Born in Portland when her family was back for “home leave” from diplomatic duties, Kimberly spent many of her formative years overseas, and has lived on six of the world’s seven continents. With an innate sense of curiosity and desire to ask the deeper questions, Kimberly showed signs from a young age of having the makings for a great attorney. After receiving her J.D from Willamette University College of Law in 1998, she had originally planned to open an immigration law practice. However, once realizing that family law allowed her the opportunity to better the lives of her clients in a meaningful way, Kimberly changed her course, and dedicated her career to taking on every family law case that came her way. She has years of experience and extensive family law experience.
When asked about the most rewarding aspect of being a family law attorney, Kimberly cites the many opportunities for creativity. Whether it’s crafting a parenting plan or dividing assets and debts, she understands that most cases have unique issues that cannot be met by “cookie cutter” forms or plans. Rather, she enjoys finding creative ways to meet the unique needs of each of her clients by utilizing a rounded understanding of not only family law, but of tax law, real estate law, antique valuations, business law, immigration law, financial planning, estate planning, psychology, and health.
Kimberly is also highly motivated by helping families navigate the transition of a changing family dynamic, so that they’re prepared for their next steps ahead. According to Kimberly, “My job is to help clients see that while the family configuration will change— they will no longer all live together, the children will have two homes, or they may not have all of the money that was in their investment account— there are still relationships that need to be helped along into the next reiteration. It’s challenging, sometimes fun, sometimes draining, but never boring.”
Despite having experienced the beauty of many countries and continents, Kimberly feels confident that there is no place in the world more beautiful than Oregon, which is where she and her wife of 32 years, Gail, have put down roots. As avid rock and gem collectors, Kimberly and Gail have traveled not only the country, but the world, hunting for fossils, petrified wood, sapphires, black opals, and other rare gemstones and rocks. When not practicing family law, Kimberly also enjoys listening to audiobooks, swimming, and watching college football, college softball, and professional soccer. A member of MCC Portland, a faith community rooted in the Christian tradition with an outreach to the LGBTQI++ community, Kimberly has spoken at many rallies on the issues of faith and immigration, as well as faith and LGBTQI++. When asked about something that immediately brightens her day, Kimberly references moments of kindness: “I truly feel like I see the face of the Creator whenever I witness people interacting with compassion and being kind to one another.”
If you would like to get in touch with Kimberly to talk through how she can help you with your family law case, call our office today at (503) 227-0200.