small assets can balance out the division

Many people are so worried about what will happen to the bigger assets that they forget about how important the smaller ones are. These small assets may be very valuable because they’re often less costly to maintain and a bit easier to liquidate if necessary. The property division process is one that’s often complex. Working with a legal representative who can assist with determining how to best safeguard an individual’s best interests – even when the going gets tough – is generally wise.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Teena Johnson <![CDATA[Parents shouldn’t ever use their children as messengers]]> https://www.teenajohnson.com/?p=47087 2025-08-23T00:15:21Z 2024-04-10T16:57:38Z using children as messengers can harm children may encourage parents to find suitable alternatives.

The impact on children's emotional well-being

Using children as messengers can place an undue emotional burden on them. It can make children feel responsible for the success of communication between their parents, leading to unnecessary stress and anxiety. When children have to relay messages, especially if the content is sensitive or contentious, they may worry about the reaction of the receiving parent. They may also fear causing upset or feel caught in the middle of parental conflicts.

Risk of miscommunication

Relaying messages through children increases the risk of miscommunication. Children may not remember the message accurately, might misunderstand the information or could unintentionally alter the message based on their own interpretations or feelings. This can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, and even conflicts between parents over miscommunicated details.

Possibility of parental alienation

Using children to communicate between divorced parents can contribute to or exacerbate parental alienation. Exposure to negative or disparaging remarks about the other parent can influence their perceptions and feelings towards that parent. Over time, this can damage the parent-child relationship, leading to estrangement and emotional distress. Children shouldn’t be put in a position where they might feel compelled to take sides or navigate adult conflicts.

Pursuing healthy co-parenting

Effective co-parenting after a divorce requires direct and clear communication between parents. Having communication terms built into a parenting plan may help parents to remain on track. It’s a good idea to have information about how decisions will be made so there’s no question about what should happen. Legal assistance may be beneficial to get everything in order related to one’s parenting arrangement.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Teena Johnson <![CDATA[Signs that your marriage may be ending]]> https://www.teenajohnson.com/?p=47085 2024-02-26T05:31:50Z 2024-03-01T05:31:29Z end of the relationship is nearing. Addressing these issues requires courage, honesty, and acceptance that the path ahead may diverge from what was once a shared journey.

No more arguments

A sudden absence of arguments in your marriage might sound like a positive development, but it can signal a concerning problem. When couples stop arguing, it often means they've stopped communicating about issues that matter. This silence can indicate a lack of interest in finding common ground or working through problems, suggesting that the emotional investment in the relationship has significantly dwindled.

Fantasizing about life without your spouse

Daydreaming about life without your partner is a sign that you're seeking an escape from the current reality of your marriage. These fantasies can be a coping mechanism for dealing with unhappiness or dissatisfaction within the relationship. When thoughts of being without your spouse become a refuge, it indicates that the emotional connection that once held the marriage together is weakening.

Participating in more hobbies alone

While individual interests are healthy for any relationship, a marked increase in solo activities can be a red flag. This shift might indicate that partners find more joy and fulfillment outside their marriage than within it. When your shared activities and hobbies start to dwindle, it can lead to a significant emotional gap between partners, making it harder to maintain a close bond.

Lack of intimacy

Intimacy is about more than just physical closeness. It's a vital component of emotional connection in a marriage. A decline in intimacy can manifest as fewer conversations, less physical touch and distance between partners. This erosion of closeness can be one of the most painful signs that a marriage is ending, signaling a loss of companionship. If you notice these signs, it’s time to take action. If you want to save your marriage, you’ll need to seek support. And if you want to protect your interests in the event of divorce, you’ll need to seek support as well. Either way, it’s important to make informed decisions as you move forward, given how much is at stake.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Teena Johnson <![CDATA[3 ways to protect a business during a Washington divorce]]> https://www.teenajohnson.com/?p=47080 2024-01-31T22:57:19Z 2024-02-01T08:07:27Z Consider whether the business is separate property There are several ways in which a business owner may maintain that the company is their separate property. If they inherited the business, they could potentially claim that it was and remains their separate property. A business might also be separate property if someone had already created the company prior to marriage. Finally, those who signed a prenuptial agreement may have specifically designated the business as their separate property to protect it from division in a divorce.

Negotiate a postnuptial agreement

Those considering divorce may still hope to preserve their marriages. The negotiation of a postnuptial agreement can play a major role in saving a struggling marriage. Each spouse can potentially clarify their expectations for the other and the future of the relationship. The spouses also have an opportunity to preserve certain assets as separate property and discuss what could happen to marital resources should they later divorce.

Conduct a business valuation

Sometimes, the business is part of the marital estate to be divided because someone started it during the marriage, possibly with their spouse, and used marital resources to improve the company. It may even be that both spouses have worked in the business. Someone hoping to retain sole ownership of the business in a divorce could offer to compensate their spouse for a portion of the company's value in their divorce proceedings. Performing an accurate and thorough business valuation is often a key component of buying out a spouse to preserve the business after the divorce. Otherwise, the divorce process could put the company at risk of sale or dissolution. Business owners facing a divorce should speak with their attorneys about concerns they may have for the business and about how the law in Washington will address the business in the divorce.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Teena Johnson <![CDATA[Common financial considerations during gray divorce]]> https://www.teenajohnson.com/?p=47075 2023-12-28T23:42:39Z 2024-01-02T02:03:51Z Division of assets and debts In a gray divorce, the process of dividing assets and debts is typically more complex due to the longer duration of the marriage. Couples often have accumulated significant marital assets that have to be addressed. They also need to divide all marital debts. Understanding the value of retirement funds and pensions is crucial and often requires a professional assessment. These accounts might be the most significant assets to be divided. Decisions regarding them can significantly impact future financial stability. Decisions about the family home or other real estate investments must be made as well. It's not just about the market value but also considering the upkeep, taxes and whether it's practical to keep them post-divorce.

Solutions that might work moving forward

As older adults go through a divorce, they must recalibrate their financial planning to adapt to their new circumstances. Some strategies and solutions include:
  • Financial planning: Working with a financial planner may be useful to help restructure finances for post-divorce life. Focusing on retirement planning, and managing living expenses, helps each spouse prepare for the changed future.
  • Alimony or spousal support: Depending on the duration of the marriage and the income disparity, spousal support may be a significant factor. Understanding the implications of receiving or paying spousal support is essential, especially in regard to tax obligations and retirement planning.
  • Health insurance: Health insurance becomes a critical issue if one spouse depends on the other’s plan. Exploring options for health coverage post-divorce is essential.
  • Estate planning: After the divorce, it’s crucial to update wills, powers of attorney and beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement accounts and other financial instruments to reflect the new circumstances.
Gray divorce is challenging, but it’s not impossible. Looking at the practical and logical side of matters, in addition to addressing the emotional aspects, is critical because acting on emotion alone might lead to less-than-ideal decisions. Collaborative law attorneys are experienced with helping older adults navigate these unique financial issues and working with them can make the situation less stressful.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Teena Johnson <![CDATA[Could your collaborative divorce benefit from a child specialist?]]> https://www.teenajohnson.com/?p=47071 2023-11-27T19:34:16Z 2023-11-28T05:59:42Z What kind of outside guidance can benefit your divorce process? With this type of divorce, couples often prefer to share neutral financial and other professional advisors who work for both of them – for example, when they’re determining the value of their property, working on budgets for support issues, evaluating how assets and debts will be divided, and working out parenting plans. Some even have their own divorce coaches. One professional that parents of minor children often rely on together is a collaborative divorce child specialist. These are typically mental health professionals trained to work with parents who want to create a parenting plan and other agreements that are in their children’s best interests.

What does a child specialist do?

A child specialist will spend time with the parents, and with the child or children, and determine what their biggest concerns, fears and wishes are. Since kids are often more comfortable opening up to someone outside the family who wants to know what’s on their mind, they may be willing to tell them things that they don’t want to bother their parents with – or that no one has thought to ask them. This kind of support can allow parents to better help their child through this time. It can also help them develop a parenting plan that works best for their child. For example, maybe their child is most concerned that their favorite grandmother will no longer be their primary babysitter. That may be something that can be worked into the parenting plan. The parties you bring into your collaborative divorce are up to you, and your collaborative attorneys will help with determining what additional collaborative professionals would be beneficial.  It’s important, however, that all of these advisors, just like your legal representatives, are collaboratively-trained and experienced in the collaborative divorce process so that they can provide the kind of help you need.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Teena Johnson <![CDATA[Tips for navigating child custody issues]]> https://www.teenajohnson.com/?p=47066 2025-06-05T15:38:15Z 2023-10-26T04:31:22Z Think about what is best for the children Washington family courts use a standard considering the child's best interests when making decisions about what orders should be put in place regarding the children, and it is a good idea for parents to keep this in mind as well. Generally speaking, parents should seek to cooperate, to keep things stable for their children and to shield them from intense interpersonal conflicts whenever possible. With their lawyers, and sometimes other professionals, parents can work together to create parenting plans and child support orders which will address the needs of the children. Even in situations where parents are not initially in agreement on parenting issues, there is often the ability to create lasting, cooperative parenting orders which will work best for all.

Commit to communicating productively

When emotions are high, it can sometimes be difficult for parents to communicate effectively and respectfully. With the help of experienced family law attorneys, and other collaborative professionals, parents can work together to learn better ways of communicating about the children and can decide what type of communication will work best for them as they navigate transitioning to a co-parenting model. For some parents, emails or text messaging may be best, while some parents use a parenting app or shared online calendar.

Keep the children out of the conflict

As a final note, one of the best things that parents can do when disagreeing with each other about custody matters is to keep the children insulated from the conflict. Parents can work together in collaborative law, with their experienced family law attorneys and other professionals, to keep the tension of the divorce from impacting the children.    ]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Teena Johnson <![CDATA[How do couples planning a gray divorce tell their adult children?]]> https://www.teenajohnson.com/?p=47062 2023-09-22T21:35:17Z 2023-09-22T16:55:53Z Older children will probably take sides The general advice most mental health experts give parents during divorce is to not put the children in the middle of the conflict. When children do not feel like they have to take a side, it will be easier for them to maintain a healthy relationship with both of their parents post-divorce. Adult children will likely take a side once they hear about the divorce. Once someone's kids have grown up and started their own families, they will generally have strong opinions about family responsibilities. They might therefore blame the parent who filed for divorce or someone who cheated for the dissolution of the family unit. Unlike young adults, who will have to abide by a court custody order that requires that they spend time with both parents, adult children can choose to cut off one parent and cease communicating with them. They might rescind their invitation to family holiday gatherings and birthday parties for grandchildren. Those preparing for a gray divorce may want to consider having a sit-down conversation with the entire family present. Having a counselor mediate the discussion could be a viable option if parents anticipate their adult children having a particularly strong reaction to the terms of the divorce. There is no guarantee concerning how the children will react, so parents need to prepare for the possibility that it may take some time to rebuild a relationship with their children and grandchildren following a gray divorce. Recognizing and preparing for the unique challenges of divorce later in life can help people pursue their optimal happiness in their golden years without sacrificing their most important relationships and standard of living in the process.]]>