Joanne M. Kibodeaux, Attorney

I have resided in Idaho since graduating from law school in 1988.  Since the beginning of my law career, I have worked in the areas of family law and Social Security disability.  Through the years, my goal has been to work one-on-one with clients to assist them in achieving a sense of stability in their lives. 

My motivation for doing this work stems from my personal history.  Having been born in 1961 and raised in the city of Detroit, Michigan, I have humble beginnings.  My father died unexpectedly when I was a small child.  My mother suddenly found herself a widow with the sole responsibility of raising her young family.  Being a child of the Great Depression, my mother had no education beyond that of high school.  She supported her young family with Social Security Survivor's Benefits and part-time work as a secretary, all the while attending college.  She went on to have a career as a school teacher and eventually retired.  She taught me the value of an education, hard work, and to never to forget where I came from. 

I understand from a child's perspective how difficult it is to be part of a family that struggles with financial issues.  As an adult, I know first-hand what it is to go through the divorce process.  In that instance, my profession as a lawyer did not give me any immunity from the emotional ups and downs every litigant encounters when engaging with the legal system.  This is why I am so pleased that I have added Collaborative Law to my areas of practice.  I see Collaborative Law as a way to promote the healing that all families deserve.  I enjoy this work as I value my contribution in providing children with significant access to both their parents and justly dividing the assets & debts that people have acquired through their hard work.  It is a holistic approach to family law and results in a meaningful restructuring of the family.

When I am not practicing law, I enjoy my family consisting of my husband, 2 children, 2 step-children, 2 grand-children and my red setter named Gus.  My hobbies keep me busy -- bike riding, reading, needle arts (cross-stitch, quilting, & knitting) and traveling.