Collaborative Law

A Collaborative Divorce is Ideal

Karen C. Koehmstedt is trained in collaborative divorce. Collaborative divorce is a process by which the parties control the dissolution of their marriage privately – with special considerations for the needs of their children and each other. The parties of a collaborative divorce commit at the outset to resolving issues through a series of meetings. At the meetings, the attorneys help the parties obtain the necessary information and apply it to their situation. The parties remain focused on making good parenting plans and informed decisions about property and/or debt division.

Collaborative divorce saves heartache, emotional stress, and money.

Guardianship — Layer With Plaque and Lump Shade in Kennewick, WA

DUI — Statue of Justice and Lawyer Working on a Laptop in Kennewick, WA

Last Will and Testament with Gravel — Kennewick, WA — Karen C. Koehmstedt, Attorney At Law, P.S.

Parents And Children — Kennewick, WA — Karen C. Koehmstedt, Attorney At Law, P.S.

A Compassionate alternative

Collaborative divorce leaves the parties empowered by the future, not devastated by the prospect of it. It seeks to keep parent/child relationships intact for the benefit of future graduations, weddings, grandchildren, and other celebratory events. When preserving, a marriage is not possible, collaborative divorce is a more compassionate alternative than traditional litigation. In our jurisdiction, there are at least four mandatory court hearings the parties must attend in order to obtain a divorce. There are several other optional court hearings where the parties probably should attend court. In collaborative divorce the parties should not have to go to court at all.

Career Experience

Private Practice - Kennewick, WA

1990 - Present

Emphasizing custody, collaborative divorce, criminal defense, mediation, arbitration, and personal injury. Ms. Koehmstedt has been appointed as Guardian ad Litem in Domestic relations and RCW 11.88 actions. Regularly practicing in District, Municipal, Superior Courts. Negotiated and tried hundreds of cases in an effective; professional manner.

Juvenile Court Defense Panel Attorney 1990 - 1996

Defense of juvenile offenders, litigation of child dependencies, termination of parental rights, involuntary commitment proceedings, youth at risk petitions and material witness representation. Represented over 2,400 individuals while providing high-level legal representation. Developed working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Benton - County,WA

1987 - 1990

Judicial Experience:

Ms. Koehmstedt has experience as a pro tem judge and is currently contracted as a Hearings Officer by the City of Pasco where she regularly presides over impound hearings and Dangerous Dog appeals.