Joel J Kent

Joel J Kent

4.7
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 29 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Bend, OR
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Marriage & Prenuptials ... +2 more

158 NE Greenwood Ave, Bend, OR

About Joel

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 29 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1996

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Oregon for 29 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 1996

Active

No misconduct found

Location

SKH Family Law & Estate Planning

158 NE Greenwood Ave, Bend, OR, 97701

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Joel J Kent's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (15) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 15 reviews

Posted by anonymous | December 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Reputation for a Reason

I’d heard of Joel Kent for years. He has a reputation for being the best in town. I’d even heard (not sure if it’s true) of people retaining him just in case they ended up getting divorced, partially because they didn’t want to have Joel hired against them. After an extremely exhausting and contentio...us separation lasting over a year, with minimal progress toward divorce, I hired Joel. Right away he asked what my priorities were and how he could help, then quickly and efficiently executed the plan. He let me know I had two options: one, trust him and let him guide me through the process, or two, I could tell him how I’d like to proceed, as he was working for me. I went with option one, knowing he had my best interest in mind. Joel is very intelligent and experienced. I was regularly impressed with the professionalism from his firm. Everyone down to the receptionist and his assistants were highly responsive and knowledgeable. I’m grateful for all of them and happy to be able to move forward. Highly recommend.

Posted by Andee | September 22, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

I truly felt like I was represented by the best possible divorce attorney in the area

Joel and Kyle helped me through a long and messy divorce. I never questioned their advice as it was obvious there were years of experience there. Joel would think outside the box to get me results. He also made it clear he cared about my pocketbook and would suggest to let his co-worker( at a lower r...ate) help me with the easier tasks. They are busy lawyers but I always felt like I was a priority and the communication was impecible. I would highly recommend Joel and his team. In fact, I wouldn't even consider going elsewhere. You don't want your soon to be EX to hire him!

Posted by anonymous | October 27, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Client

I'm not sure what I would have done without Joel and his supportive staff. Divorce is hard, but from an extremely contentious, disordered person, it is scary, revealing and traumatizing during a time when one needs to think clearly. Joel is obviously familiar with reading the disordered and thankfull...y would not be drawn into nor drained from the drama (as I was), but rather prevailed with the facts. I was super impressed with his extensive, comprehensive knowledge and experience in understanding financials, accounting, tracking money and understanding small business strategies and valuations. This is NOT an area I am at all well versed and so appreciated his knowledge as it was over my head. Though it was a long and arduous process, it was clear that he had tried and true strategies in place from so much past and variable experience that it gave me confidence. He also kept me apprised as to what was realistic and what was not realistic in relation to family law within the confines of this particular state's laws. He also accurately represented the voices of my children in what they wanted for an outcome regarding parenting time and custody. It was a difficult angle for the law in this state, but he made their voices legally heard and respected by the courts. He has a support staff that complements his skills and supports his work well. I observed them learning and benefiting from his experience and vice versa. They are a great team. I would highly recommend Joel and his staff for a positive outcome. I can't imagine anyone being more familiar, experienced and understanding of the (family/divorce) law in this state. My children and I will be forever grateful he was on our side of the table. Thank you. P.S. And, he looks just like Mitchell Pritchard on the sitcom Modern Family! (but is a much better attorney than Mitchell). :-)

Posted by anonymous | August 24, 2015 | Hired Attorney

Divorce

Joel's firm came highly recommended from numerous friends and business acquaintances. I knew right away during the consultation I was going to be in good hands. Joel was my lead attorney and handled my case with the utmost importance, knowledge and efficiency. I was so thankful to be able to call ...him anytime 24/7. In my case, there was a lot of strategies involved and I needed a numbers guy. Joel was genuinely concerned about the outcome and my welfare one hundred percent. Joel's firm handles everything! His assistant attorney Beau was at my beck and call literally, I called him more than my own Mother. The entire staff was also very efficient and considerate. I told everyone, I am going to be well taken care of, I just hired the "Dream Team". I am happy to say Joel and his staff lived up to their nick name. I am very satisfied with the final result.

Posted by anonymous | April 17, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

I would highly recommend Joel Kent.

Joel Kent and his professional team stepped in and helped me at a very critical and life-changing time in my life: my divorce. It was a very private, challenging and scary time in my life that I literally did not have a single idea how to navigate. As a mother with four children leaving a compromisin...g situation, as well as owning a large business and many personal assets, I was terrified at to what would be best for my children and I. Not only did Joel handle my children, our situation and I with the utmost respect, he also guided me professionally with calm, intellect, around the clock support and confidence. These were all extrememely important needs for me. He became a true confidant. Our case ended with incredible success, in a timely manner and with continued support. I have and will continue to recommend him to anyone seeking professional, legal advice. Moving forward, I continue to enjoy a professional relationship with Joel and his team for the new ventures in my life regarding businesses advice, business purchases, pre-nup agreements, and many other important questions and needs that arise. Joel Kent is an upstanding, hardworking, intelligent and valuable attorney; he goes above and beyond.

See All Client Reviews

Joel J Kent's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joel
David William Haskett headshot
David Haskett

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I previously worked for Joel for nearly two years and gained invaluable insight into how to zealously advocate on behalf of clients from observing him. Since leaving his firm, I have worked with and against Joel on cases and continue to be impressed by his prowess as an advocate and a professional. I would highly recommend Joel for any and all family law matters."

Thomas A Hill headshot
Thomas Hill

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Phillip Donnelly Jones headshot
Phillip Jones

Family lawyer | Oct 18

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Frederick N Schroeder headshot
Frederick Schroeder

Family lawyer | Nov 05

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jennifer Bennett Sackett headshot
Jennifer Sackett

Family lawyer | Nov 03

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michelle L Prosser headshot
Michelle Prosser

Unknown lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kevin J McCarty headshot
Kevin McCarty

Family lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Joel is always very professional, and is a fine advocate for his clients."

Nathan Gabriel Steele headshot
Nathan Steele

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"In the area of family law and child custody/support related issues, I believe that Joel Kent is one of Oregon's finest attorneys. He is experienced, intelligent, and tenacious with respect to his representation of his clients."

View All Endorsements
Robert Kellogg headshot
Robert Kellogg

Family lawyer

Kevin J McCarty headshot
Kevin McCarty

Family lawyer

Nathan Gabriel Steele headshot
Nathan Steele

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Top 50 Oregon Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2019

10 Best Attorneys, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2017

Best Lawyers Pacific Northwest, Best Lawyers

2016

2016 'Top 50' Oregon Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2009

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2008

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2007

Accomplished Under 40, Cascade Business News

2007

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2007

Boss of the Year, Central Oregon Legal Professionals

2006

Boss of the Year, Central Oregon Legal Professionals

2006

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2024 - Present

Managing Partner, SKH Family Law & Estate Planning

1994 - 2024

Managing Partner, Stahancyk, Kent & Hook P.C.

Associations

2021 - Present

Central Oregon Volleyball Club

Head Coach

2016 - Present

Columbia Empire Volleyball

Board Member

2007 - Present

Deschutes County Family Law Advisory Committee

Member

1999 - Present

Inns of Court

Member

1998 - Present

Central Oregon Matrimonial Attorneys

Member

1998 - Present

Deschutes County Bar Association

Member

Oregon State Bar, Family Law Section

Member

1998 - 2021

Rimrock Volleyball

Head Coach

Sample of Legal Cases

In re: Marriage of Colton

Positive result

Slater v. Slater

Appellate case set new legal precedent for valuations.

Gaber v. Gaber

See More Legal Cases

Education

1996

Seattle University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1991

University of Puget Sound

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Advocacy and Its Playgrounds: Father Involvement, Overnights, and Parenting Post-Divorce Parenting Time Litigation Central Oregon

2015

Representation of Children in High Conflict Cases

Representing Children

2014

Kiwanis

Economic Impact Rimrock

2014

American Inns of Court

Business Valuations

2012

Bend Rotary

Divorce

Publications

2013

The Stahancyk Insider Alternatives to Trial

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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