Top best Family Lawyers in ZIP 66223 | 2 available

I love to be outside all of the time!  I relax by playing tennis, gardening and taking "road trips" as a family.  My christian faith has blessed me to be able to serve others and be blessed while doing it -whether it's in my church or community.

I am married to an Economist a KU,  Professor John Keating.  As he is divorced, we live in a blended family too! I enjoy analyzing financials implications of divorce and strive for a financial detente; I like win-wins where possible and keeping attorneys fees low is usually part of that formula. My previous husband passed away ten years ago of cancer when my children were beginning elementary school and Dan's older children (my older stepkids) were leaving the nest.  We have a very large family between my children and stepkids.. I personally see the pain of intentionally interrupted parental contact in a blended family and see children's reaction when parents aren't civil or one does not allow a child to participate in sports or extracurricular activities during the summer and school year.  It is difficult for children to see a parent refuse civil contact with a coparent and extended family, and of course, rude behavior sets a terrible example in front of children.  All children, whether they are the ones personally involved or the ones who see unusual behavior, ask lots of questions. Kids are so smart.. Surprisingly, this example of contentious litigation and continued denial of friendly coparenting helps me show people why friendly parenting is so much better--for parents, children and extended family.  It helps my practice because I strive to keep the families in the decision making, and focus on what is best for the children.  I know life is short and parenting time is even shorter.  Denying school aged children the right to communicate, speak, text or skpye  with another parent when they want to is tragic especially when the denial of contact goes weeks at a time. I detest parents intentionally harming children by keeping them from good coparents. In the vast majority of cases, it is best for kids to spend time with both parents. There are many other ways to make the future better for the kids and for the parents transitioning.  We keep the spiritual component and peace a big part of the process.   I have many international custody cases and have enjoyed clients from four continents and many countries.. My favorite charitable groups are those helping to fight cancer and find a cure for the terrible disease.  Our family also has supported the Solace House, a support group for widows/widowers/orphans, Boys and Girls Club, Catholic Charities, and Deanna Rose Farmstead.  We are big fans of Camellot Academy, a summer program for children's arts and theater at Rockhurst High School.. I am originally a farm girl from Nebraska and remain a Cornhusker Football Fan.