36 Years Helping Families Through Humane Divorces. Call 844-611-2729
After 36 years of practice, certain lessons are learned. One is that I simply enjoy this work. I like mediating with parents that can work together. It is fun to see them move from feeling overwhelmed to having a sense of control and hope for their futures. I also enjoy the contested cases as they allow me to find ways to deal with an often difficult opposing spouse. In both cases many clients return to normal life at the end of the case with a new understanding of themselves. I cannot take credit for this. It is their talent to make the best of a difficult situation that makes all the difference.
As an MSW social worker and a lawyer, I am interested in combining advocacy with insight to enhance my client’s capacity to deal with their ex-spouse and their children.
I am thankful for the steady stream of client referrals that have made my practice. Each one of them has taught me something about how to be a better lawyer.
On a personal level I have three sons who I raised after their mother passed away when they were very young. Raising children on one's own has taught me much about parenting. Now that they are in college I have time for gardening, biking and giving back to the community that has given so much to me.
Practice areas
I assist my clients with difficult decisions by answering their questions and providing them with information. This allows them to make the appropriate decisions specific to their needs and those they care for. If divorce or separation is chosen, I work with my clients to complete the divorce process in a professional and amicable manner. The majority of cases settle, but for some clients, litigation cannot be avoided and trial is necessary. I am a strong advocate on behalf of my clients.
40 years, 400 cases
As a parent and a therapist, I am most concerned about assisting parents to protect and defend the best interests of their children. Every child has different needs and every set of parents has individual issues. Since the challenge usually drives the outcome, the challenge is to anticipate those needs and align with them so both parent and child get the best result.
40 years, 300 cases
I have instructed and assisted with family mediation for 25 years. As author of the Mediation chapter for the "Washington State Bar Association Family Law Deskbook" for the past 20 years and as chapter author for "Family Mediation for the Alternative Dispute Resolution Deskbook". I endeavore to promote the best practices of family dispute mediation.
36 years, 200 cases
Spousal Support (Alimony) is changing. Need has to be carefully documented and capacity to pay carefully proven. Creativity and care are necessary to get a good result.
40 years, 150 cases
During my nearly 30 years of practice, I have worked with multiple generations of the same family on different matters and also assist in mediating within the family on business disputes, drafting wills and assisting families to deal with difficulties while minimizing litigation. I am especially interested in helping family members to better support one another during difficult events..
40 years, 60 cases
Support is part of many divorces
33 years, 400 cases
I've done pre- and post marital agreements for thirty years
33 years, 200 cases
I enjoy doing uncontested divorces
33 years, 200 cases
I often do wills for clients
33 years, 100 cases
Domestic violence is a factor in many divorces. It is important to be able to distinguish between actual and fictional abuse. Where it has occurred, it must be taken seriously. If it is fabricated, then that must be taken seriously.
33 years, 70 cases
Languages spoken
English
1001 4th Ave Ste 4400
Seattle, WA, 98154-1003
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 1982 | 05/07/2022 |
Legal answers | 23 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
BV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2014 |
President's Award | King County Bar Association | 1985 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Owner Attorney | John W. Kydd, P.S. | 2003 - 2011 |
Attorney of Counsel | Helsell Fetterman LLP | 1997 - 2003 |
Partner Attorney | Strong and Kydd | 1986 - 1997 |
Partner Attorney | Halverson and Strong | 1982 - 1986 |
Research Associate | Battelle Human Affairs Research Center | 1977 - 1978 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts | Board Member | 2012 - Present |
King County Bar Association | Member | 1984 - Present |
Washington State Bar Association | Member | 1982 - Present |
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts | President | 1996 - 1997 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Washington Lawyer Practice Manual | Chapter 12 - Alternatives to Litigation: Arbitration & Mediation (Part 2) | 2015 |
Washington Lawyer Practice Manual | Mediation of Family Law Matters | 2012 |
Washington State Bar Association Family Law Deskbook | Family Mediation | 2006 |
Washington Lawyer's Practice Manual | Mediation of Family Law Matters | 2006 |
Washington State Bar Association Family Law Deskbook | Family Mediation | 2000 |
Washington Lawyers Practice Manual | Mediation of Family Law Matters | 2000 |
Book | Divorce in Washington: A Humane Approach | 1986 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Seattle University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1981 |
University of Washington | Masters of Social Work | 1978 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
David A Chadwick Endowed Lectureship | Preventing Trauma to Children | 2001 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Smith v. Smith | Full settlement |
Posted by Nick
July 31, 2018
Posted by Douglas
October 10, 2014
Posted by anonymous
September 1, 2014
Posted by anonymous
December 31, 2013
Posted by anonymous
February 25, 2009
Posted by erika nagy
February 24, 2009
Posted by anonymous
September 30, 2008
Posted by Lorenzo
May 22, 2012
Paul Eagle, Family Attorney on Apr 16, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. John is very well respected in the Seattle family law legal community. He is a professional and always a pleasure to work with. He has many satisfied clients over many years of practice.
Christopher Fox, Family Attorney on Jul 28, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
John is a seasoned attorney who provides clients with a unique blend of strong, competent and compassionate representation. He possesses an impressive breadth of knowledge regarding the law and a myriad of other subjects.
Gregory Lawless, Family Attorney on Mar 16, 2015
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer, through a beautiful poem: There once was a lawyer named Kydd, Who excelled at all that he did. Fishing and law, good friend and good Pa He's really a dilly the Kydd. All kidding aside. John passionately represents the interests of his client, he is open to creative solutions to difficult problems, and likes to not just solve an immediate problem, but plan for the future. I respect John and give him my endorsement.
Douglas Soderland, Divorce and separation Attorney on Oct 10, 2014
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer. John was my lawyer. I was able see him work from the perspective of a client. I have also practiced in Seattle for coming up on 30 years. John is prompt, organized, and very knowledgeable.
Christopher Fox, Family Attorney on Jul 28, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
John is a seasoned attorney who provides clients with a unique blend of strong, competent and compassionate representation. He possesses an impressive breadth of knowledge regarding the law and a myriad of other subjects.
William Murphy, Family Attorney on Mar 27, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
John is a very intelligent and thoughtful advocate. He is a credit to the profession.
Paul Eagle, Family Attorney on Apr 16, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. John is very well respected in the Seattle family law legal community. He is a professional and always a pleasure to work with. He has many satisfied clients over many years of practice.
Norma Ureña, Family Attorney on Mar 6, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Cash, Check, Credit Card